The Natural Environment

Offshore Islands

There are hundreds of offshore islands in the Hebridean chain; many were inhabited at one time but have been deserted over the last two centuries, leaving behind empty villages and crofts. Some, though, are still thriving, now linked by causeways and bridges to the mainland islands.

Further offshore, the uninhabited isles form some of the most important sea bird breeding stations in North West Europe.

Their isolation and geography combine to form the perfect destination for many mating species.

Key breeding colonies are located on the Shiants, Handa, Priest Island, Flannan Isles, the Monachs, Mingulay, Berneray (south of Mingulay), Rona and Sula Sgeir.

St Kilda has the highest sea cliffs in the UK and is home to the largest colony of Guillemots in the world and the biggest colony of Puffins in Britain, with over one million birds in total.

Many outlying islands have seal colonies, such as Shillay and the Monachs, but access is denied during mating season as they can get very territorial!

As well as being wildlife havens, these offshore islands, offer total solitude and escape from the modern world. Taransay in the Sound of Harris is a great example: it was made famous by the BBC's Castaway 2000 series and although uninhabited, it has a converted holiday home available to visitors, the perfect place for a retreat from the pressures of modern life!