Isle of Lewis
| Lewis | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Lewis shown within the Outer Hebrides | |
| Area | 683 sq mi (1,770 km2) |
| Population | 18,500 |
| • Density | 27/sq mi (10/km2) |
| Language |
Scottish Gaelic English |
| OS grid reference | NB426340 |
| • Edinburgh | 276 miles (444 km) |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | STORNOWAY ISLE OF LEWIS |
| Postcode district | HS1, HS2 |
| Dialling code | 01851 |
| Police | Scottish |
| Fire | Scottish |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament | |
| Scottish Parliament | |
| Pronunciation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scots Gaelic: | Eilean Leòdhais | |
| Pronunciation: | [elan ˈʎɔːəʃ] | |
| Scots Gaelic: | Eilean an Fhraoich | |
| Pronunciation: | [ˈelan ən̪ˠ rˠɯːç] | |
Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas, pronounced [ʎɔː.əs̪], also Isle of Lewis) is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides (an archipelago in Scotland). The total area of Lewis is 683 square miles (1,770 km2).
Lewis is, in general, the lower-lying part of the island: the other part, Harris, is more mountainous. Due to its flatter, more fertile land, Lewis contains three-quarters of the population of the Western Isles, and the largest settlement, Stornoway. The island's diverse habitats are home to an assortment of flora and fauna, such as the golden eagle, red deer and seal, and are recognised in a number of conservation areas.
Lewis has a Presbyterian tradition and a rich history. It was once part of the Norse Kingdom of Mann and the Isles. Today, life is very different from elsewhere in Scotland, with Sabbath observance, the Gaelic language and peat cutting retaining more importance than elsewhere. Lewis has a rich cultural heritage as can be seen from its myths and legends as well as the local literary and musical traditions.
The Gaelic name Leòdhas may be derived from Norse Ljoðahús ("song house"), although other origins have been suggested – most notably the Gaelic leogach ("marshy"). It is probably the place referred to as Limnu by Ptolemy, which also means "marshy". It is also known as the "Isle of Lewis" (Gaelic: Eilean Leòdhais). Another name usually used in a cultural or poetic context is Eilean an Fhraoich, ("Heather Isle"). although this refers to the whole of the island of Lewis and Harris.
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