Minch or North Minch, the belt of sea between the mainland of Scotland and the northern portion of the Outer Hebrides. Extending in a north-north-easterly direction, and forming a continuation of the Little Minch outward to the North Sea, it connects at the SE corner with the channels between the mainland and Skye; has a width of from 23 to 45 miles; and is flanked, on all the E side, by the mainland parts of Ross-shire and Sutherland, on all the W side by Lewis island, inclusive of the northern part of Harris. Its name signifies 'the stormy sea;' its currents are regular and very rapid; its depths are mostly great, and generally so variable as to indicate a very rugged bottom; and its water is exceedingly salt.
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