The island is characterised by a table topped hill at its southern end.

Shuna is recorded in a late 16th-century document as belonging to John Stewart, the Laird of Appin.

[5] He may have built Castle Shuna, a small tower-house, which is now in ruins and lies at the south end.

[9] Opposite Castle Shuna, at the head of Loch Laich, is the island fortress of Castle Stalker, also historically a possession of the Stewarts of Appin.

[10] The island forms part of the Lynn of Lorn National Scenic Area, one of 40 in Scotland.