The Outer Hebrides or Western Isles comprise an island chain off the west coast of Scotland. They form part of the Hebrides, separated from the Scottish mainland and from the Inner Hebrides by the stormy stretch of water known as the Minch and the Little Minch. Exposed to the full elements of the Atlantic, the Western Islands of Lewis, Harris, North and South Uist, Benbecula and Barra are some of the most remote parts of Scotland. The islands can be reached by air from Glasgow and Inverness, and by ferry from Ullapool, Oban, Mallaig and Skye.