Lewis and Harris

Lewis and Harris, islands, north-western Scotland, separated at a distance of 39 km (24 mi) from the mainland by the North Minch. Connected by an isthmus, they are best considered as a single diamond-shaped unit, formed of old Lewisian gneiss and at 2,134 sq km (824 sq mi) the largest of the Outer Hebrides.

The two areas are, however, physically very discrete, Harris being hilly and Lewis peat moorland. There are many ancient sites on the islands of which the most impressive are the standing stones of Callanish on the west coast of Lewis. Nearby at Arnol there is a traditional crofter’s home known as a “black house” that is now a museum. Crofting is difficult and small-scale; fishing is important, including inland trout and salmon fishing. Harris is also now known for the export of tweed cloth. The administrative capital and main port is Stornoway. Population (1991) 21,737.