View source for Inner Hebrides

{{Short description|Archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}

{{Infobox Scottish island
| GridReference= NM 53928 41384
| island group= [[Hebrides]]
| Image= File:Inner Hebrides.png
| ImageCaption= The Inner Hebrides of Scotland
| area sqmi= 1,594
| highest elevation= [[Sgùrr Alasdair]]
| local authority= [[Highland (council area)|Highland]]<br>[[Argyll and Bute]]
| Population= 18,948
| references=
}}

The '''Inner Hebrides''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|h|ɛ|b|r|ɪ|d|iː|z}} {{respell|HEB|rid|eez}}; {{langx|gd|na h-Eileanan a-staigh||the Inner Isles}}) 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 {{convert|74|acres|ha|order=flip|0}}. [[Skye]], [[Isle of Mull|Mull]], and [[Islay]] are the three largest, and also have the highest populations. The main commercial activities are tourism, [[crofting]], fishing and [[Scotch whisky|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 {{convert|1594|sqmi|km2|order=flip|abbr=on}}, and had a population of 18,948 in 2011.<ref name=GRO>{{GRO10}}</ref><ref name=NRS>{{NRS1C}}</ref> The population density is therefore about {{convert|4.6|PD/km2|PD/sqmi|abbr=off}}.

There are various important prehistoric structures, many of which pre-date the first written references to the islands by [[Classical antiquity|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 ''[[Kingdom of Mann and the Isles|Suðreyjar]]'' kingdom of the [[Norsemen|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 [[Scottish clan|clan]] chiefs, principally the [[Clan MacLean|MacLeans]], [[Clan MacLeod|MacLeods]] and [[Clan Donald|MacDonalds]]. 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.

Sea transport is crucial and a variety of ferry services operate to mainland Scotland and between the islands. The [[Scottish Gaelic|Gaelic language]] remains strong in some areas; the landscapes have inspired a variety of artists; and there is a diversity of wildlife.

[[File:Tiree, Balephuil Bay.jpg|thumb|Looking west to Balephuil Bay, [[Tiree]] across the [[Machair (geography)|machair]]]]
[[File:Kinloch Castle.jpg|thumb|[[Kinloch Castle]], [[Rùm]]]]

==Geography==
[[File:Tobermory, Isle of Mull.jpg|thumb|[[Tobermory, Mull|Tobermory]], the largest settlement on [[Isle of Mull|Mull]]]]
[[File:Sgurr alasdair.jpg|thumb|[[Sgurr Alasdair]], the highest peak in the Inner Hebrides]]

The islands form a disparate archipelago. The largest islands are, from south to north, [[Islay]], [[Jura, Scotland|Jura]], [[Isle of Mull|Mull]], [[Rùm]] and [[Skye]]. Skye is the largest and most populous of all with an area of {{convert|1656|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} and a population of just over 10,000.<ref name=NRS/><ref name=HSTabs>Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 502–5</ref><ref name=HS173>Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 173</ref>

The southern group are in [[Argyll]], an area roughly corresponding with the heartlands of the ancient kingdom of [[Dál Riata]] and incorporated into the modern [[Council areas of Scotland|unitary council area]] of [[Argyll and Bute]]. The northern islands were part of the [[Counties of Scotland|county]] of [[Inverness-shire]] and are now in the [[Highland (local government area)|Highland Council]] area.

===Physical===
{{main|List of Inner Hebrides}}
The ten largest islands are as follows.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:60%; border:0; text-align:left; line-height:150%;"
|-
! style="width:10%;"|Island
! style="width:10%;"|Gaelic name
! style="width:5%;"|Area ([[hectare|ha]])<ref name=area>Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 30, 79, 130, 148 and 182 except estimates from [[Ordnance Survey]] maps as indicated.</ref>
! style="width:5%;"|Population (2022)<ref>{{RESAS}}</ref>
! style="width:10%;"|Highest point<ref name=high>Haswell-Smith (2004) and [[Ordnance Survey]] maps.</ref>
! style="width:5%;"|Height (m)<ref name=OS>Ordnance Survey maps.</ref>
! style="width:10%;"|Gaelic Speakers (2011)<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/naidheachdan/24954480/|publisher=bbc.co.uk|title=Crìonadh mòr sa Ghàidhlig anns na h-Eileanan – Naidheachdan a' BhBC|access-date=15 April 2017|newspaper=Naidheachdan A' Bhbc|date=2013-11-15}}</ref>
|-
| [[Coll]]
| ''Colla''
| {{nts|7685}}
| {{nts|176}}
|Ben Hogh
| {{nts|104}}
|
|-
| [[Colonsay]]
| ''Colbhasa''
| {{nts|4074}}
| {{nts|117}}
|Carnan Eoin
| {{nts|143}}
| 20.2% (15)
|-
| [[Eigg]]
| ''Eige''
| {{nts|3049}}
| {{nts|95}}
| [[An Sgurr (Eigg)|An Sgurr]]
| {{nts|393}}
|
|-
| [[Islay]]
| {{sort|Ile|''Ìle''}}
| {{nts|61956}}
| {{nts|3180}}
| [[Beinn Bheigeir]]
| {{nts|491}}
| 19% (613)
|-
| [[Jura, Scotland|Jura]]
| ''Diùra''
| {{nts|36692}}
| {{nts|258}}
| [[Beinn an Òir]]
| {{nts|785}}
|
|-
| [[Lismore, Scotland|Lismore]]
| ''Lios Mor''
| {{nts|2351}}
| {{nts|190}}
| Barr Mòr
| {{nts|127}}
| 26.9% (50)
|-

|-
| [[Isle of Mull|Mull]]
| ''Muile''
| {{nts|87535}}
| {{nts|3063}}
| [[Ben More (Mull)|Ben More]]
| {{nts|966}}
|
|-
| [[Raasay]]
| ''Ratharsair''
| {{nts|6231}}
| {{nts|187}}
| Dùn Caan
| {{nts|444}}
| 30.4% (48)
|-
| [[Rùm]]
| ''Rùm''
| {{nts|10463}}
| {{nts|31}}
| [[Askival]]
| {{nts|812}}
|
|-
| [[Skye]]
| ''An t-Eilean Sgitheanach''<br />or ''Eilean a' Cheò''
| {{nts|165625}}
| {{nts|10496}}
| [[Sgurr Alasdair]]
| {{nts|993}}
| 29.4% (2,942)
|-
| [[Tiree]]
| ''Tiriodh''
| {{nts|7834}}
| {{nts|700}}
| Ben Hynish
| {{nts|141}}
| 38.3% (250)
|}

The geology and geomorphology of the islands is varied. Some, such as Skye and Mull, are mountainous, whilst others like [[Tiree]] are relatively low-lying. The highest mountains are the [[Cuillin]]s of Skye, although peaks over {{convert|300|m|ft}} are common elsewhere.<ref name=HSTabs/> Much of the coastline is [[Machair (geography)|machair]], a fertile low-lying dune pastureland.<ref>McKirdy et al. (2007) p. 224</ref> Many of the islands are swept by strong tides, and the [[Gulf of Corryvreckan|Corryvreckan tide race]] between [[Scarba]] and Jura is one of the largest whirlpools in the world.<ref>The Corryvreckan is regularly cited as the third largest whirlpool of the world – see for example [http://www.scottish-places.info/features/featurefirst10418.html "Corryvreckan Whirlpool "] ''Gazetteer for Scotland''. Retrieved 19 September 2009. Some sources suggest it is the second largest after the [[Moskstraumen]].</ref>

There are various smaller archipelagoes including the [[Ascrib Islands]], [[Crowlin Islands]], [[Slate Islands, Scotland|Slate Islands]], [[Small Isles]], [[Summer Isles]] and [[Treshnish Islands]].

