St Kilda Expedition

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My slumber in a cabin near the bow of the boat was rudely cut short just after 6.00 hours as we hit the stormy west coast weather as we left the safety of Taransay Bay. For once I thought I'd be seasick as I clattered about trying to get some clothes on. Fortunately I struggled to the boat's stern where life was a little more stable.

Although never calm, the weather eased as we moved closer to St Kilda, catching glimpses of common and white-beaked dolphins either side of the boat as the hills of Harris disappeared behind us.

Slowly but surely St Kilda appeared through the cloud and mist. First Boreray and then Hirta. After six hours at sea we were delighted to step off the inflatable craft into Sun-drenched Village Bay.

I was a little taken aback at first. The MoD seems to have made a complete mess of this historic site. The whole defence complex could have been made more aesthetically in tune with the St Kilda World heritage environment. In terms of position, much of the complex could have been placed to the left of Village Bay as seen from the east. Then it would not have partially hidden and not have detracted from the historic buildings.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy roaming around this historic site, trying to image the hardships faced and pleasures gained by the St Kildans all those years ago. They were certainly hardy a hardy race. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to get close to Boreray, Stac Lee & Stack an Armin to sample the Gannet and Fulmar colonies. that the St Kildans depended on for their survival. I wasn't too bothered because I often visit the Bass Rock near Edinburgh which also has a very large Gannet colony and it's a fantastic sight.

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Photos

Village Bay
Hebridean Princess and Hjalmar Bjorge in Village Bay

Main Street
David relaxing before climbing to the top

The Springdale on Hirta
It will not be used for fishing again!!

Village Bay
Hjalmar Bjorge with Dun as a backdrop