page_title: Hebrides
section_title: Modern economy
hierarchical_section_title: Hebrides / Modern economy
caption_attribution_description: English: Ellenabeich. Looking down from Dun Mor. Shows abandoned slate quarry flooded with sea water to the left of harbour. Ellenabeich and Easdale Island also shown in the picture were famous for slate. This industry no longer exists, as a result there are a number of flooded slate quarries in the vicinity.
context_page_description: The Hebrides comprise a widespread and diverse archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland. There are two main groups: the Inner and Outer Hebrides.
  These islands have a long history of occupation dating back to the Mesolithic, and the culture of the residents has been affected by the successive influences of Celtic-speaking, Norse-speaking, and English-speaking peoples. This diversity is reflected in the names given to the islands, which are derived from the languages that have been spoken there in historic and perhaps prehistoric times.
  The Hebrides are the source of much of Scottish Gaelic literature and Gaelic music. Today the economy of the islands is dependent on crofting, fishing, tourism, the oil industry, and renewable energy. The Hebrides have lower biodiversity than mainland Scotland, but there is a significant presence of seals and seabirds.
context_section_description: For those who remained, new economic opportunities emerged through the export of cattle, commercial fishing and tourism. Nonetheless emigration and military service became the choice of many and the archipelago's populations continued to dwindle throughout the late 19th century and for much of the 20th century. Lengthy periods of continuous occupation notwithstanding, many of the smaller islands were abandoned.
  There were, however, continuing gradual economic improvements, among the most visible of which was the replacement of the traditional thatched blackhouse with accommodation of a more modern design and with the assistance of Highlands and Islands Enterprise many of the islands' populations have begun to increase after decades of decline. The discovery of substantial deposits of North Sea oil in 1965 and the renewables sector have contributed to a degree of economic stability in recent decades. For example, the Arnish yard has had a chequered history but has been a significant employer in both the oil and renewables industries.
  The widespread immigration of mainlanders, particularly non-Gaelic speakers, has been a subject of controversy.
caption: Sea-filled slate quarries on Seil (foreground) and Easdale in the Slate Islands
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