Why Was The Island Of St. Kilda Evacuated 1930?

St. Kilda is a remote island lying in the Altlantic Ocean, 64 kilometres west of the Sound of Harris in the Western Isles of Scotland.

The island is exposed to weather conditions of high rainfall and high winds. Life was often very harsh for the inhabitants who were cut off from the Western Isles and the mainland. They had to be self sufficient to a high degree as extreme weather conditions often prevented ships from approaching the island. Gales reaching over 100 knots make movement on and to the island impossible at times.

Food supply was based on visiting ships, sea birds, fish, and some agriculture. Medical help was rare to the islanders.

By the C20 islanders were able to sail on visiting whaling ships to the Hebridean islands to shop. As communications increased the islanders knowedge of the outside world many wished for better conditions than the island could supply.
Helped by district nurse Wilhemina Barclay the islanders finally evacuated on 29th August 1930.

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