Wiay, Outer Hebrides

Wiay
Scottish Gaelic nameBhuia/Fuidheigh
Location
Wiay
Wiay shown within the Outer Hebrides
OS grid referenceNF873459
Coordinates57°24′04″N 7°12′11″W / 57.401°N 7.203°W / 57.401; -7.203
Physical geography
Island groupOuter Hebrides
Area375 ha (927 acres)
Area rank78=
Highest elevationBeinn a' Tuath 102 m (335 ft)
Administration
Council areaNa h-Eileanan Siar
CountryScotland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Demographics
Population0
References

Wiay (Scottish Gaelic: Bhuia or Fuidheigh) is an uninhabited island in the Outer Hebrides.

It lies south-east of Benbecula 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. The Eileanan Chearabhaigh lie to the north beyond Loch a' Laip.

In the 18th century Bonnie Prince Charlie is said to have hidden in a cave on the island after the Battle of Culloden. 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.