The Gaelic name of Na h-Eileanan Tarsainn translates as "cross isles", referring to the islands' position between Morar and Uist.

[7] Smaller islands surrounding the main four include: There are also a number of skerries: According to the 2011 census, the total population of the Small Isles was 153.

[14][15] A Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, MV Lochnevis, links the Small Isles to each other and to the mainland port of Mallaig.

[19] The Small Isles are all important for their wildlife,[20] with Rùm being designated as both a national nature reserve and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

[21][22] Rùm is home to one of the world's largest colonies of Manx shearwater,[21] and was the location for the first stage of the reintroduction of white-tailed sea-eagles into Scotland, with 82 birds being released between 1975 and 1985.

[23] Rùm, and Canna and Sanday (jointly), are designated as Special Protection Areas (SPA) due their birdlife, with all three islands hosting important breeding populations of guillemots and kittiwakes.

[25] Around 800 square kilometres (300 sq mi) of the waters around Rùm, Canna and the low-lying rocky islet of Oigh-sgeir have been designated as the Small Isles Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (NCMPA).