Harris (Scottish Gaelic: Na Hearadh) is the southern part of the main island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. It divides naturally into northern and southern parts, joined by a narrow isthmus at the main settlement of Tarbert, Harris , from which ferries sail to Uig on Skye. Harris was traditionally part of Inverness-shire. In the 2001 census it had a usually resident population of 3,601.

North Harris, adjoining Lewis, contains the Clisham , the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides at 799 metres. The area is sparsely populated. Beyond Tarbert, the main settlement is Hushinish on the west coast. A bridge from the east coast links Harris to Scalpay.

The southern part of Harris is less mountainous, with numerous unspoilt, white sandy beaches on the west coast. Its main settlements are Rodel, known for its parish church decorated with a sheila-na-gig, and Leverburgh from which a ferry sails to Berneray, an island off of North Uist.

Harris is also known for Harris tweed , although it is mostly now made in Lewis.

Harris is notable for its single lane roads with passing lanes at intervals.

Flag

The Harris flag is very similar to the flag of Lewis, its northern neighbour. It consists of four horizontal blue and three horizontal white stripes, in a reversed pattern from that of Lewis (four white and three blue). Whether the Lewis and Harris flags share the same origin is a subject for debate – whilst they share the same island, Lewis used to be part of Ross-shire and Harris, Inverness-shire.

External link

Flags of the world - Hebrides