Geography For Schools

St Kilda is a group of islands situated 41km west of Eilean Siar. Hirta is the largest island and where the main population lived.

On 29 August 1930 the community comprising 36 people were evacuated at their own request. The islands are now owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland and are a World Heritage site and do not have a permanent population. However the history of the islands reflect the problems of island life and patterns of immigration and emigration in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

• In 1727 there was an outbreak of smallpox and most of the islanders died.

• People were sent from Harris to repopulate the islands.

• During the 1850’s over 35 of the islanders emigrated to Australia although many died on the way.

• In the 20th century, the islands became more reliant on the outside world for food and supplies but stormy weather often meant they were effectively cut off from the rest of the world.

Further information on St. Kilda can be found on the web site: www.kilda.org.uk