The islands are shown to be important as a region of tidal mixing of coastal water.<ref>D. J. Ellett and A. Edwards, O''ceanography and inshore hydrography of the Inner Hebrides'', Cambridge University Press, 26 July 2012, [https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-royal-society-of-edinburgh-section-b-biological-sciences/article/abs/oceanography-and-inshore-hydrography-of-the-inner-hebrides/360FC2DD6A5D05F80A18C901BD9DF87F link].</ref>

===Human===
{{Historical populations
|type =
|footnote =<ref name=GRO/><ref name=NRS/>
|2001 | 18257
|2011 | 18948
}}
[[File:Laphroaig Distillery.jpg|thumb|[[Laphroaig]] distillery, [[Islay]]]]
The inhabited islands of the Inner Hebrides had a population of 18,257 at the 2001 census,<ref name=GRO/> and this grew to 18,948 in 2011.<ref name=NRS/> During the same period [[List of Scottish islands|Scottish island]] populations as a whole grew by 4% to 103,702.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-23711202 "Scotland's 2011 census: Island living on the rise"]. BBC News. Retrieved 18 August 2013.</ref>
There are a further 44 uninhabited Inner Hebrides with an area greater than {{convert|74|acre|ha|0|order=flip|abbr=on}}.{{refn|There are 43 such islands recorded at [[List of Inner Hebrides]] and in addition there is [[Lunga, Firth of Lorn|Lunga]], which had a population in 2001 but not in 2011.<ref name=NRS/>|group=Note}} Records for the last date of settlement for the smaller islands are incomplete, but most of them were inhabited at some point during the [[Neolithic]], [[Iron Age]], [[Early Middle Ages|Early Historic]] or [[Viking|Norse]] periods. In common with the other main island chains of Scotland, many of the smaller and more remote islands were abandoned during the 19th and 20th centuries, in some cases after continuous habitation since prehistoric times. These islands had been perceived as relatively self-sufficient agricultural economies,<ref>See for example Hunter (2000) pp. 152–158</ref> but a view developed among both islanders and outsiders that the more remote islands lacked the essential services of a modern industrial economy.<ref>See for example Maclean (1977) Chapter 10: "Arcady Despoiled" pp. 125–35</ref> However, the populations of the larger islands grew overall by more than 12% from 1981 to 2001.<ref name=GRO/>

The main commercial activities are tourism, [[croft (land)|crofting]], fishing and [[Scotch whisky|whisky distilling]] (centred on [[Islay whisky|Islay]] but also including [[Talisker distillery|Talisker]] in [[Skye]], [[Isle of Jura Single Malt]] and [[Tobermory (distillery)|Tobermory and Ledaig]] in [[Isle of Mull|Mull]]). Overall, the area is relatively reliant on primary industries and the public sector; there is a dependence on self-employment and micro-business, and most parts are defined by [[Highlands and Islands Enterprise]] as economically "Fragile Areas". However, the islands are well placed to exploit renewable energy, particularly onshore and offshore wind; and the [[Sleat]] peninsula of Skye is an example of a more economically robust area.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101012202520/http://www.hie.co.uk/highlands-and-islands/area-information/argyll-and-the-islands/economic-profile.html "Argyll and the Islands – economic profile"]. HIE. Retrieved 28 December 2010.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101013045330/http://www.hie.co.uk/highlands-and-islands/area-information/lochaber-skye-and-wester-ross/economic-profile.html "Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross – economic profile']. HIE. Retrieved 28 December 2010.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101217130006/http://hie.co.uk/support-for-communities/growing-fragile-communities/default.html "Growing fragile communities"]. HIE. Retrieved 28 December 2010.</ref> Some of the islands have [[development trust]]s that support the local economy.<ref>[http://www.dtascot.org.uk/content/directory-of-members "Directory of Members"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100719214140/http://www.dtascot.org.uk/content/directory-of-members |date=19 July 2010 }} DTA Scotland. Retrieved 15 July 2007.</ref>

===Climate===
The influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the [[North Atlantic Current]] creates a mild oceanic climate. Temperatures are generally cool, averaging 6.5&nbsp;°C (44&nbsp;°F) in January and 15.4&nbsp;°C (60&nbsp;°F) in July at Duntulm on the [[Trotternish]] peninsula of Skye.<ref name=Cooper/><ref>See also [http://www.carbostweather.co.uk/Staffin/staffinweather.htm "Weather Data for Staffin Isle of Skye"]. carbostweather.co.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2008.</ref> Snow seldom lies at sea level and frosts are fewer than on the mainland. Winds are a limiting factor for vegetation: a speed of 128&nbsp;km/h (80&nbsp;mph) has been recorded; south-westerlies are the most common. Rainfall is generally high at between {{convert|1300 and 2000|mm|in|0|abbr=off}} per annum, and the mountains and hills are wetter still.<ref name=WHM147>[[#Mur66|Murray (1966)]] p. 147.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101229172355/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/regmapavge.html "Regional mapped averages"]. [[Met Office]]. Retrieved 28 December 2010.</ref> Tiree is one of the sunniest places in the country and had 300 days of sunshine in 1975. Trotternish typically has 200 hours of bright sunshine in May, the sunniest month.<ref>Murray (1973) p. 79.</ref><ref>For Islay data see [http://www.islayinfo.com/weather.html "Islay weather and climate"] http://www.islayinfo.com. Retrieved 28 December 2010.</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Duntulm, Skye
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan high C = 6.5
|Feb high C = 6.6
|Mar high C = 8.1
|Apr high C = 9.6
|May high C = 12.4
|Jun high C = 14.3
|Jul high C = 15.4
|Aug high C = 15.7
|Sep high C = 14.2
|Oct high C = 11.5
|Nov high C = 9.1
|Dec high C = 7.6
|year high C = 10.9
|Jan low C = 2.4
|Feb low C = 2.2
|Mar low C = 3.3
|Apr low C = 4.3
|May low C = 6.5
|Jun low C = 8.7
|Jul low C = 10.4
|Aug low C = 10.7
|Sep low C = 9.4
|Oct low C = 7.2
|Nov low C = 5.1
|Dec low C = 3.6
|year low C = 6.2
|Jan precipitation inch = 5.84
|Feb precipitation inch = 3.93
|Mar precipitation inch = 3.24
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.40
|May precipitation inch = 2.87
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.35
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.83
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.41
|Sep precipitation inch = 5.05
|Oct precipitation inch = 6.00
|Nov precipitation inch = 5.63
|Dec precipitation inch = 5.58
|year precipitation inch = 53.13
|source 1 = <ref name=Cooper>Cooper (1983) pp. 33–5. Averages for rainfall are for 1916–50, temperature 1931–60.</ref>
|date=August 2010
}}

