[heb-ri-deez] 
) | a group of islands (Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides) off the W coast of and belonging to Scotland. 29,615; ab. 2900 sq. mi. (7500 sq. km). |
| Heb·ri·des (hěb'rĭ-dēz') An island group of western and northwest Scotland in the Atlantic Ocean, divided into the Inner Hebrides, closer to the Scottish mainland, and the Outer Hebrides, to the northwest. The original Celtic inhabitants were conquered by Scandinavians, particularly Norwegians, who ruled the islands until 1266. Native Scottish chieftains controlled the Hebrides until the 16th century, when the islands passed to the kingdom of Scotland. Heb'ri·de'an adj. & n. |