Hebrides

Group of more than 500 islands (fewer than 100 inhabited) off the west coast of mainland Scotland; total area 2,900 sq km/1,120 sq mi. The Hebrides were settled by Scandinavians during the 6th–9th centuries and passed under Norwegian rule from about 890 to 1266.

The Inner Hebrides are divided between Highland and Argyll and Bute authorities, and include Raasay, Rum, Muck, Eigg, Scalpay, Skye (Highland) and Mull, Jura, Islay, Iona, Coll, Tiree, Colonsay, and uninhabited Staffa (Argyll and Bute). The Outer Hebrides form the islands area of the Western Isles authority, separated from the Inner Hebrides by the Little Minch. They include Harris/Lewis, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula, Barra, and St Kilda.