==Prehistory==
[[File:Dun Ringill.jpg|thumb|right|The ruins of [[Dun Ringill]], near [[Elgol]] on the island of [[Skye]]]]
The Hebrides were originally settled in the [[Mesolithic|Mesolithic era]] and have a diversity of [[prehistory|prehistoric]] sites. A flint arrowhead found in a field near [[Bridgend, Islay|Bridgend]], Islay has been dated to 10,800&nbsp;BCE. This find may indicate the presence of a summer hunting party rather than permanent settlement.<ref>Moffat (2005) p. 42</ref> Burnt [[Corylus avellana|hazelnut]] shells and microscopic [[charcoal]] found at Farm Fields, [[Kinloch, Rùm|Kinloch]] on Rùm indicate a settlement of some kind and this is amongst the oldest evidence of occupation in Scotland.<ref>Edwards, Kevin J. and Whittington, Graeme "Vegetation Change" in Edwards & Ralston (2003) p. 70</ref><ref>Occupation at this site is dated to 8590+/-95 uncorrected radiocarbon years [[Before Present|BP]]. Edwards, Kevin J., and Mithen, Steven (Feb. 1995) [https://www.jstor.org/pss/124921 "The Colonization of the Hebridean Islands of Western Scotland: Evidence from the Palynological and Archaeological Records,"] ''World Archaeology''. '''26'''. No. 3 p. 348. Retrieved 20 April 2008.</ref><ref>Finlayson, Bill and Edwards, Kevin J. "The Mesolithic" in Edwards & Ralston (2003) p. 115</ref>

Evidence of large-scale [[Mesolithic]] nut processing, [[radiocarbon dating|radiocarbon dated]] to circa 7000&nbsp;BCE, has been found in a [[midden]] pit at Staosnaig on Colonsay. The dig discovered the remains of hundreds of thousands of burned hazelnut shells<ref name="Nuts1">[https://web.archive.org/web/19990218071349/http://www.britarch.ac.uk/ba/ba5/ba5news.html "Mesolithic food industry on Colonsay"] (June 1995) ''British Archaeology''. No. 5. Retrieved 25 May 2008.</ref><ref name=Moff>Moffat (2005) pp. 91–2</ref> and gives an insight into communal activity and forward planning in the period. The nuts were harvested in a single year and [[pollen analysis]] suggests that the [[hazel]] trees were all cut down at the same time.<ref name=Moff/> The scale of the activity, unparalleled elsewhere in Scotland, and the lack of large game on the island, suggests the possibility that Colonsay contained a community with a largely vegetarian diet for the time they spent on the island.<ref name="Nuts1"/>

Three stone [[hearth]]s and traces of red [[ochre]] found on Jura and dated to 6000&nbsp;BCE are the earliest stone-built structures found so far in Scotland.<ref>Moffat (2005) pp. 90–91.</ref><ref>Mercer, John (1972) "Microlithic and Bronze Age camps, 75–26 ft OD, N Carn, Jura". ''Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland''.</ref> However, in general the [[Neolithic]] sites in the Inner Hebrides lack the scale and drama of those found in Orkney and the Western Isles.{{refn| See for example [[Cladh Hallan]] and the impressive ruins of the [[Callanish Stones]] and [[Skara Brae]].|group=Note}} There are numerous [[Iron Age]] sites including the remains of [[Dun Ringill]] fort on Skye, which are similar in layout to that of both a [[broch]] and a complex [[Atlantic roundhouse]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20120805152312/http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/pls/portal/newcanmore.details_gis?inumlink=11431 "Skye, Dun Ringill"] RCAHMS. Retrieved 22 June 2008.</ref>

==Etymology==
[[File:Blaeu.1654.submap.Ptolemy.Damnij.jpg|thumb|"Old Britain" as shown on [[Willem Blaeu|Blaeu's]] 1654 atlas of Scotland, based on [[Ptolemy]].]]
The earliest extant written reference to these islands appears in [[Pliny the Elder]]'s ''Natural History'', where he states that there are 30 "Hebudes". [[Ptolemy]], writing about 80 years later, around AD 140–150 and drawing on the earlier naval expedition of [[Gnaeus Julius Agricola|Agricola]], refers to the Ἐβοῦδαι ("Eboudai") ("Ebudes" or "Ebudae" in Latin translation) of which he writes that there were only five, thus possibly specifically meaning the Inner Hebrides.<ref name=Breeze>Breeze, David J. "The ancient geography of Scotland" in Ballin Smith and Banks (2002) pp. 11–13</ref><ref name=Watson>Watson (1926) pp. 40–41</ref> Pliny probably took his information from [[Pytheas]] of [[Massilia]] who visited Britain sometime between 322 and 285&nbsp;BCE. It is possible that Ptolemy did so also, as Agricola's information about the west coast of Scotland was of poor quality.<ref name=Breeze/><ref name=Watson/>

Watson (1926) states that the meaning of Ptolemy's "Eboudai" is unknown and that the root may be pre-Celtic.<ref>Watson (1926) p. 38</ref>{{refn| Murray (1966) claims that Ptolemy's "Ebudae" was originally derived from the [[Old Norse]] ''Havbredey'', meaning "isles on the edge of the sea".<ref>Murray (1966) p. 1</ref> The idea is often repeated, but no firm evidence of this derivation has emerged.|group=Note}} Other early written references include the flight of the [[Nemed]] people from Ireland to "Domon and to Erdomon in the north of Alba", which is mentioned in the 12th century ''[[Lebor Gabála Érenn]]''.<ref name=Watson/> Domon, meaning the "deep sea isle" refers to the Outer Hebrides and Erdomon, meaning "east of, on or near Domon" is thus the Inner Hebrides.<ref name=Watson/>

The individual island and place names in the Outer Hebrides have mixed Gaelic and Norse origins.<ref name =MacanT>Mac an Tàilleir (2003) various pages.</ref>

==History==

===Dál Riata===
{{main| Dál Riata}}
Although Ptolemy's map identifies various tribes such as the ''[[Creones]]'' that might conceivably have lived in the Inner Hebrides in the Roman era,<ref name=Breeze/>
the first written records of life begin in the 6th century CE when the founding of the kingdom of [[Dál Riata]] is recorded.<ref>Nieke, Margaret R. "Secular Society from the Iron Age to Dál Riata and the Kingdom of Scots" in Omand (2006) p. 60</ref> This encompassed roughly what is now [[Argyll and Bute]] and [[Lochaber]] in Scotland and [[County Antrim]] in Ireland.<ref name="OxfordCompanion1">Lynch (2007) pp. 161 162.</ref>
[[File:St Martins Cross on Iona.jpg|thumb|The eighth century St Martin's Cross on [[Iona]]]]
In [[Argyll]] it consisted initially of three main [[clan|kindreds]]: [[Loarn mac Eirc|Cenél Loairn]] in north and mid-Argyll, [[Cenél nÓengusa]] based on Islay and [[Cenél nGabráin]] based in [[Kintyre]]. By the end of the 7th century a fourth kindred, [[Cenél Comgaill]] had emerged, based in eastern Argyll.<ref name="OxfordCompanion1"/>

The figure of [[Columba]] looms large in any history of Dál Riata and his founding of a monastery on [[Iona]] ensured that Dál Riata would be of great importance in the spread of Christianity in northern Britain. However, Iona was far from unique. [[Lismore, Scotland|Lismore]] in the territory of the Cenél Loairn, was sufficiently important for the death of its abbots to be recorded with some frequency and many smaller sites, such as on Eigg, [[Hinba]] and Tiree, are known from the annals.<ref>Clancy, Thomas Owen "Church institutions: early medieval" in Lynch (2001).</ref> The kingdom's independent existence ended in the [[Viking Age]], and it eventually merged with the lands of the [[Picts]] to form the [[Kingdom of Alba]].

