Isle of Lewis

Isle of Lewis Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas Lewis
Area	683 sq mi (1,770 km2)
Population	18,500
• Density	27/sq mi (10/km2)
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	HS1, HS2
Dialling code	01851
Police	Scotland
Fire	Scottish
Ambulance	Scottish
UK Parliament	Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Scottish Parliament	Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Ramsar Wetland
Official name	Lewis Peatlands
Designated	22 December 2000
Reference no.	1046[1]
List of places UK Scotland 58°12′N 6°36′W / 58.2°N 6.6°W / 58.2; -6.6 (Lewis)

The Isle of Lewis^[2] (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Leòdhais) or simply Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas, pronounced [ˈʎɔːəs̪] ^ⓘ) 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).^[3]

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.