Where are the Inner Hebrides and what are they?
I began to see a popular question being posted on social media. I saw several friends asking, “Have you heard of the Inner Hebrides, do you know where the Inner Hebrides are located?“ Without hesitation, I always reply the Isle of Tiree our Scottish island home is part of the Inner Hebrides. But I should say we are just one small island of many that make up the Inner Hebrides.
The Inner Hebrides are an Atlanic Coast archipelago off western mainland Scotland. The Inner Hebrides archipelago is made up of the islands (Isles in Scotland) of - Tiree (Our home), Coll, Skye, Rona, Raasay, Longay, Soay, Canna, Rum, Eigg, Muck, Mull, Eorsa, Iona, Seil, Luing, Scarba, Colonsay, Oronsay, Jura and Islay.
What and where are the Inner Hebrides?
A Brief History of the Inner Hebrides
The Main Inner Hebrides Islands
What Are The Small Inner Hebrides Islands
Uninhabited Islets and Skerries
When we first moved to this amazing little island I’d seen the Hebrides on my map and wondered about what made the Inner and Outer Hebrides islands different. I investigated this collection of islands to explore how they are defined, what separated the isles and where they are situated off the coast of Scotland. Here are some of the things I discovered to help understand where the Inner Hebrides are located and just what they are.
1. What and where are the Inner Hebrides?
The sprawling array of islands off Scotland's west coast are known collectively as the Hebrides. There are various descriptions of the scope of this cluster of islands which is divided from the mainland by a series of lengthy sea lochs. The Collins Encyclopedia of Scotland describes the Inner Hebrides as lying "east of The Minch", which includes all of its offshore islands. They stretch 240 kilometres (150 miles) from Skye in the north to Islay in the south and are separated from the Outer Hebrides (Western Isles) by an Atlantic sea channel called the Little Minch, and the Sea of the Hebrides.
The Inner Hebrides is comprised of two larger territories positioned north and south of Ardnamurchan, which is a 130-square-kilometre (50 square-mile) peninsula in the area of Lochaber, Highland, Scotland. The Ardnamurchan is known for its remoteness and includes the most westerly point of mainland Great Britain.
The main islands of the Inner Hebrides include Skye, the Small Isles (Canna, Sanday, Rhum, Eigg, and Muck), Tiree, Mull, Colonsay, Jura, Islay, and Coll. The Small Islands, Skye, and the surrounding islands (including Soay, Scalpay, Raasay, and Rona) are part of the Highland council area and belong to the historic county of Inverness-shire. The county of Argyllshire is home to the remainder of the Inner Hebrides located within the council area of Argyll and Bute.
“Ranging from flatter islands sitting on the edge of the Atlantic to garden landscapes warmed by the Gulf Stream, what the Inner Hebrides share in common is their rugged, peaceful and often sparsely populated terrains.”
2. A Brief History of the Inner Hebrides
For a high-level Hebridean history, I learned that early island inhabitants were Gaelic speakers with Christianity being introduced following St. Columba’s arrival on Iona in 563. Norse raids began on the islands in the 8th century and came under Norwegian authority from the 9th to the 12th century. A Norse-Gaelic lord named Somerled is believed to have fought against the Norwegians and subsequently founded the lordship of the Isles. The Lords of the Isles maintained rule over the islands through the late Middle Ages and the kingdom of Scotland did not take control over the islands until 1493.
Fast forwarding to the year 1921, the Hebrides were recognized as a strong Scottish Gaelic-speaking area with greater than 50% of the populations of most of these islands being proficient in the language, including the residents of Skye, Mull and Islay. The Outer Hebrides still have many Gaelic speakers, but in more recent years according to the 2001 census; only Skye (31%) and Tiree (48%) had more than 25% of the resident population able to speak Gaelic. The islands of Mull, Jura, Gigha and Coll each recorded figures of less than 15% at the time.