North of Dál Riata the Inner Hebrides were nominally under Pictish control although the historical record is sparse.{{refn|Hunter (2000) states that in relation to King [[Bridei I of the Picts]] in the sixth century: "As for Shetland, Orkney, Skye and the Western Isles, their inhabitants, most of whom appear to have been Pictish in culture and speech at this time, are likely to have regarded Bridei as a fairly distant presence."<ref>Hunter (2000) pp. 44, 49</ref>|group=Note}}

===Norse rule===
{{main|Kingdom of Mann and the Isles}}
[[File:KellsFol032vChristEnthroned.jpg|thumb|Folio 32v of the ''[[Book of Kells]]'' which may have been produced by the monks of [[Iona]] and taken to Ireland for safekeeping after repeated Viking raids of the [[Hebrides]].]]
According to Ó Corráin (1998) "when and how the Vikings conquered and occupied the Isles is unknown, perhaps unknowable"<ref>Ó Corráin (1998) p. 25</ref> although from 793 onwards repeated raids by Vikings on the British Isles are recorded. "All the islands of Britain" were devastated in 794<ref>Thomson (2008) p. 24-27</ref> with Iona being sacked in 802 and 806.<ref>Woolf (2007) p. 57</ref> In 870 [[Dumbarton Castle|Dumbarton]] was besieged by [[Amlaíb Conung]] and Ímar, "the two kings of the Northmen".<ref>Woolf (2007) p. 109</ref> It is therefore likely that Scandinavian hegemony was already significant on the western coasts of Scotland by then.<ref>Woolf (2007) p. 115</ref> In the 9th century the first references to the ''[[Norse-Gaels|Gallgáedil]]'' (i.e. "foreign Gaels") appear. This term was variously used in succeeding centuries to refer to individuals of mixed Scandinavian-Celtic descent and/or culture who became dominant in south-west Scotland, parts of [[Northern England]] and the isles.<ref>Woolf (2007) pp. 253, 296–97</ref>

The early 10th century are an obscure period so far as the Hebrides are concerned<ref name=G4-6/> but [[Amlaíb Cuarán|Aulaf mac Sitric]], who fought at the [[Battle of Brunanburh]] in 937 is recorded as a King of the Isles from c. 941 to 980.<ref name=G4-6>Gregory (1881) pp. 4–6</ref>

It is difficult to reconcile the records of the Irish annals with Norse sources such as the ''[[Orkneyinga Saga]]'' but it is likely that Norwegian and ''Gallgáedil'' [[Uí Ímair]] warlords fought for control for much of period from the 9th to the 12th centuries. In 990 [[Sigurd the Stout]], Earl of Orkney took command of the Hebrides,<ref>Hunter (2000) p. 84</ref> a position he retained for most of the period until he was killed at the [[Battle of Clontarf]] in 1014.<ref name=G4-6/><ref>Woolf (2007) p. 213</ref> There is then a period of uncertainty but it is possible that Sigurd's son [[Thorfinn the Mighty]] became ruler circa 1035 until his own death some two decades later.<ref name=G5>Gregory (1881) p. 5</ref>

By the late 12th century Irish influence became a significant feature of island life and [[Diarmait mac Maíl na mBó]], the [[High King of Ireland]] took possession of Mann and the Isles until 1072.<ref name=G5/><ref name=D101>Duffy (1992) pp. 100–01</ref> The records for the rulers of the Hebrides are obscured again until the arrival of [[Godred Crovan]] as King of Dublin and the Isles.<ref name=D108/> The ancestor of many of the succeeding rulers of Mann and the Isles, he was eventually ousted by [[Muirchertach Ua Briain]] and fled to Islay, where he died in the plague of 1095.<ref name=D108>Duffy (1992) p. 108</ref><ref name=D106>Duffy (1992) p. 106</ref><ref name=W2p212>Woolf (2005) p. 212</ref> It is not clear the extent to which [[O'Brien dynasty|Ui Briain]] dominance was now asserted in the islands north of Man, but growing Irish influence in these seas brought a rapid and decisive response from Norway.
[[File:Kong-magnus-berrfott-menn.jpg|left|thumb|19th-century depiction of Magnus Barelegs's forces in Ireland, before his death in 1103.]]
[[Magnus III of Norway|Magnus Barelegs]] had re-established direct Norwegian overlordship by 1098.<ref name=D106/><ref>Ó Corráin (1998) p. 23</ref>
A second expedition in 1102 saw incursions into Ireland but in August 1103 he was killed fighting in Ulster.<ref name=D110>Duffy (1992) pp. 110–13</ref> The next king of the isles was [[Lagmann Godredsson]] and there followed a succession of Godred Crovan's descendants who, (as vassals of the kings of Norway) ruled the Hebrides north of [[Ardnamurchan]] for the next 160 years. However, their control of the southern Inner Hebrides was lost with the emergence of [[Somerled]], the self-styled Lord of Argyle.<ref name=G917>Gregory (1881) pp. 9–17</ref><ref name=H104>Hunter (2000) pp. 104</ref>{{refn|Hunter (2004) states that the claims of Somerled's descent from [[Gofraid mac Fergusa]] are "preserved in Gaelic tradition and accepted as broadly authentic by modern scholars".<ref name=H104/> However, Woolf (2005) asserts that "contrary to the image, projected by recent clan-historians, of [[Clann Somhairle]] as Gaelic nationalists liberating the Isles from Scandinavians, it is quite explicit in our two extended narrative accounts from the thirteenth century, ''Orkneyinga saga'' and ''The Chronicle of the Kings of Man and the Isles'', that the early leaders of Clann Somhairle saw themselves as competitors for the kingship of the Isles on the basis of their descent through their mother Ragnhilt" and that their claim "to royal status was based on its position as a segment of Uí Ímair."<ref name=W2p212/>|group=Note}}

For a while Somerled took control of Mann and the Hebrides ''in toto'', but he met his death in 1164 during an invasion of the Scottish mainland.<ref>Gregory (1881) pp. 15–16</ref> At this point [[Godred V of the Isle of Man|Godred the Black]], grandson of Godred Crovan re-took possession of the northern Hebrides and the southern isles were distributed amongst Somerled's sons, his descendants eventually becoming known as the [[Lord of the Isles|Lords of the Isles]], and giving rise to [[Clan MacDougall]], [[Clan Donald]] and [[Clan Macruari]].<ref>Gregory (1881) pp. 17–19</ref> However, both during and after Somerled's life the Scottish monarchs sought to take a control of the islands he and his descendants held. This strategy eventually led to an invasion by [[Haakon IV of Norway|Haakon Haakonarson]], King of Norway. After the stalemate of the [[Battle of Largs]], Haakon retreated to Orkney, where he died in 1263. Following this expedition, the Hebrides and Mann and all rights that the Norwegian crown "had of old therein" were yielded to the Kingdom of Scotland as a result of the 1266 [[Treaty of Perth]].<ref>Hunter (2000) pp. 106–111</ref><ref>Barrett (2008) p. 411</ref><ref>[http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/manxsoc/msvol04/v3p210.htm "Agreement between Magnus IV and Alexander III, 1266"] isleofman.com. Manx Society vols IV, VII & IX. Retrieved 11 January 2011.</ref>

