Wiay from the air with Peter's Port onEilean na Cille in the foreground
It lies south-east ofBenbecula and measures approximately 375 hectares (927 acres). The island is very flat with fertile ground and sandy beaches to the west whilst the east is predominantly peat moorland with a rocky coastline incorporating many small islands and inlets. The highest point on the island is Beinn a’ Tuath which rises to 102 m (335 ft). On the west side of the island are the ruins of an old cottage overlooking Bagh na Murla. TheEileanan Chearabhaigh lie to the north beyond Loch a' Laip.
In the 18th centuryBonnie Prince Charlie is said to have hidden in a cave on the island after theBattle of Culloden.[6] The cave, known as Prince Charlie's Rest, is found to the east of the island at the foot of Beinn a Tuath and has clear views over the Minch and to Skye.
Wiay was reported to have six inhabitants in 1861, but has been deserted since 1901.
In 2013 the island was put up for sale at a reported price of £500,000.[6]