I dug into the languages and found names derived from both Gaelic and Old Norse are used repeatedly when describing the Inner Hebrides, indicating the historical importance of these two cultures on the islands. For example, from the Mac an Tàilleir (2003), the suffix ay or aigh or aidh is generally from the Norse øy meaning "island". Eilean (plural: eileanan) also means "island". Orasaigh is from the Norse Örfirirsey meaning "tidal" or "ebb island". Sgeir is "skerry" and often refers to a rock or rocks that lie submerged at high tide. Dubh is "black", dearg is "red" and glas means "grey" or "green". Beag and mòr (also bheag and mhòr) mean "little" and "big" and are often found together.
I find Etymology fascinating and if you do as well, you may notice these common words and their meanings more easily while in Scotland. Case in point, Eilean Donan, en route to the Isle of Skye, is the most photographed castle in the whole of Scotland and Skerryvore, near the island of Tiree, is the name of both the tallest lighthouse in the United Kingdom and a popular Scottish Celtic Rock group.
3. The Main Inner Hebrides Islands
At the time of the 2011 census, the inhabited islands of the Inner Hebrides had a population of around 19,000. The largest islands of the Inner Hebrides are Skye, Mull, Jura, and Islay and the most populated of the 36 inhabited islands in this archipelago. Only four Inner Hebridean islands are connected by road to the mainland of Scotland, they are:
The Clachan Bridge from Argyll to Seil, which was designed by Thomas Telford and dates from 1792.
At the meeting point of three sea lochs, Eilean Donan, dominated by its popular castle mentioned above, has had a connection to the mainland that may date back to as early as the 13th century. The arched bridge in use today was constructed in the early 20th century.
Danna is also connected to the Tayvallich peninsula in Argyll by a stone causeway.
It was not until recently in 1995, that Skye was connected to Kyle of Lochalsh by the Skye Bridge.
When choosing which island to visit, be sure research any travel restrictions, current air, ferry and transport routes and schedules to help you plan your trip. For a first-time visit, you may consider exploring Jura on Islay, Iona on Mull, Raasay on Skye, and Tiree with Coll. These islands are large, but keep in mind that they have limited or no public transportation, so you may wish to check into how to get around at your destination in advance. These islands have smaller "satellite" islands that are easily visited as daytrips.
Islay (Gaelic: Ìle) – Pronounced “eye-la” with whitewashed villages, Islay has a lovely coastline where you may spot otters, golden eagles overhead and wild goats with shaggy coats and beards. The island possesses an impressive number of whisky distilleries and is famous for its single malt whisky. Islay has flights to Glasgow, and ferries from Kennacraig in Argyll to Port Ellen on the east of the island and to Port Askaig on the north with both taking around two hours. Your visit will be rewarded with friendly islanders that are proud to share their landscape, Gaelic culture their rich history as the political centre of the Hebrides in medieval times.
Jura (Gaelic: Diùra) – A short ferry crossing from Port Askaig on Islay is the only way to reach the Isle of Jura. This whale shaped island is considered one of the wildest and most mountainous of the Inner Hebrides islands. Its name is thought to be derived from the Norse word dyr-oe which means “deer island”, and as it happens the current population of Red deer on the island outnumbers humans 33 to 1. Other wildlife to watch for include mountain hares and White-tailed sea eagles. Jura is an ideal setting for peace, quiet and fantastic walking.
Mull (Gaelic: Muile) – Mull is the second largest of the Inner Hebrides and the most accessible to travel to from the mainland by a 40-minute ferry ride from Oban to Craignure. Its main settlement of Tobermory is picturesque and is considered one of the most attractive fishing ports on the west coast of Scotland. The town features brightly coloured clusters of houses and boats sheltered in a bay backed by a steep cliff. Many of Mull’s visitor attractions are along the highway between Craignure and Tobermory, look for Duart Castle perched atop of a rocky promontory jutting out into the Sound of Mull. After a visit, you will not want to miss the impressive array of home-made cakes on offer at the castle’s barn-like tearoom. Boat trips also run from Mull to Fingal’s Cave on Staffa, to the Treshnish Islands, and to Ulva.
