In this episode we chat with the archaeological (Clare Henderson) and wildlife (Craig Nisbet) rangers of St Kilda, the island group which sits 100 miles away from mainland Scotland. 

This rugged and isolated location has both an amazing human history along with extraordinary wildlife. It's home to a million sea birds, the highest sea cliffs & sea stacks in the UK along with being a duel UNESCO world heritage site. The island archipelago sits right out in the North Atlantic so has a well respected reputation for fearsome weather, but it's location also means it's a magnet for a whole range of wildlife above and below the waves. 

Clare & Craig give us a glimpse into their lives on the island as they spend a summer season based out there. Tales of snedge the snowy owl, living in the luxury of the manse, commuting to work by helicopter, wild swimming, seabird surveys, weather, human history, penguins and of course the basking sharks, and specially the baby shark that was seen this summer past!

It's a dream location to visit and one which is a difficult one to undertake with all the conditions required to come together. We are hoping to visit in May during a week based on Barra. Fancy joining us for a wild adventure!  Check out our trip here.

For more information on the islands check out the NTS website here (National Trust for Scotland).