This outstanding natural environment was home to a population of around 26,100 in 2003.

Out-migration is a recurrent problem with the highest trend evident among the 18-29 age group. The percentage of households with pensioners is the highest in Scotland at 39% compared to a 31% national average. The percentage of the population who were pensioners in 2003 was 23.4% in the Western Isles compared to 18.9% for Scotland. The community here is strongly rooted in the Gaelic language and while a modern, vibrant culture thrives, it is firmly established in a proud and colourful past.

Over 75% of the islands’ land is in crofting tenure and while the traditions of the crofting way of life are still strong, the main economic sectors in terms of employment are public administration, fishing and fish farming, distribution and construction. There are around 11,500 jobs (9,600 FTES) within the Western Isles economy and an unemployment rate of 3.2% compared to a Scottish average of 3.4%