an island authority in W Scotland, consisting of the Outer Hebrides; created in 1975. Administrative centre: Stornoway. Pop: 26 100 (2003 est). Area: 2900 sq km (1120 sq miles)
Gaelic name: Na h-Eileanan Siar
2. Also called: Western Islands. another name for Hebrides
Western Isles in American English
administration division of W Scotland comprising the Outer Hebrides: 1,119 sq mi (2,898 sq km); pop. 30,000