Geology, geography and climate Hebrides

the caledonian macbrayne ferry mv hebrides leaving lochmaddy skye

the hebrides have diverse geology ranging in age precambrian strata amongst oldest rocks in europe paleogene igneous intrusions.

the hebrides can divided 2 main groups, separated 1 minch north , sea of hebrides south. inner hebrides lie closer mainland scotland , include islay, jura, skye, mull, raasay, staffa , small isles. there 36 inhabited islands in group. outer hebrides chain of more 100 islands , small skerries located 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of mainland scotland. there 15 inhabited islands in archipelago. main islands include barra, benbecula, berneray, harris, lewis, north uist, south uist, , st kilda. in total, islands have area of approximately 7,200 square kilometres (2,800 sq mi) , population of 44,759.

a complication there various descriptions of scope of hebrides. collins encyclopedia of scotland describes inner hebrides lying east of minch , include , offshore islands. there various islands lie in sea lochs such eilean bàn , eilean donan might not ordinarily described hebridean , no formal definitions exist.

in past, outer hebrides referred long isle (scottish gaelic: t-eilean fada). today, known western isles, although phrase can used refer hebrides in general.

the hebrides have cool temperate climate remarkably mild , steady such northerly latitude, due influence of gulf stream. in outer hebrides average temperature year 6 °c (44 °f) in january , 14 °c (57 °f) in summer. average annual rainfall in lewis 1,100 millimetres (43 in) , sunshine hours range 1,100 – 1,200 per annum. summer days relatively long, , may august driest period.

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