Isle of Lewis

This article is about the northern part of an island in Scotland. For the ship, see MV Isle of Lewis. For other uses, see Lewis Island (disambiguation).

Lewis

Leòdhais (Gaelic)
Stornoway Mealaisbhal Callanish standing stones Beach at Mangersta Gearrannan blackhouses
Location
Lewis Map of Lewis & surrounding islands Lewis Lewis shown within Scotland
OS grid reference	NB3030
Coordinates	58.2°N 6.6°W / 58.2; -6.6
Name
Gaelic pronunciation	[ˈʎɔːəs̪] ⓘ
Name meaning	Uncertain; possibly "song house"
Old Norse name	Ljóðhús
Physical geography
Island group	Outer Hebrides
Area	2,195 km2 (847 sq mi)
Highest elevation	574 metres (1,883 ft)
Administration
Council area	Na h-Eileanan Siar
Country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Demographics
Population	18,500
Largest settlement	Stornoway
References

The Isle of Lewis or simply Lewis is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides archipelago in Scotland. The two parts are frequently referred to as if they were separate islands. 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 larger area and 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 the Isles. Today, life is very different from elsewhere in Scotland, with Sabbath observance, the Scottish 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.