Isle of Lewis
Also known as Leòdhas, Leodhas, Lewis
northern part of the Scottish island Lewis and Harris
Key facts
- Area
- 683 sq mi (1,770 km )
- Population
- 18,500
- Density
- 27/sq mi (10/km )
- Demonym
- Leòdhasach, Lewisian
- Language
- Scottish Gaelic , English
- Os grid reference
- NB3030
- Edinburgh
- 276 miles (444 km)
- Council area
- Na h-Eileanan Siar
- Lieutenancy area
- Western Isles
- Country
- Scotland
- Sovereign state
- United Kingdom
- Post town
- STORNOWAY , ISLE OF LEWIS
- Postcode district
~38 min read
Article
The Isle of Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Leòdhais, pronounced [ˈelan ˈʎɔːəs̪] ) 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 km).
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.