===Clans and Scottish rule===
The Lords of the Isles, a phrase first recorded in 1336,<ref>Oram, Richard "The Lordship of the Isles: 1336–1545" in Omand (2006) p. 123</ref> but which title may have been used earlier, would continue to rule the Inner Hebrides as well as part of the Western Highlands as subjects of the King of Scots until [[John of Islay, Earl of Ross|John MacDonald]], fourth Lord of the Isles, squandered the family's powerful position. Through a secret treaty with [[Edward IV of England]], negotiated at [[Ardtornish Castle]] and signed in 1462, he made himself a servant of the English crown. When [[James III of Scotland]] found out about the treaty in 1476, he issued a sentence of forfeiture for MacDonald's lands. Some were restored for a promise of good behaviour, but MacDonald was unable to control his son [[Aonghas Óg]], who defeated him at the [[Battle of Bloody Bay]], fought off the coast of Mull near [[Tobermory, Mull|Tobermory]] in 1481. A further rebellion by his nephew, [[Alexander of Lochalsh]], provoked an exasperated James IV to forfeit the lands for the last time in 1493.<ref>Oram, Richard "The Lordship of the Isles: 1336–1545" in Omand (2006) pp. 135–38</ref>
[[File:Floramacdonald2.jpg|thumb |left|Portrait of [[Flora MacDonald (Scottish Jacobite)|Flora MacDonald]] by [[Allan Ramsay (artist)|Alan Ramsay]]]]
The most powerful clans on Skye in the post-Norse period were [[Clan MacLeod]], originally based in [[Trotternish]], and Clan MacDonald of [[Sleat]]. Following the disintegration of the Lordship of the Isles, the Mackinnons also emerged as an independent clan, whose substantial landholdings in Skye were centred on [[Strathaird]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mackinnon.org/mackinnon-short-history.html#Beginnings |title=The Clan Mackinnon: a short history |last=Mackinnon |first=C. R. |year=1958 |access-date=30 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527071109/http://www.mackinnon.org/mackinnon-short-history.html |archive-date=27 May 2010 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The MacDonalds of [[South Uist]] were bitter rivals of the MacLeods, and an attempt by the former to murder church-goers at [[Trumpan Church|Trumpan]] in retaliation for a previous massacre on Eigg, resulted in the [[Battle of the Spoiling Dyke]] of 1578.<ref>[[#Mur66|Murray (1966)]] p. 156.</ref><ref>[http://www.thehendrys.freeserve.co.uk/eigg/eigg.htm "The Massacre at Trumpan Church and the subsequent Battle of the Spoiled Dyke"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006170343/http://www.thehendrys.freeserve.co.uk/eigg/eigg.htm |date=6 October 2008}}. The Hendry Family. Retrieved 25 May 2008.</ref>

After the failure of the [[Jacobitism|Jacobite]] rebellion of 1745, [[Flora MacDonald (Scottish Jacobite)|Flora MacDonald]] became famous for rescuing Prince [[Charles Edward Stuart]] from the [[House of Hanover|Hanoverian]] troops. Her story is strongly associated with their escape via Skye and she is buried at [[Kilmuir, Skye|Kilmuir]].<ref>[http://www.ambaile.org.uk/en/item/item_photograph.jsp?item_id=12379 "Flora Macdonald's Grave, Kilmuir"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119050419/http://www.ambaile.org.uk/en/item/item_photograph.jsp?item_id=12379 |date=19 January 2012 }} Am Baile. Retrieved 24 October 2009.</ref> She was visited by [[Samuel Johnson]] and [[James Boswell]] during their 1773 [[A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland|''Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland'']] and written on her gravestone are Johnson's words that hers was "A name that will be mentioned in history, and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour".<ref>[[#Mur66|Murray (1966)]] pp. 152–4.</ref> In the wake of the rebellion the clan system was broken up and islands of the Hebrides became a series of landed estates.

===British era===
[[File:Clachan Bridge.jpg|thumb|[[Thomas Telford|Telford's]] [[Clachan Bridge]] between the mainland and [[Seil]], also known as the "Bridge across the Atlantic", was built in 1792.<ref>Murray (1977) p. 121</ref>]]
With the implementation of the [[Treaty of Union]] in 1707 the Hebrides became part of the new [[Kingdom of Great Britain]], but the clans' loyalties to a distant monarch were not strong. A considerable number of islesmen "came out" in support of the Jacobite [[Earl of Mar]] in the [[Jacobite rising of 1715|"15"]] and again in the [[Jacobite rising of 1745|1745 rising]] including Macleod of [[Dunvegan]] and [[Clan MacLea|MacLea]] of Lismore.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110723035627/http://www.castlescotland.net/the-castles/d/dunvegan.html "Dunvegan"] castlescotland.net Retrieved 17 January 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.clanmclea.co.uk/Donald_Livingstone.htm "Incidents of the Jacobite Risings – Donald Livingstone"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716140636/http://www.clanmclea.co.uk/Donald_Livingstone.htm |date=16 July 2011 }} clanmclea.co.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2011.</ref> The aftermath of the decisive [[Battle of Culloden]], which effectively ended Jacobite hopes of a Stuart restoration, was widely felt.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/scottishhistory/union/trails_union_culloden.shtml "The Battle of Culloden"] BBC. Retrieved 16 January 2011.</ref> The British government's strategy was to estrange the clan chiefs from their kinsmen and turn their descendants into English-speaking landlords whose main concern was the revenues their estates brought rather than the welfare of those who lived on them. This may have brought peace to the islands, but in the following century it came at a terrible price.<ref>[http://www.highlandclearances.info/clearances/preclearances_cullodenaftermath.htm "Culloden Aftermath"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002142226/http://www.highlandclearances.info/clearances/preclearances_cullodenaftermath.htm |date=2 October 2011 }} http://www.highlandclearances.info {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809010711/http://highlandclearances.info/ |date=9 August 2018 }}. Retrieved 16 January 2011.</ref>

