4 July 2025
Visiting St Kilda is a privilege that has been my ambition for many years. Rain, rolling seas and thick mist could not dent my excitement. Three miles off the archipelago the cloud lifted to 300 feet and Hirta emerged from the murk. Kilda must be dramatic on a clear day, but the eerie shape of Dùn, rising like a half submerged dragon head, protecting Village Bay from Atlantic storms, heralded an emotive and unforgettable visit to the most westerly part of the British Isles. We spent a few hours ashore, taking in the unique and emotional remnants of twenty centuries of inhabitation, then the following morning we circumnavigated Hirta and Boreray. Countless seabirds swarmed in the skies, into and out of the mist; avian crowded stacs rose out of sapphire seas, teaming with seals, while puffins flapped, guillemots and razorbills chattered, gannets and fulmars soared while skuas watched them, and Soay and Boreray sheep danced across the cliff faces like mountain goats. Then we headed east and, as quickly as she had emerged, Kilda was reclaimed by the mist. The rest of the trip was great, and the weather even improved! Skipper Jake got us everywhere we wanted to go with easy going professionalism, wildlife guide Lauren’s love and knowledge of the seabirds and cetaceans was infectious, chef Charlie’s cooking was superlative, international and sooo tasty, and steward Tani was just lovely, proactive and personable. Also, as a solo traveller, it can be daunting spending 10 days with a dozen strangers…but the other passengers were as wonderful as the crew. 5***** Thank you Hebrides Cruises.
Ellen Orrock
The whole cruise from start to finish was amazing. The crew were attentive, fun, professional, fun, good sports, fun. I could go on. We were very lucky to get two days of sunshine for St Kilda and the Shiants and our timing was impeccable. Thanks James. He remained professional and was great company at dinner. The nightly briefings showed how much thought went into planning where we were to be the next day. Lindsay was great, there was not a minute of the day when she didn't have her eye out for whales, dolphins and birds. We were richly rewarded by having two minky whales swim under our boat. What a sight. We were all a little emotional. Emma our bosun. She was an absolute delight. Hard working and lots of fun. Nothing was too much trouble for her. What a treasure. Lastly but certainly not least. Yvonne, our chef. My husband is still talking about your salmon pie! The food that was produced in your small, rocking kitchen was stunning. I wouldn't have changed a thing. I think everyone on our cruise felt the same. Cheers! Lyndy and Clyde Ronan
Lyndy Ronan: 9 July 2018St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides