The Minch
The Minch, also called The North Minch, is a strait in north-west Scotland, separating Sutherland, Highland, from Lewis and Harris, Outer Hebrides. The Lower Minch is to the south and separates Skye from the lower Outer Hebrides: North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Barra etc.
The Minch ranges from 20 to 45 miles wide and is approximately 70 miles long. The Lower Minch is about 15 miles wide.
The Minch Project is a collaboration of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland Council and Scottish Natural Heritage which aims to reduce pollution, minimise erosion, minimise litter and promote tourism - in particular wildlife tourism such as dolphin watching - in the Minch. Pollution is a particular concern as the Minch is a busy shipping lane - two and a half million tonnes of shipping pass through the channel each month. The absolute location is 58 degrees north and 5.5 degrees west.
Commercial ferry services across the Minch are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.