Visiting The Evacuated Scottish Island

[@ruthaisling]

Part 2 is now available to watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmWVnZiBpMupfKc Let me know what you think of St. Kilda and would you visit this island? Don't forget you can get 10% off your Manta Sleep Mask by using the code "RUTHAISLING” at checkout - tinyurl.com/essxvnrh

[@monster21blog36tv]

Great job on your KZbin video 👏🍀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@davidjones6470]

Yes,

[@levistubbs8949]

A tad expensive thou !

[@dougthatcher3521]

Intriguing for sure, but I wouldn't want to try to affort to go there!

[@UKSh1thole]

Tried to in August but cancelled due bad weather.

[@christopherbrearley6205]

I was on St Kilda for about 6 or 7 months while in the military back in the late 1970's, and spent many hours walking the island and taking pictures. During the summer months, the national trust for Scotland would have groups of people who would come over and stay in the village cottages for one or two weeks at a time to do renovations around the village. During the winter months, it would only be the military that was on the island, even the warden would leave for the winter. When the weather was bad, if the resupply ships or helicopters couldn't get into Kilda, they would do 'airdrops', this would be where food, mail and other urgent supplies would be packed into bags and dropped out of a plane which would fly low over the island. Occasionally a bag would go over the cliffs into the ocean all the supplies in that bag would be lost, I can remember at least 3 or 4 bags being lost this way.

[@6yjjk]

Back in the 90s, our flying school had a contract to deliver to St Kilda. They tell me this was accomplished by blasting a Cessna 310 down the hill at silly height and kicking a sack out the back door. I hinted, I pleaded, I may even have begged, but I never managed to blag a ride.

[@christopherbrearley6205]

@@6yjjk That's pretty much what they did, but they would usually come in over the bay, up the hill and swing left over the island while kicking out 2 or 3 bags, it would be the third bag that had the potential to go over the cliffs, around the area of the old radar station there. Somewhere I probably still have some photographs of the plane as bags are being dropped out.

[@NicolaNicholas-mo6dy]

Why is the island used as military ? Who gave them the right to dictate land to be evacuated.. seems to me between the guise of religion war and government it’s just all an excuse for certain folks to impose themselves on everyone else for their want. If no one had armies we wouldn’t have wars and if no one had weapons or agreed to take another’s life we wouldn’t have the “safe and protect “ narrative Wonder when the penny will drop as to how we are ALL manipulated and exploited into a course of action

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you for sharing about your experiences being there, it's so interesting!

[@therespectedlex9794]

With parachutes?

[@andrewm190E]

My ancestors are the Gillies and Fergusons of St Kilda. If I was there and couldn't leave for a few days because the boat didn't turn up, I'd be thinking..AWESOME🤩👍

[@iamcarbonandotherbits.8039]

When I was posted to Benbecula, Outer Hebrides for 5 years with the MT section. We used to do a 6 to 8 week stint on St kilda, housed in Herta Bay. We were nearly always choppered in, I went once by LCL, and for a while we were followed by a pod of small white whales, not sure of the type of whale they were. My time on kilda was amazing, driving up to the radar station with the operators was something of a ride, because near the top of the track there's a nearly vertical bend to the left that you could only manage in 4 wheel drive, low ratio, 1st gear til you got to the level track of the caldera again, then it was a straight run to the radar building. Once one of our lads was coming back down along the top of the ridge when a gust of wind blew his land-rover off the edge, he jumped out in time, but the rover was just a lump of scrap metal by the time it stopped rolling and crashing to the bottom of the volcano. Another time we went fishing in the island's dinghy and I had my fish stolen off my hook by a seal, whilst my mate caught a ruddy big conga eel, the camp chef cooked it up in butter and it was lovely, my first and last conga dish so far. At the radar station is a visitors book, my names 3rd down from princess Anne's, infact I've signed it 4 times once for each visit. Oh' and i carved out a wooden boat placed my name rank, number and address into it, sealed it in candle wax, and threw it into the ocean from lovers leap, which is about a 1000 foot drop. I could go on about the puffins and all the other land and sea animals out there, the huge force 10 and 11 storms that had us battened down for days sometimes, but I think you've heard enough from me, time to give someone else a say.🤗

[@vincentvangogh8092]

A FRIEND OF MINE NAMED MUNROE was at benbecula there do you know him by any chance

[@sarahhale-pearson533]

Lovely stories. Thank you.

