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Outer Hebrides

General Information about Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides which is also known by it's official Gaelic name of Na h-Eileanan Siar and the Western Isles by the Scottish parliament is the perfect getaway destination. The main town of Stornoway can be found on the island of Lewis which was originally a Viking settlement.

Stornoway features many historical buildings and a trip to the Lews Castle should not be missed which was built in the Victorian era. Many people on the Outer Hebrides are of Christian beliefs with many people being of Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and Episcopalian followings.

Access to the Outer Hebrides is easy with regular ferries connecting the islands from the Scottish Mainland. Without a doubt you are sure to have an amazing time exploring all of the islands of the Outer Hebrides.

Climate

Find Out About The Climate At The Outer Hebrides

The climates in the Hebrides often compared to the weather in Scotland which is not so. The summers are pleasant with average temperatures of 20 degrees and winters experiencing minimums well above freezing. Summers are rarely foggy with daylight lasting up until 9 pm in the midsummer. The Hebrides is ideal for water sports with average sea temperatures of 13 degrees in the summer months.

Geography

Geographical Information On The Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides is located approximately 40 miles west of Scotland and is made up of about 30 islands with only 15 of these being inhabited. The main islands are Barra, South Uist, Benbecular, North Uist, Harris and The Isle of Lewis which is the largest and main island with a population of over 16,800. The terrain on the Isle of Lewis is filled with moors and upland risings as high as 2600 feet as well as many sea lochs that penetrate deep into the island.

Festivals and Events

Discover What's Happening On The Outer Hebrides

The year is packed full of activities all throughout the year on the Outer Hebrides with many traditional Gaelic festivals as well as highland games. One of the highlights for the year is the international Hebridean Celtic Festival Celtic music festival. Held each July in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, the festival features local, solo and international artists.