St Kilda
St Kilda
Outer Hebrides | Travelling around Outer Hebrides | Accommodation | General Information | Lewis (Leodhas | Harris (Na Hearadh) | North Uist | Berneray | Benbecula | South Uist | Barra | St Kilda
Introduction Over 40 miles west of the Outer Hebrides lie the spectacular and isolated islands of St Kilda, Scotland's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Kilda captures the imagination of most visitors to the Outer Hebrides, whether they actually get there or just dream about romantic voyages to mysterious lands across perilous seas. The largest of the islands, Hirta, was the remotest community in Britain, if not Europe, until 1930, when the remaining 36 Gaelic-speaking inhabitants were evacuated at their own request, in one of the most poignant episodes of Scottish history.
In 1957 the islands become the property of the National Trust for Scotland, who in turn leased them to the Nature Conservancy (the forerunner of Scottish Natural Heritage) as a National Nature Reserve. St Kilda is the most important seabird breeding station in northwest Europe. The islands are home to the largest colony of gannets in the world, the largest colony of fulmars in Britain, and one the largest colonies of puffins in Scotland. These huge numbers of seabirds were vital to the islanders' survival. Their eggs provided food in the summer, and gannets and fulmers were caught each season to be plucked, dried and stored for the winter. Their feathers and oil were kept for export to generate income, whilst their bones were shaped into useful tools and their skins into shoes.
Today Hirta is partly occupied by the army as a radar-tracking station for the rocket range on South Uist and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. For more information, contact Scottish Natural Heritage, 135 Stilligarry, South Uist, HS8 5RS, Tel. 01870-620238. For details of tours, ask at one of the main tourist information centres in the Outer Hebrides.
Getting there
The biggest problem apart from accessibility is cost, although it is definitely possible if you're prepared to break the bank. Island Cruising in Uig, on Lewis (Tel. 01851-672381, Fax. 672212) arranges boat trips to St Kilda from April to October starting from about £300 (4-day all-inclusive). The tour comprises the journey to and from St Kilda and a landing on Hirta with a visit to the museum, the old village and a wider exploration of the island including a climb up to the highest sea cliffs in the British Isles at Conachair (430 m).
The National Trust for Scotland also organises two-week long voluntary Work Parties throughout the summer every year to undertake restoration, maintenance and archaeology projects around the old village on Hirta. The groups are very popular, and each volunteer must complete an application form, so apply early. The fortnight costs between £450 and £500 and this covers transport from Oban to St Kilda and all food and lodging costs while on the island. For details contact National Trust for Scotland in Oban, Tel. 01631-570000, Fax. 570011, stkilda@nts.org.uk