[@ricerice28]

thx for sharing your stories here which offers me a glimpse into what it is like to live on the uninhabited island....so intriguing....

[@caroleminke6116]

Thanx 👍 I will never grumble about weather here in Florida again 😉

[@amandaevans9869]

Love these stories ! Must have been an unforgettable experience

[@colibri492]

I've piloted a helicopter several times, landing on St Kilda to bring personnel and supplies for the military. It was a privilege to visit where most people don't get the opportunity. When strong winds blow over the surrounding tops of high ground, the turbulence can make flight into the bay quite dangerous. I've walked up to the abandoned houses.

[@ginabiter-mundt8762]

Greetings Ruth from Northern California, USA. I love to find these hiking and travel videos and when I came across your You Tube channel, it touched my heart. I feel as though I'm on the hike with you, learning the folklore and experiencing the true way of life in a remote and isolated place where few live. You bring that part of the world alive for me. I have always wanted to travel to Scotland and unfortunately I will never be able to hike the paths you travel, but you give me the feeling of being there. I have been a wheelchair user since I was a teenager, but that never stopped me. I always had the want to travel and explore and I did my best to travel to places I never thought I'd experience. I am a mature, wise woman and now travel vicariously through adventurous souls like you. Thank you for giving me the chance to explore and camp with you.

[@johnmcdade7379]

For people in similar circumstances there are wheel chair adapted motorhomes for hire in Scotland, fully adapted as is possible to be free on the road here ,lifts ,ramps, hoists , anchor points ,all manner of safety belts etc. They can be booked online at various companies dotted around Scotland by a simple search online. Hope this helps in some small way

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you for your comment, I loved reading it. I'm really happy that you can travel and hike vicariously through the videos!

[@Travelin_Man1]

There are also now some off-road tracks that can fit a wheelchair that look very promising! I don't know what they would cost but it looks like they would potentially be wonderful for helping the less-mobile hike on these types of trails.

[@jimcaveman5053]

Hello Ruth, You mention in the video that the island was once owned by the Macleod clan of the Isle of Skye. Some members of the clan moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, USA in the 1800's, changing the spelling of their surname to McCloud. My son married one of them when we lived in Knoxville. They named their daughter Skye! By the way, I've watched many of your videos. Jim

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you Jim 👍

[@carolinemacrae6227]

I always thought mc cloud is Scottish and so is of skye. There are many clouds in the sky. Is 5here historian who could write a poem about clouds of a sky, I'm thinking.

[@skst9357]

As a Norwegian, I follow your travels and great reports from Scotland. What a wonderful country. A very good and informative video

[@Dragonfly20233]

Ruth, my husband and I(we are in our 40's) watch your videos on the regular. We just love them! We lived in Europe for 6 years and traveled all over. Just before returning to the States 2 years ago we visited Scotland with our teens sons for a short trip and I fell in love. I have been longing to return ever since and your videos are like a salve to my soul. Watching you be so brave reminds me that I can too and that we might get the chance, once again, to travel overseas and I know ALL the places in Scotland I want to visit now thanks to your videos!

[@EileenSpeakman]

I've only ever visited mainland Scotland. It really is beautiful. But I couldn't live there in the winters, they can be very harsh. I hope you are able to return, there is so much to see. E❤

[@Earthstein]

Ruth, You are probably already familiar with the beautiful music that a young (22yo) Felix Mendelssohn wrote after a his visit to Scotland in 1829; Die Hebriden (The Hebrides). I fell under the spell of this music in the early 1960's. If you have not heard it, you are going to love love love it.

[@ruthaisling]

No, I don't know it! I will check it out, thanks for sharing!

[@RogerRoving]

Been to St Kilda twice on sailing boats, but only been able to land once. Utterly remarkable place.

[@ruthaisling]

It is remarkable!