Iona (Gaelic: Ì Chaluim Chille) – Iona is situated near the southwest tip of Mull and most famous for St. Columba’s arrival in 563 when he fled from Ireland and established a monastery on the small island. Iona is considered a sacred site and it is believed that the famous Book of Kells was worked on at the monastery. You can take a short ferry ride to Iona from Fionnphort on Mull and then walk to the abbey. Day visitors will enjoy the village of Baile Mór (which means “Large Village”) followed by a stroll along the stunning sandy beaches and turquoise seas at the north end of Iona. On the south of the island, lays Port a’Churaich, also known as St. Columba’s Bay, which is the traditional landing place of the saint and is filled with smooth round rocks and multicoloured pebbles.
Skye (Gaelic: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach or Eilean a' Cheò) – The Isle of Skye is home to one of Scotland’s most visited destinations thanks to its shapely mountain summits and scenic seascapes, superb hiking trails, and ample wildlife viewing. Skye is the country’s second-largest island with 20 munros to climb, all set in the classic changeable Highlands weather. The Isle of Skye is easily reached by the toll-free Skye Bridge linked to the mainland. There are also buses and trains from Glasgow, and a ferry between Mallaig and Armadale. The impressive Cuillin ridge, stone pinnacles of the Quiraing and rock formations of the Trotternish peninsula are favourites of hikers. Dunvegan and its castle, and the island’s colourful capital Portree, offers charm, amenities, and relaxation for visitors. The busy season is between the months of June and August for popular Skye.
Raasay (Gaelic: Ratharsair) – If you find the summer tourist season is too bustling on the Isle of Skye for your tastes, you may wish to visit the peaceful Isle of Raasay off of Skye’s east coast. This small isle is the perfect for meandering strolls and enjoying its rich flora and fauna including golden eagles, snipe, orchids and Raasay’s unique vole. The ferry docks near Inverarish, which is the islands small village set in thick woods on the southwest coast. Most visitors take a walk to the flat-topped volcanic plug called Dun Caan for the 360-degree views of Skye and the mainland from the top.
Tiree (Gaelic: Tiriodh) – Tiriodh translates to “land of corn” and was once known as the breadbasket of the Inner Hebrides, thanks to its stretches of rich machair. Tiree is the most westerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland and aptly nicknamed ‘The Hawaii of the North’ as one of the sunniest places in the United Kingdom boasting warm days, clear blue seas, and 16 beaches. This island is sandy and low-lying with modest hills, crescent-shaped bays and the brisk breezes deter the midges in the summer. There is a four-hour ferry crossing from Oban or flights that leave from Glasgow, Oban and Coll. The appeal of its golden beaches and generous gales attracts wind and wave enthusiasts to its Tiree Wave Classic, runners visit twice a year to for the 10k, Half and Ultra marathons and musical festival revellers flock to the island’s summer Tiree Music Festival.
The island is a bird lover’s haven with geese, Kittiwakes, Oystercatchers, and Manx Shearwaters, just to name a few of the diverse seabirds. There’s ample brown hares plus basking harbour seals, pods of dolphins and minke whales swimming off the coastline. Heritage centres providing a glimpse into island life in the past are in the island’s main village of Scarinish and the Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum. Natural wonders include an Iron Age fort named Dun Mor Broch and the “Ringing Stone”, which when struck, the stone emits a metallic ring and has several cup markings generally associated with the period of the Megalithic Builders, believed to date back to 2,500 BC.
Most notably (and in my humble opinion) Yvonne and Jason, the founders of WELAN make their home on the Isle of Tiree. After leaving a hectic life in London, the couple extended their family with a flock of rescued sheep that are now safely living out their forever lives in a field close to their house. You can read about how they completely changed their lives by moving to this remote Scottish island in an earlier blog post here.
Coll (Gaelic: Cola) – This island lays close off the coast of Mull with a rugged, treeless landscape and is thinly populated. Both Coll and Tiree have lovely ribbons of white sandy beaches and the highest sunshine records in the country. The ferry takes three hours from Oban, continuing to Tiree and there is a flight connecting Coll to Tiree and Oban. A visit to these two islands can easily be combined. The village of Arinagour has whitewashed cottages on the shore of Loch Eatharna. Areas of Coll’s southwest coast are protected by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) charity for the conservation of the island’s Corncrakes, and you’re also likely to see white-fronted and barnacle geese, Lapwing and Redshank on your visit to Coll.
