The uninhabited island of Sursay lies in the Sound of Harris, 5 miles north east of Lochmaddy. It was used by the crofters of Berneray for peats and pasture until 1848, when the rights were removed by Factor MacDonald. As Malcolm MacLeod reported in his evidence to the Napier Commission in 1883, the factor 'asked for this island only for a month or two; but he retained it till the day of his death, subletting it to any person he pleased.'