Scotland-Outer Hebrides-South and North Uist
18 images Created 14 Jan 2011
Scotland's Western Isles, the Norse heritage
"Na h-Eileanan Siar", the gaelic name of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides, are an island chain off the west coast of Scotland. Separated from the Scottish mainland and from the Inner Hebrides by the stormy waters of the Minch and the Sea of the Hebrides, the Western Isles still are another Scotland, a fascinating destination of rocky and mountainous landscapes, contrasting with the coastal machair, a fertile low-lying dune pastureland. The islands remain a relatively strong Gaelic speaking area where the Gaelic culture is appealing. In the 2001 census each island overall was over 50% Gaelic speaking, the most strongly Gaelic speaking area in the world. The Christianity has deep roots in the Western Isles and the religion still plays an important part in people's lives, mainly the Wee Frees as are nicknamed the believers of the Free Church of Scotland, a important presence in Lewis and Harris where the Sabbath (Sunday) is so respected that you are unlikely to find shops open on a Sunday. The southern islands are predominantly Roman Catholic, due to the different allegiances of the clans in the past. Known as Suðreyjar ("Southern Islands") in Norse the islands were ruled by Vikings for about 200 years, until sovereignty was transferred to Scotland in 1266. The Norse heritage is still strong in many names of geographical places and clans.
"Na h-Eileanan Siar", the gaelic name of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides, are an island chain off the west coast of Scotland. Separated from the Scottish mainland and from the Inner Hebrides by the stormy waters of the Minch and the Sea of the Hebrides, the Western Isles still are another Scotland, a fascinating destination of rocky and mountainous landscapes, contrasting with the coastal machair, a fertile low-lying dune pastureland. The islands remain a relatively strong Gaelic speaking area where the Gaelic culture is appealing. In the 2001 census each island overall was over 50% Gaelic speaking, the most strongly Gaelic speaking area in the world. The Christianity has deep roots in the Western Isles and the religion still plays an important part in people's lives, mainly the Wee Frees as are nicknamed the believers of the Free Church of Scotland, a important presence in Lewis and Harris where the Sabbath (Sunday) is so respected that you are unlikely to find shops open on a Sunday. The southern islands are predominantly Roman Catholic, due to the different allegiances of the clans in the past. Known as Suðreyjar ("Southern Islands") in Norse the islands were ruled by Vikings for about 200 years, until sovereignty was transferred to Scotland in 1266. The Norse heritage is still strong in many names of geographical places and clans.
