The small island of Benbecula lies between North and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. The name is derived from Gaelic meaning 'Pennyland of the Ford', which relates to its low-lying, dangerous stretches of tidal sands. The island has an area of about 7 square miles (18 square km) of largely flat terrain dotted by dozens of lochs and lochans. It is linked to the neighbouring Uist by causeways.