The St Kilda archipelago is noteworthy in its own
right. Remote and spectacular, it lies 110miles from the Scottish mainland.
It contains the westernmost
islands of the Outer Hebrides, of Scotland and of the United Kingdom,
not counting Rockall (which is claimed by several countries). The
largest island is Hirta whose sea cliffs are the highest in the United
Kingdom. The Gaelic-speaking population probably never exceeded 180 in
number and was never more than 100 after 1851. St Kilda was permanently
inhabited for at least two millennia and had a unique way of life. Fowling among the great quantities of sea birds was the
main employment, augmented by sheep herding, crofting and fishing. Its main island of
Hirta maintained its population until 1930, when the islanders were evacuated at there own
request.. The islands continue to
be administratively a part of the Western Isles of Scotland, and are
considered part of Harris parish. The entire archipelago is owned by the
National Trust for Scotland and became one of Scotland's four World
Heritage Sites in 1986, and is one of the few in the world to hold joint
status for its 'natural', 'marine' and 'cultural' qualities. They are a
breeding ground for many important seabird species. The St Kilda Wren
and St. Kilda Field Mouse are endemic sub-species. Parties of volunteers
work on the islands in the summer months to restore the numerous and
unique ruined buildings the native St Kildans left behind. They share
the island with a small military base which was created in 1957.
The St Kilda archipelago is noteworthy in its own
right. Remote and spectacular, it lies 110miles from the Scottish mainland.
It contains the westernmost
islands of the Outer Hebrides, of Scotland and of the United Kingdom,
not counting Rockall (which is claimed by several countries). The
largest island is Hirta whose sea cliffs are the highest in the United
Kingdom. The Gaelic-speaking population probably never exceeded 180 in
number and was never more than 100 after 1851. St Kilda was permanently
inhabited for at least two millennia and had a unique way of life. Fowling among the great quantities of sea birds was the
main employment, augmented by sheep herding, crofting and fishing. Its main island of
Hirta maintained its population until 1930, when the islanders were evacuated at there own
request.. The islands continue to
be administratively a part of the Western Isles of Scotland, and are
considered part of Harris parish. The entire archipelago is owned by the
National Trust for Scotland and became one of Scotland's four World
Heritage Sites in 1986, and is one of the few in the world to hold joint
status for its 'natural', 'marine' and 'cultural' qualities. They are a
breeding ground for many important seabird species. The St Kilda Wren
and St. Kilda Field Mouse are endemic sub-species. Parties of volunteers
work on the islands in the summer months to restore the numerous and
unique ruined buildings the native St Kildans left behind. They share
the island with a small military base which was created in 1957.