Inner Hebrides

The Inner Hebrides

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is an archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland, to the south east of the Outer Hebrides. Together these two island chains form the Hebrides, which experience a mild oceanic climate.

The Inner Hebrides comprise 35 inhabited islands as well as 44 uninhabited islands with an area greater than 30 hectares (74 acres). The main commercial activities are tourism, crofting, fishing and whisky distilling.

In modern times the Inner Hebrides have formed part of two separate local government jurisdictions, one to the north and the other to the south. Together, the islands have an area of about 4,130 km².

There are various important prehistoric structures, many of which pre-date the first written references to the islands by Roman and Greek authors.

In the historic period the earliest known settlers were Picts to the north and Gaels in the southern kingdom of Dál Riada prior to the islands becoming part of the Suðreyjar kingdom of the Norse, who ruled for over 400 years until sovereignty was transferred to Scotland by the Treaty of Perth in 1266.

Control of the islands was then held by various clan chiefs, principally the MacLeans, MacLeods and MacDonalds.

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Highland Clearances

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The Highland Clearances of the 19th century had a devastating effect on many communities and it is only in recent years that population levels have ceased to decline.

Much of the land is now under local control and commercial activity is based on tourism, crofting, fishing, and weaving.

Religion, music and sport are important aspects of local culture, and there are numerous designated conservation areas to protect the natural environment.

Sea transport is crucial and a variety of ferry services operate between the islands and to mainland Scotland. Modern navigation systems now minimise the dangers but in the past the stormy seas have claimed many vessels.