St Kilda I

Finally made it to St Kilda. Travelled with Kilda Cruises who provide a splendid service from Leverburgh on the south coast of Harris to St Kilda about 40 miles out into the North Atlantic.

St Kilda was occupied for thousands of years until 1930 when the residents finally petitioned to be evacuated. The story of the islanders is really well told in Tom Steel’s book (other book vendors are available).

Having been out to the islands one can only be in awe of the resilience of the islanders who survived without fast power boats or helicopters.

The island doesn’t have any permanent residents now, but does have a number of researchers resident each summer, and a small military garrison (who get to use helicopters!) who are there throughout the year.

This is Village Bay, on the south side of Hirta, the main island in the St Kilda group.

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