The Outer Hebrides are a chain of islands off the western coast of Scotland. The main islands are Lewis, Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra. The islands boast natural beauty with superb deserted beaches and a mountainous back drop. In history the island was at once time occupied by Norse Vikings for 200 years until the Scottish clamed it back after a dispute with the King of Norway and the battle of Largs in 1263. The culture of the island remains the heartland of Scottish Gaelic and is the main language spoken by their inhabitants.