Island life on St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides was, in the past, not for the faint of heart. This isolated archipelago off the northwest coast of Scotland is as remote as it gets, with craggy cliff tops, green slopes and historic stone structures that showcase how difficult existence must have been for the community that lived here until 1930.

Today, however, any traveler exploring what to do in the Outer Hebrides will find a treasure when they go to St Kilda. With some of the highest cliffs in Europe, the storm-swept group of islands of St Kilda is one of few UNESCO World Heritage Sites awarded dual status for both its natural and cultural heritage. For at least 4,000 years a human settlement existed here until the 36 remaining islanders asked to be evacuated to the mainland due to life no longer being sustainable.

Exploring ancient history

Wildlife photographer, Silversea expedition guide and filmmaker Denis Elterman has explored the historic landscape and the thriving wildlife that has its own extraordinary history.

“St Kilda is one of the most remote places in Great Britain and only accessible by boat, but what makes it so interesting is that it is no longer inhabited and now serves as a radar tracking station by the military,” says Denis, who traveled to the location from the Isle of Skye.

“We began roaming around the island, looking at the different structures and birds. It was visited during the Bronze Age and there is a flock of feral sheep that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, and which are the wild ancestors of modern sheep.”

St Kilda is also renowned for its burgeoning birdlife, with nearly one million seabirds found here at the peak of the breeding season. Yet for most visitors like Denis, it is learning about the spirit of the St Kildan people that leaves a lasting impression.

The footprints of a brave, hardy community

“It’s a very desolate place as there’s no one there, but it can be very tranquil and peaceful at the same time,” he says. “When you understand how extreme the environment was for people to live there while being cut off from civilization, you realize that they had to get really ingenious. It was really tough living.”

St Kilda is just one example of the rugged beauty found in the British Isles. The Isle of Lunga, for instance, is home to a wide variety of birds, including charming Atlantic Puffins.

Want to go to St Kilda, and explore more options for what to do in the Outer Hebrides? Start by browsing these Silversea cruises in Northern Europe & the British Isles.