The Minch is a body of water separating north-west mainland Scotland from the Isle of Lewis (the northern Outer Hebrides). The Lower Minch is to the south and separates the Isle of Skye from the lower Outer Hebrides. The Minch, also called The North Minch, ranges from 20 to 45 miles wide and is approximately 70 miles long. The Lower Minch is about 15 miles wide.

The local government of the area (the Western Isles unitary authority) run the Minch Project which aims to reduce pollution, minimize erosion, minimize 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.

Commercial ferry services across the Minch are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.

Reference

• Western Isles local government Minch project