It is 81 years ago today that the last inhabitants of St Kilda were
evacuated from their isle, situated 40 miles west of North Uist in the
Outer Hebrides. Life had become untenable, when supplies could only be
landed during the summer months. The islanders were also susceptible to
illnesses, brought ashore by visitors. Until the late 19th century,
there was a very high infant mortality rate, attributed to poor hygiene
practices around newborns.
On 29 August 1930, the islanders of Hiort were taken to Lochaline, in
the Morvern peninsula, and then on to Glasgow. Some stayed on at
Lochaline, to work in forestry - an irony, coming as they did from a
treeless island. The island has remained without permanent habitation.
Some of the houses were left with a pile of grain on the table and the
family Bible open at the book of Exodus.
I have only seen St Kilda from North Uist, on a clear day in summer.
It is supposed to be visible from Mangersta, but the distance is 60
miles. The culture of the island was taken away by its people in 1930,
and has been recorded assiduously. This may now be congregated at the St
Kilda Centre, pencilled for a location between Mangersta and Islivig.
It has been argued that a more sympathetic approach from central
government in the early 20th century could have saved St Kilda for
habitation. Maybe so. But it would have destroyed the unique culture,
which came about through its sheer isolation.
Today, my thoughts lie 90 miles to the westsouthwest of Stornoway. The Hiorteachs have gone - their island remains.
Image courtesy Flickr-user iancowe
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