Sound of Harris

A historical perspective, drawn from the Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland: A Survey of Scottish Topography, Statistical, Biographical and Historical, edited by Francis H. Groome and originally published in parts by Thomas C. Jack, Grange Publishing Works, Edinburgh between 1882 and 1885.

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Harris, The Sound of, measuring 9 miles in length from SE to NW, and between 8 and 12 in breadth, forms the only passage for vessels of burden through the long line of the Outer Hebrides. It contains a number of islands ½ mile to nearly 4 miles in length, and is much encumbered besides with islets, rocks, and shoals; but though considerably difficult and dangerous of navigation, can be safely passed with aid of a skilful pilot. The tidal current in it, from the autumnal to the vernal equinox, runs in neap tides all day from E to W, and all night from W to E; but, from the vernal to the autumnal equinox, runs all day from W to E, and all night from E to W; and, in spring tides, during both periods, corresponds nearly to the common course.

An accompanying 19th C. Ordnance Survey map is available, or use the map tab to the right of this page.

Note: This text has been made available using a process of scanning and optical character recognition. Despite manual checking, some typographical errors may remain. Please remember this description dates from the 1880s; names may have changed, administrative divisions will certainly be different and there are known to be occasional errors of fact in the original text, which we have not corrected because we wish to maintain its integrity. This information is provided subject to our standard disclaimer