St Kilda

Designated a World Heritage Site in 1986.

St Kilda is a group of islands that form the remotest part of the British Isles lying 41 miles west of Benbecula in Scotland's famous Outer Hebrides.

Initially inscribed on the World Heritage List for its outstanding magnificent physical beauty, biological character and wildlife in 1986, the site's inscription was extended today to cover its cultural value, thus becoming a mixed site.

St Kilda has become 1 of only 24 locations in the world to be awarded World Heritage Status for both natural and cultural significance. The remote Hebridean Islands share this honour with natural and cultural wonders such as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in Peru and Mount Athos in Greece.

Its islands with their exceptional cliffs and sea stacks form the most important seabird breeding station in north-west Europe - one of the reasons it was inscribed for its natural landscape. However, evacuations on the islands staring as far back as 1930 have revealed the extraordinary story of survival of its native population leading to its second inscription for its cultural landscape.

For more than 5000 years a community survived on these remote, inhospitable islands described as "the edge of the world".  Evidence has been found which confirms people have lived on St Kilda for more than 2000 years and visited as many as 5000 years ago. Limited human interference over 5 millennia means it represents a highly authentic example of a unique way of life, now lost.

Get your Great British Heritage Pass

For any of you garden lovers or those planning a history or heritage themed trip around Britain, the essential "buy before you leave" product is the Great British Heritage Pass. Providing free entry into over 600 castles, gardens and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain, it really is the key to unlocking Britain's secrets.

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