Hebrides

The Hebrides (Gaelic: Innse Gall) comprise a widespread and diverse archipelago off the west coast of Scotland, and in geological terms are composed of the oldest rocks in the British Isles. They can be divided into two main groups:

The Hebrides as a whole are sometimes referred to as the Western Isles, but this term is more accurately applied just to the Outer Hebrides, which were once known as The Long Island.

The Hebrides are probably the best-known group of Scottish islands, but other groups include the islands of the Firth of Clyde, Islands of the Forth and the Northern Isles. The islands in the Clyde, especially Arran, are sometimes mistakenly called Hebrides too.

The Hebrides lie in the Sea of the Hebrides; see map .

The Hebrides, also known as Fingal's Cave, is a famous overture written by Felix Mendelssohn while residing on these islands.

The majority of native Scottish Gaelic speakers live on, or come from, the Hebrides. Ironically, given the status of the Western Isles as the last Gàidhlig speaking stronghold in Scotland, the Gaelic language name for the islands - Innse Gall - means " Isles of foreigners " which has roots in the time when they were under Viking occupation. Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college is based on Skye and Islay. Especially on the Outer Hebrides, the language is still very viable.