The early 19th century was a time of improvement and population growth. Roads and quays were built, the [[slate]] industry became a significant employer on Easdale and surrounding islands, and the construction of the [[Crinan Canal|Crinan]] and [[Caledonian Canal|Caledonian]] canals and other engineering works such as [[Thomas Telford|Telford's]] "[[Clachan Bridge|Bridge across the Atlantic]]" improved transport and access.<ref>Duncan, P. J. "The Industries of Argyll: Tradition and Improvement" in Omand (2006) pp. 152–53</ref> However, in the mid-19th century, the inhabitants of many parts of the Hebrides were devastated by the [[Highland Clearances|clearances]], which destroyed communities throughout the [[Highlands and Islands]] as the human populations were evicted and replaced with sheep farms.<ref>Hunter (2000) p. 212</ref> The position was exacerbated by the failure of the islands' [[kelp]] industry that thrived from the 18th century until the end of the [[Napoleonic Wars]] in 1815<ref>Hunter (2000) pp. 247, 262</ref><ref>Duncan, P. J. "The Industries of Argyll: Tradition and Improvement" in Omand (2006) pp. 157–58</ref> and large scale emigration became endemic. The "[[Camastianavaig|Battle of the Braes]]" involved a demonstration against lack of access to land and the serving of eviction notices. This event was instrumental in the creation of the [[Napier Commission]], which reported in 1884 on the situation in the Highlands. Disturbances continued until the passing of the 1886 [[Crofters' Holdings (Scotland) Act 1886|Crofters' Act]] and on one occasion 400 [[Marine (military)|marines]] were deployed on Skye to maintain order.<ref>[http://www.highlandclearances.info/clearances/clearances_battleofthebrae.htm "Battle of the Braes"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515073942/http://www.highlandclearances.info/clearances/clearances_battleofthebrae.htm |date=15 May 2008 }} highlandclearances.info. Retrieved 29 March 2008.</ref>
[[File:Ellenabeich - geograph.org.uk - 95384.jpg|thumb|left|Sea filled [[slate]] quarries on [[Seil]] (foreground) and [[Easdale]] in the [[Slate Islands, Scotland|Slate Islands]]]]
For those who remained new economic opportunities emerged through the export of cattle, commercial fishing and tourism.<ref>Hunter (2000) p. 292</ref> Nonetheless emigration and military service became the choice of many<ref>Hunter (2000) p. 343</ref> and the archipelago's populations continued to dwindle throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries. Jura's population fell from 1300 in 1831 to less than 250 by 1961 and Mull's from 10,600 in 1821 to less than 3,000 in 1931.<ref>Duncan, P. J. "The Industries of Argyll: Tradition and Improvement" in Omand (2006) p. 169</ref><ref>Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 47, 87</ref> Lengthy periods of continuous occupation notwithstanding, some of the smaller islands were abandoned – the Treshnish Isles in 1934, [[Handa, Scotland|Handa]] in 1948, and [[Island Macaskin|Eilean Macaskin]] in the 1880s among them.<ref>Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 57, 99</ref>

Nonetheless, there were continuing gradual economic improvements, among the most visible of which was the replacement of the traditional thatched [[blackhouse]] with accommodation of a more modern design<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060429142820/http://www.isle-of-lewis.com/history/blackhouses.htm "Blackhouses"]. isle-of-lewis.com Retrieved 17 January 2011.</ref> and in recent years, with the assistance of [[Highlands and Islands Enterprise]] many of the island's populations have begun to increase after decades of decline.<ref name=GRO/>

==Transport==
[[File:Dubh artach.jpg|thumb|''Dhu Heartach Lighthouse, During Construction'' by [[Sam Bough]] (1822–1878)]]
Scheduled [[ferry]] services between the Inner Hebrides and the Scottish mainland operate on various routes including: [[Tayinloan]], Kintyre to [[Gigha]]; [[Kennacraig]], Kintyre to Islay; [[Oban]] to Mull, Coll and Tiree and Colonsay; [[Mallaig]] to [[Armadale, Isle of Skye|Armadale]], Skye and Eigg, [[Muck, Scotland|Muck]], Rùm & [[Canna, Scotland|Canna]]; and [[Glenelg, Highland|Glenelg]] to Kyle Rhea on the [[Sleat]] peninsula, Skye.

Some ferries reach the Inner Hebrides from other islands such as the [[Seil]] to [[Luing]] route, [[Fionnphort]] on the [[Ross of Mull]] to Iona, [[Sconser]] to Raasay and [[Port Askaig]] to [[Feolin]], Jura. There is also a service to and from the Outer Hebrides from [[Tarbert, Harris]] and [[Lochmaddy]] on [[North Uist]] to [[Uig, Snizort|Uig, Skye]] and from [[Castlebay]], Barra to [[Tiree]].<ref>[http://www.calmac.co.uk/Timetables-Fares/timetables.html "Timetables and Fares"] [[Caledonian MacBrayne]]. Retrieved 4 July 2010. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007174923/http://www.calmac.co.uk/Timetables-Fares/timetables.html |date=7 October 2010}}</ref>

National Rail services are available for onward journeys, from stations at [[Oban]], which has direct services to [[Glasgow]] and from [[Kyle of Lochalsh]] to [[Inverness]]. There are scheduled flights from [[Colonsay Airport]], [[Islay Airport]] near [[Port Ellen]] and [[Tiree Airport]].

The archipelago is exposed to wind and tide, and there are numerous sites of wrecked ships. [[Lighthouse]]s are sited as an aid to navigation at various locations.<ref>[http://www.nlb.org.uk/LighthouseLibrary/Main/ "Lighthouse Library"] Northern Lighthouse Board. Retrieved 8 July 2010.</ref>
[[Dubh Artach]] lighthouse is located on a remote rock and warns seafarers away from the area itself and the nearby [[Torran Rocks]]. Originally it was considered to be an impossible site for a light, but the loss of the steamer ''Bussorah'' with all thirty-three hands on her maiden voyage in 1863 and of an astonishing 24 vessels in the area in a storm on 30–31 December 1865 encouraged positive action.<ref name=Bath>Bathhurst (2000) pp. 210–35</ref><ref>Stevenson (1872) pp. 4, 6</ref> [[Skerryvore]] is another remote lighthouse in the vicinity and at a height of {{convert|48|m|ft|abbr=off}} it is the tallest in Scotland.<ref name=NLBH>[http://www.nlb.org.uk/historical/faqs.htm#q3 "Historical Information"] Northern Lighthouse Board. Retrieved 17 January 2008.</ref>

==Gaelic language==
[[File:Scots Gaelic speakers in the 2011 census.png|thumb|Geographic distribution of Gaelic speakers in Scotland (2011)]]

There are about 4,000 Gaelic speakers in the Inner Hebrides, equal to 20% of the population of the archipelago.

There have been speakers of [[Goidelic languages]] in the Inner Hebrides since the time of Columba or before, and the modern variant of [[Scottish Gaelic]] (''Gàidhlig'') remains strong in some parts. However, the Education (Scotland) Act 1872 led to generations of Gaels being forbidden to speak their native language in the classroom, and is now recognised as having dealt a major blow to the language. Children were being beaten for speaking Gaelic in school as late as the 1930s.<ref>[http://www.simplyscottish.com/readingroom/history/gaelic_education.htm "Gaelic Education After 1872"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716072637/http://www.simplyscottish.com/readingroom/history/gaelic_education.htm |date=16 July 2011 }} simplyscottish.com. Retrieved 28 May 2010.</ref> More recently the [[Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005|Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act]] was enacted by the [[Scottish Parliament]] in 2005 in order to provide continuing support for the language.<ref name="about">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20110717185530/http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/en/the-bord/government/the-gaelic-act.html "The Gaelic Language Act "], Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Retrieved 6 March 2011.</ref>

By the time of the 2001 census [[Kilmuir, Skye|Kilmuir]] parish in Skye had 47% Gaelic speakers, with Skye overall having an unevenly distributed 31%. At that time Tiree had 48% of the population Gaelic-speaking, Lismore 29%, Islay 24%, Coll 12%, Jura 11%, Mull 13% and Iona 5%.<ref name=MacT>Mac an Tàilleir, Iain (2004) {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20101207211745/http://www.linguae-celticae.org/dateien/Gaelic_1901-2001.ppt ''1901–2001 Gaelic in the Census'']}} (PowerPoint) Linguae Celticae. Retrieved 1 June 2008.</ref> Students of Scottish Gaelic travel from all over the world to attend [[Sabhal Mòr Ostaig]], a Scottish Gaelic college based on Skye.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060502020016/http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/en/colaiste/index.php "Welcome to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig"] UHI Millennium Institute. Retrieved 8 March 2008.</ref>

