[6] The island is 72 hectares (180 acres) in area, and 35 metres (115 feet) at its highest point, Cnoc a' Chombaiste (compass hill).

The other main geomorphological features are Acarseid Mór (big harbour) to the west a "shallow and weedy inlet with a rocky shore" and Loch Hermetray at the island's centre.

Yet not withstanding this disadvantage, it is certainly the best spot of its extent for pasturage amongst these isles, and affords plenty of milk in January and February beyond what can be seen in other islands.

[4] North Uist was much affected by the Highland Clearances from where there was large scale emigration to Cape Breton in Canada[11] but no certain reasons for the abandonment of Hermetray have come to light.

Reportedly the three survivors would not partake of a crate of whisky which was wrecked with them, and did not thank their rescuer, Alasdair Beag of Berneray, when he arranged for them to be returned to their home country.

[4] Gulls and buzzards nest in the low cliffs[4] and escaped American mink have been trapped on the island during an eradication programme.

[4] In the Harry Potter universe, at some point in the 16th century Zygmunt Budge, an accomplished maker of potions, took up residence on Hermetray after leaving Hogwarts in protest at the age of 14.