[@martincannon1078]

You have a lot of GUMPTION Ruth. I like that word for you! The way you run your site, the sponsors you take on, the subjects you choose. I am in total admiration. Bravo from Lyon, France.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you Martin! I like that word!

[@stickaround]

I read the book 'The Life and Death of St. Kilda' by Tom Steel and it was such a fascinating read. I recommend it to anyone interested in learning more.

[@hablin1]

I have just read that a fantastic book ❤

[@hyperacusiswikipedia7928]

Ruth, Sterling here in Texas. I “discovered” St. Kilda 9 years ago through a book I bought and I very VERY much appreciate your video and adventure to Hirta. Your storytelling is SO MUCH BETTER than that book. Amazing place. Thanks for sharing.

[@ruthaisling]

I’m so pleased. Thank you 😊

[@Cascademountains]

Read about the dead dogs on Google.

[@burkhardjager8563]

Dear Ruth, thank you very much for this interesting trip. Your films are better than any report on TV. I love Scotland and your friendly way of explaining everything. I hope you have recovered from the scare with the mouse. Please keep it up. It's wonderful to watch you. Best wishes from Germany.

[@ruthaisling]

Many thanks!

[@ksmit0111]

Hey Ruth, love your channel. I am a former USAF Piot stationed at RAF Lakenheath from 1985-1989, yes it has been a bit. Had such a wonderful time there and met so many wonderful people. Any way I just became a Patreon and am looking forward to all your future content.

[@ruthaisling]

That sounds an amazing experience. Thanks for joining Patreon!

[@ericrabinowitz2920]

Oh Ruth, this is a good one. Your face at the close is so expressive! The suspense is marvelous. ... I find the isolation of St. Kilda a bit intimidating. Your video shows a much homier place than I imagined. So I'm looking forward to 'The Next Exciting Episode!'

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Eric! I was so shocked the boat wasn’t there, I wasn’t expecting that! Next video coming soon!

[@ericrabinowitz2920]

@@ruthaisling Glad you're home and safe.

[@JohnVoll-kp7qb]

Greetings from Norway. So nice and interessting video. About mice. A few drops of genuine peppermint oil fix that problem. And it smells good. I had mouse invation in my car. Last winter I had none after using this trick. I even put food on car floor to check. I guess it would work good in a tent too. John.

[@BruceSymons]

This is fabulous Ruth, your research , photography and narrative clearly show the hard way of life experienced by all who lived on these islands. Tough people indeed . Thank you, from Oz 🇦🇺

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PhilStern80]

What a nice place to visit. Your excitement for the places you seek out, is what makes this channel so worthwhile. Always stay safe on your journeys, Ruth. Best wishes from Germany. Phil.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you Phil!

[@jenniferlevine5406]

You make such wonderful videos! This one is terrific. Most of us would never be able to get to St. Kilda so it is great to have such a first hand tour. Thank you so much!

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@janettesinclair6279]

"Stuck on St Kilda with a pet mouse ......" That is real cliff hanger!

[@Basque-Aragon]

Heck, it might keep her company if she's there for a while!

[@ruthaisling]

😂😂

[@michaelsimmons261]

You beat me to the cliff hanger thing😊

[@apennell3575]

The Mouse was eying up Ruth as its next dinner.

[@zapfanzapfan]

Very cute little company.

[@charlesboyer61]

Some say that without uncertainty and discomfort, there is no adventure. I'll let you decide if that's true, but this certainly seemed like an adventure at the end of the video. Thanks for sharing!

[@auldfouter8661]

Wonderful video - very professional. When I was 14 in 1971 my family took part in the National Trust For Scotland's island cruise on a German boat called the Regina Maris, For a week we travelled right round Scotland leaving from Gourock , circumnavigating Ailsa Craig that evening. The first full day we did Iona in the am then Staffa and Rum. Next day was Skye ( Loch Scresort)and Stornoway ( we were taken to the Callanish standing stones, Eriskay was the next day then after that out to St Kilda for the fourth day being landed using the lifeboats from the cruise ship. We were meant to land on Foula the following day but there was too much swell. We had a night in Lerwick and the following day was spent on Westray ( Orkney). The last day we went all the way down to the Farne Islands finishing that night in Leith. Unforgettable. I've never been abroad but count myself lucky to have got to St Kilda.

