The Outer Hebrides, often also referred to as the Western Isles, lie 65 km off the western coast of Scotland, separated from the mainland by the Inner Hebrides and the intervening seas. Between the Inner and the Outer Hebrides lie the Sea of the Hebrides, the North Minch Channel and the Little Minch Channel. The islands themselves stretch for a distance of some 210 km, from Barra Head Island in the south to the island of Lewis in the north. The largest islands of the Outer Hebrides are Lewis, Harris, North & South Uist, Barra and Bennecula; most of the population lives on Lewis and Harris, and many of the smaller islands are uninhabited.

In spite of the inhospitable terrain, the Outer Hebrides attracts nature lovers in the summer months.  The climate is surprisingly mild for these parts, though there are strong winds that come in from the sea   the year round.