Hebrides

The Hebrides (/ˈhɛbrdz/; Scottish Gaelic: Innse Gall; Old Norse: Suðreyjar) comprise a widespread and diverse archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland. There are two main groups: the Inner and Outer Hebrides. These islands have a long history of occupation dating back to the Mesolithic, and the culture of the residents has been affected by the successive influences of Celtic, Norse, and English-speaking peoples. This diversity is reflected in the names given to the islands, which are derived from the languages that have been spoken there in historic and perhaps prehistoric times.

Various artists have been inspired by their Hebridean experiences. Today the economy of the islands is dependent on crofting, fishing, tourism, the oil industry, and renewable energy. The Hebrides lack biodiversity in comparison to mainland Britain, but seals are present around the coasts in internationally important numbers.

Geology, geography and climate

The Hebrides have a diverse geology ranging in age from Precambrian strata that are amongst the oldest rocks in Europe to Paleogene igneous intrusions.

Hebrides (disambiguation)

The Hebrides are an archipelago of islands off the western coast of Scotland. These islands include two main groups:

  • The Inner Hebrides
  • The Outer Hebrides
  • Hebrides or Hebridean may also refer to:

  • Hebridean (sheep), a breed of sheep
  • Hebrides Overture, a concert overture by Felix Mendelssohn
  • See also

  • New Hebrides, the colonial name of the nation of Vanuatu
  • Sea of the Hebrides, portion of the North Atlantic Ocean located off the coast of western Scotland
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    The 'invasive' hedgehogs that will be removed from a picturesque Scottish island in Outer Hebrides

    The Scotsman 09 Apr 2025
    The relocation of the small spiny animals is to protect the island’s ground-nesting birds ....
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