The archipelago of St Kilda, the remotest part of the British Isles, lies in the North Atlantic, 100 miles off the West coast of Scotland. Its islands include Hirta, Soay, Boreray, Dun and Levinisha.
St Kilda was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage SIte in 1986 for its natural heritage. Then in 2005, it was successfully nominated for its importance as a cultural landscape, becoming one of only a small number of World Heritage Sites that hold dual status for its natural and cultural qualities.
St Kilda is one of Europe’s most important sea bird colonies. The islands of St Kilda hold over half a million breeding seabirds, including the world’s largest northern gannet colony.
St Kilda has been populated since prehistoric times, exploiting the rich resources of the sea, growing crops and keeping livestock. Over time, the St Kildans lost their self-sufficiency and by the mid 19th century, the population began to decline. In 1930, the final 36 islanders were evacuated to the mainland.
Remains of 'Cleits' - storage buildings at village bay.
