The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles (Scottish Gaelic: ), Innse Gall ("islands of the strangers") or the Long Island, is an island chain off the west coast of mainland Scotland. The islands are geographically with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, one of the 32 unitary council areas of Scotland. They form part of the Hebrides, separated from the Scottish mainland and from the Inner Hebrides by the waters of the Minch, the Little Minch and the Sea of the Hebrides. Scottish Gaelic is the predominant spoken language, although in a few areas English speakers form a majority.