==The arts==
[[File:Scotland-Staffa-Fingals-Cave-1900.jpg|thumb|left|Entrance to [[Fingal's Cave]], [[Staffa]]]]
Hebridean landscapes have inspired a variety of musicians, writers and artists. ''[[Hebrides Overture|The Hebrides]]'', also known as ''[[Fingal's Cave]]'', is a famous overture written by [[Felix Mendelssohn]] inspired by his visit to [[Staffa]]. [[Margaret Dare|Marie Dare]]'s ''Hebridean Suite'' for cello and piano was composed in 1947.<ref>''[https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9535122--beyond-twilight-music-for-cello-piano-by-female-composers Beyond Twilight: Music For Cello & Piano By Female Composers]'', Delphian DCD34306 (2023)</ref> Contemporary musicians associated with the islands include [[Ian Anderson (musician)|Ian Anderson]], [[Donovan]], [[Chris Rainbow]] and [[Runrig]].<ref>[http://www.isbuc.co.uk/People/Donova.php "Donovan"] isbuc.co.uk Retrieved 6 June 2010.</ref><ref>Gough, Jim (30 May 2004) [https://web.archive.org/web/20040607035038/http://www.sundayherald.com/42278 "Anderson swaps fish for his flute"]. Glasgow. ''Sunday Herald''</ref><ref>[https://atuneadayblogdotcom.wordpress.com/tag/vital-spark/ 'Chris Rainbow: Looking Over My Shoulder', atuneaday]</ref> [[Enya]]'s song "Ebudæ" from ''[[Shepherd Moons]]'' is based on a traditional [[waulking song]].<ref>[http://www.pathname.com/enya/shepherd_moons.html#ebudae "Translations for ''Shepherd Moons''"]. http://www.pathname.com. Retrieved 28 December 2010.</ref>

The poet [[Sorley MacLean]] was born on Raasay, the setting for his best known poem, ''[[Hallaig]]''.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/books/2002/nov/30/featuresreviews.guardianreview35 "''Hallaig'' by Sorley MacLean, translated by Seamus Heaney"] (30 November 2002) guardian.co.uk Retrieved 27 October 2008.</ref> [[George Orwell]] wrote much of the novel ''1984'' whilst living at [[Barnhill, Jura|Barnhill]] on Jura<ref>Newton (1995) p. 96</ref> and [[J.M. Barrie]] wrote a screenplay for the [[Peter Pan (1924 film)|1924 film adaptation]] of ''[[Peter and Wendy|Peter Pan]]'' whilst on [[Eilean Shona]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030208103302/http://www.eileanshona.com/island.html "Eilean Shona House"] eileanshona.com. Retrieved 28 December 2010.</ref> [[Cressida Cowell]], the author of ''[[How to Train Your Dragon]]'', spent childhood summers in the Inner Hebrides and has stated that they are "one of the most beautiful places on Earth" and "the kind of place where you expect to see dragons overhead".<ref>"Film based on little island" (5 April 2010) ''Press and Journal''. Aberdeen.</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Wildlife==
[[File:Atlantic Puffin.jpg|thumb|Adult [[Atlantic puffin]] (''Fratercula arctica'') in breeding plumage on [[Lunga (Treshnish Isles)|Lunga]] in the [[Treshnish Isles]].]]
In some respects the Hebrides generally lack biodiversity in comparison to mainland Britain, with for example only half the number of mammalian species the latter has.<ref>Murray (1973) p. 72</ref> However, these islands have much to offer the naturalist. Observing the local abundance found on Skye in the 18th century [[Samuel Johnson]] noted that:

{{quote|At the tables where a stranger is received, neither plenty nor delicacy is wanting. A tract of land so thinly inhabited, must have much wild-fowl; and I scarcely remember to have seen a dinner without them. The moor-game is every where to be had. That the sea abounds with fish, needs not be told, for it supplies a great part of Europe. The Isle of Sky has stags and roebucks, but no hares. They sell very numerous droves of oxen yearly to England, and therefore cannot be supposed to want beef at home. Sheep and goats are in great numbers, and they have the common domestic fowls."|<ref name = Johnson>Johnson (1775) pp. 78–79</ref>}}

In the modern era avian life includes the [[Corn crake|corncrake]], [[red-throated diver]], [[rock dove]], [[Black-legged kittiwake|kittiwake]], [[Black guillemot|tystie]], [[Atlantic puffin]], [[Common goldeneye|goldeneye]], [[golden eagle]] and [[White-tailed eagle|white-tailed sea eagle]].<ref>[[#FFD69|Fraser Darling (1969)]] p. 79</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080513173348/http://www.duntulmcastle.co.uk/skye_wildlife.php "Trotternish Wildlife"] Duntulm Castle. Retrieved 25 October 2009.</ref> The last named was re-introduced to Rùm in 1975 and has successfully spread to various neighbouring islands, including Mull.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news | last = Watson | first = Jeremy | date = 12 October 2006 | title = Sea eagle spreads its wings... | location = Edinburgh | newspaper = Scotland on Sunday}}</ref> There is a small population of [[red-billed chough]] concentrated on the islands of [[Islay]] and [[Colonsay]].<ref>Benvie (2004) p. 118.</ref>

[[Mountain hare]] (apparently absent from Skye in the 18th century) and [[European rabbit|rabbit]] are now abundant and predated on by [[Scottish wildcat]] <!-- still in this 21st century?? --> and [[pine marten]].<ref>[[#FFD69|Fraser Darling (1969)]] pp. 71-72</ref> [[Red deer]] are common on the hills and the [[grey seal]] and [[common seal]] are present around the coasts of Scotland in internationally important numbers, with colonies of the former found on [[Oronsay, Inner Hebrides|Oronsay]] and the Treshnish Isles and the latter most abundant in the [[Firth of Lorn]].<ref>[http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-species/which-and-how/mammals/seal-protection/ "Protected mammals – Seals"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920135905/http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-species/which-and-how/mammals/seal-protection/ |date=20 September 2017 }}. Scottish Natural Heritage. Retrieved 6 March 2011.</ref><ref>Murray (1973) pp. 96–98</ref> The rich fresh water streams contain [[brown trout]], [[Atlantic salmon]] and [[Eurasian water shrew|water shrew]].<ref>[[#FFD69|Fraser Darling (1969)]] p. 286</ref><ref>[http://www.trout-salmon-fishing.com/scotland-skye.htm "Trout Fishing in Scotland: Skye"] trout-salmon-fishing.com. Retrieved 29 March 2008.</ref> Offshore [[minke whale]]s, [[killer whale]]s, [[basking shark]]s, [[porpoise]]s and [[dolphin]]s are among the sea life that can be seen<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/trends/SNH_Trends_sea.pdf | title = Trends – The Sea | publisher = Scottish Natural Heritage | access-date = 1 January 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120225051340/http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/strategy/trends/SNH_Trends_sea.pdf | archive-date = 25 February 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.whalewatchingtrips.co.uk/species.htm "Species List"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602015619/http://www.whalewatchingtrips.co.uk/species.htm |date=2 June 2018 }}. [http://www.whalewatchingtrips.co.uk Whale Watching Trips Isle of Mull] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202024749/http://www.whalewatchingtrips.co.uk/ |date=2 December 2017 }}. Retrieved 28 December 2010.</ref> and [[Cancer pagurus|edible crab]] and [[Ostreidae|oyster]] are also found, in for example, the Sound of [[Scalpay, Inner Hebrides|Scalpay]].<ref>[[#FFD69|Fraser Darling (1969)]] p. 84</ref> There are nationally important [[Mussel|horse mussel]] and [[Brittle star|brittlestar]] beds in the sea lochs.<ref name=SLBG>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050320224957/http://www.highlandbiodiversity.com/htm/counties/skye_lochalsh/skye_lochalsh.pdf ''Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Action Plan''] (2003) (pdf) Skye and Lochalsh Biodiversity Group. Retrieved 29 March 2008.</ref>