4. What Are The Small Inner Hebrides Islands
Colonsay (Gaelic: Colbhasa) – This craggy and heather-lined island is isolated between Mull and Islay and reached by a two- and half-hour ferry ride from Oban or check for a flight from Oban via Islay. Areas support patches of woodland along with a wide array of plants and birdlife. Keep your eyes open to spot wild goats and rabbits. At low tide, you can walk across the strand to the tidal island of Oronsay. There is a rise in visitor numbers during this small island’s three annual festivals that include the Colonsay Book Festival, Ceol Cholasa Folk Festival and the Colonsay Food Festival.
Isles of Rúm, Eigg, Muck and Canna – These wee islands are often admired from a distance, forming the dramatic view looking south from the Isle of Skye. They have limited accommodations with many of their visitors as day-trippers. Sailing from Mallaig takes about an hour- and a half and be sure to note that cars are prohibited on these islands, which only have about a mile of road each.
Rúm is a National Nature Reserve and is renowned for its Manx Shearwaters that nest in burrows on high peaks. Most Rúm visitors head to Kinloch castle, a red sandstone structure built at a huge expense in 1900.
Eigg is defined by its volcanic origins and boasts of a world-first electricity grid that is powered entirely by renewable sources.
Muck is the smallest and the most southernly of the Small Isles. Ben Airein, in the southwest corner of the island will provide a panoramic view of the surrounding islands from its summit.
Canna is managed as a bird sanctuary since 1938 by the National Trust for Scotland. There are no roads, just moorland that stretches over a basalt ridge
Islands of Lismore (Gaelic: Lios Mòr), Kerrara, Seil, Luing, Easdale and Scarba – Positioned in the middle of Loch Linnhe, to the north of Oban, the narrow island of Lismore offers easy walking and cycling opportunities. This collection of tiny islands may be thought of as individual farmsteads and holiday cottages that happen to be separated from the mainland by a short boat ride and with Seil being connected by the Clachan Bridge in Argyll.
Gigha (Gaelic: Giogha) – Pronounced “geeya”, it is a low laying, fertile island about a 15-minute ferry ride from the Kintyre peninsula. You may decide to visit as part of a tour of Argyll, leaving your car at the mainland pier and walking round the island. The main sights are Achamore Gardens featuring a bamboo maze and the Ogham Stone, the Gigha’s oldest monolith that stands near the farmhouse of Kinererach to the north of the island.
5. Uninhabited Islets and Skerries
Several smaller islands dot the seas surrounding the main islands, including tidal islets that are separated at higher stages of the tide, and skerries which only become visible at lower stages of the tide. Most islets are uninhabited and without ferry service with many being protected as much-needed reserves and habitat for seabirds and other wildlife.
For example, the Treshnish Isles is an archipelago of minor islands and skerries, lying west of the Isle of Mull that are known for their Atlantic grey seals and castle ruins. They are part of the Loch Na Keal National Scenic Area. Due to the beauty and remoteness of the Isles and the abundance puffins and other wildlife, they are popular with tourists visiting by boat to Lunga, for day trips during the summer. April to August are the best months to see the colourful puffins that nest around the Treshnish Isles.
Conclusion
Will you be adding a future visit to the Inner Hebrides to your travel itinerary? The Inner Hebrides are a cluster of islands located off the west coast of Scotland offering pristine isolation and a glimpse into bygone Pictish and Viking times. They are treasured for their unique natural features and play host to a rich variety of scenery, topography, and exquisite wildlife. Ranging from flatter islands sitting on the edge of the Atlantic to garden landscapes warmed by the Gulf Stream, what the Inner Hebrides share in common is their rugged, peaceful and often sparsely populated terrains.
Early island inhabitants of the isles spoke a mix of languages and I learned that a mix of Gaelic and Old Norse languages are used to in describing the Inner Hebrides. I explored the attractions, natural wonders, and transportation options for visiting each of the islands that make up this expansive archipelago. I discovered that there are only four connection points from the Inner Hebrides to mainland Scotland and many of the uninhabited islets are now nature reserves providing important habitat and sanctuaries for seabirds and other Scotland’s wildlife.