Heather moor containing [[Calluna|ling]], [[Erica cinerea|bell heather]], [[Erica tetralix|cross-leaved heath]], [[Myrica gale|bog myrtle]] and [[fescue]]s is abundant and there is a diversity of arctic and alpine plants including [[Sagina|alpine pearlwort]] and [[Minuartia|mossy cyphal]].<ref>Slack, Alf "Flora" in [[#Slesser70|Slesser (1970)]] pp 45–58</ref>

==See also==

* [[Rulers of the Kingdom of the Isles]]

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group=Note}}
;Footnotes
{{Reflist|2}}
;General references
{{refbegin}}
* Barrett, James H. "The Norse in Scotland" in Brink, Stefan (ed) (2008) ''The Viking World''. Abingdon. Routledge. {{ISBN|0-415-33315-6}}
* Ballin Smith, B. and Banks, I. (eds) (2002) ''In the Shadow of the Brochs, the Iron Age in Scotland''. Stroud. Tempus. {{ISBN|0-7524-2517-X}}
* Bathhurst, Bella (2000) ''The Lighthouse Stevensons''. London. Flamingo.
* Benvie, Neil (2004) ''Scotland's Wildlife''. London. Aurum Press. {{ISBN|1-85410-978-2}}
* Cooper, Derek (1983) ''Skye''. Law Book Co of Australasia. {{ISBN|0-7100-9565-1}}.
* Downham, Clare "England and the Irish-Sea Zone in the Eleventh Century" in Gillingham, John (ed) (2004) ''Anglo-Norman Studies XXVI: Proceedings of the Battle Conference 2003''. Woodbridge. Boydell Press. {{ISBN|1-8438-3072-8}}
*{{cite journal|last=Duffy |first=Seán |title=Irishmen and Islesmen in the Kingdom of Dublin and Man 1052–1171 |journal=[[Ériu (journal)|Ériu]] |volume=43 |pages=93–133 |year=1992|jstor=30007421|issue=43|ref=Duffy92}}
* Edwards, Kevin J. & Ralston, Ian B.M. (Eds) (2003) ''Scotland After the Ice Age: Environment, Archaeology and History, 8000 BC – AD 1000''. Edinburgh. Edinburgh University Press.
* {{Cite book|author1=Fraser Darling, Frank|author-link=Frank Fraser Darling|author2=Boyd, J. Morton| year=1969| title=The Highlands and Islands|series=The New Naturalist| location=London| publisher=Collins| ref=FFD69}} First published in 1947 under title: ''Natural history in the Highlands & Islands''; by F. Fraser Darling. First published under the present title 1964.
* [[Donald Gregory|Gregory, Donald]] (1881) ''The History of the Western Highlands and Isles of Scotland 1493–1625.'' Edinburgh. Birlinn. 2008 reprint – originally published by Thomas D. Morrison. {{ISBN|1-904607-57-8}}
* {{Haswell-Smith}}
* Hunter, James (2000) ''Last of the Free: A History of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland''. Edinburgh. Mainstream. {{ISBN|1-84018-376-4}}
* [[Samuel Johnson|Johnson, Samuel]] (1775) ''[[A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland]]''. London: Chapman & Dodd. (1924 edition).
* Lynch, Michael (ed) (2007) ''Oxford Companion to Scottish History''. Oxford University Press. {{ISBN|978-0-19-923482-0}}.
* {{Gaelic Placenames}}
* McKirdy, Alan Gordon, John & Crofts, Roger (2007) ''Land of Mountain and Flood: The Geology and Landforms of Scotland''. Edinburgh. Birlinn. {{ISBN|978-1-84158-357-0}}
* Maclean, Charles (1977) ''Island on the Edge of the World: the Story of St. Kilda''. Edinburgh. Canongate. {{ISBN|0-903937-41-7}}
* Moffat, Alistair (2005) ''Before Scotland: The Story of Scotland Before History''. London. Thames & Hudson.
* [[W. H. Murray|Murray, W.H.]] (1966) ''The Hebrides''. London. Heinemann.
* Murray, W.H. (1973) ''The Islands of Western Scotland: the Inner and Outer Hebrides.'' London. Eyre Methuen. {{ISBN|0-413-30380-2}}
*Murray, W.H. (1977) ''The Companion Guide to the West Highlands of Scotland.'' London. Collins.
* Newton, Norman (1995) ''Islay''. Newton Abbott. Pevensey Press. {{ISBN|978-0-907115-97-7}}
* Ó Corráin, Donnchadh (1998) [http://www.ucc.ie/celt/news.html ''Vikings in Ireland and Scotland in the Ninth Century''] CELT.
* Omand, Donald (ed.) (2006) ''The Argyll Book''. Edinburgh. Birlinn. {{ISBN|1-84158-480-0}}
*Ross, David (2005) ''Scotland – History of a Nation''.
* [[Malcolm Slesser|Slesser, Malcolm]] (1970) ''The Island of Skye''. Edinburgh. [[Scottish Mountaineering Club]].
* Stevenson, Robert Louis (1995) ''The New Lighthouse on the Dhu Heartach Rock, Argyllshire''. California. Silverado Museum. Based on an 1872 manuscript and edited by Swearingen, R.G.
* Thomson, William P. L. (2008) ''The New History of Orkney''. Edinburgh. Birlinn. {{ISBN|978-1-84158-696-0}}
* [[William J. Watson|Watson, W. J.]] (1994) ''The Celtic Place-Names of Scotland''. Edinburgh; Birlinn. {{ISBN|1-84158-323-5}}. First published 1926.
* {{citation |last=Woolf |first=Alex |author-link=Alex Woolf |title=From Pictland to Alba, 789–1070 |year=2007 |series=The New Edinburgh History of Scotland |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-0-7486-1234-5}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{oscoor gbx|NM 53928 41384}}
{{commons category|Inner Hebrides}}
{{Coord|56|30|N|6|00|W|region:GB_type:isle|display=title}}

* [https://www.southernhebrides.com/ Guide to Southern Inner Hebrides]

{{Prehistoric Inner Hebrides}}
{{Hebrides}}
{{Islands of Scotland}}
{{History of the British Isles|bar=yes}}
{{Portal bar|Scotland|Islands|Scottish Islands}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Inner Hebrides}}
[[Category:Inner Hebrides| ]]
[[Category:Hebrides|.]]
[[Category:Archipelagoes of Scotland]]
[[Category:Archipelagoes of the Atlantic Ocean]]
[[Category:Argyll and Bute]]
[[Category:Highland (council area)]]
[[Category:Islands of Argyll and Bute]]
[[Category:Islands of Highland (council area)]]
[[Category:Former Norwegian colonies]]