[@ruthaisling]

That sounds like a really incredible trip and I hope to visit some of those places soon!

[@andrewmaccallum2367]

Excellent video, as always! 👏👏👏 When i was a wee boy, one of our neighbours had been one of the last evacuees from St.Kilda as a wee girl. Her name was Katie Gillies .

[@ruthaisling]

Oh wow that is so interesting, where did you life in Scotland?

[@andrewmaccallum2367]

​@ruthaisling in Oban Ruth, there were several folks from St.Kilda relocated here. If I recall correctly, her name was carved into a wooden school desk on the island.. all the children did the same before they left, apparently. I only ever remember hearing her speak Gaelic. Most of my neighbours were fluent in it. Especially the elderly folk, they never spoke in English to each other. There's also a town called St.Kilda in Australia.. my daughter lived there for a few months, several years ago 💙

[@davidponseigo8811]

The chubby little mice are also adorable, I would be tempted to take one home, I wouldn't but would be tempted !

[@lornarettig3215]

They are surely well-adapted! 🐭

[@sparkplug0000]

Every time I see the rock walls, sheep pens, “cleats(?)”, and other rock structures of the British Isles, I can’t help but think of the human effort, and probably generations of time, it took to build all that. And it makes my back hurt just thinking of picking up all those stones and stacking them. Truly a testament to human determination and the eventual outcome of doing a seemingly insurmountable task one step at a time.

[@twiglet2214]

Yes and for entertainment we listen to.......rock music.....!

[@brendawomack5380]

One rock at a time..

[@SurfergirlKH]

They probably had rock-hard ABS 😂😂😂

[@twiglet2214]

@@SurfergirlKH They also knew that history would soon be a thing of the past !

[@Charl_19]

Ruth, your content is awesome. Sitting in California and love hoking/camping, you've made Scotland so approachable in all your videos. Thank you for all your efforts...peace!!!

[@fraserthomson5766]

Oh well, there's a cozy tent and plenty of birds to eat. Tune in next week to see Ruth slide down the cliffs using horse hair rope to gather provisions until the boat returns..

[@ruthaisling]

How did you guess!! 😂😂

[@vivellasmum]

😂😂

[@armstronggermany2995]

Brilliant 👋👋👋

[@FredaGriffiths]

Thank you Ruth for showing St.Kilda i(Hirta Island) in detail and explaining so much about the place. I read the book The Life and Death of St. Kilda back in the day when it was first published. The harsh life the people had and the way they survived is truly amazing. No doubt the latter day tourists added to the reason so many left the island. It is good to see that some of the cottages have been maintained and renovated. You are very lucky to have experienced the place. I have also experienced mice and sheep whilst camping on other Scottish islands and it is a bit disconcerting at the time. Do keep adding the vlogs of your travels.

[@alanbinks6106]

I've bought the book you recommended and now reading it. Thank you.

[@rayrecrok]

Thanks, Ruth. I have been to Kilda a few times but never went anywhere but Village Bay and the NAAFI in the buildings for the early warning to have a pint with the squaddies. We were anchored in the bay and spent the day diving all the islands, there was a Spanish Galleon reporter to be wrecked against the cliffs, one from the Armada that didn't make it home, and all we found was an old steam trawler well broken up, you said I would enjoy your next episode, guess what you were right. The island is very different than when I was there, a good thing or bad?

[@bosswardrop]

Great video Ruth - i'd love to be marooned on st Kilda - piece quiet and stunning views (as long as the weather is OK!)

[@ruthaisling]

The views are stunning!

[@clivebuckland6902]

Oh Wow Ruth. Another great Vlog with wonderful informative commentary and stunning camera work. The cleats are amazing and so many of them, I can’t imagine eating sea birds but I suppose needs must.. The views are amazing. Stac Lee and Stac an Armin , the story of eight boys and three men stranded on Stac an Armin is amazing. How did they tie themselves to the top of the cliff and hang off the side to hunt sea birds! I certainly would rather fish. I admire you for sleeping in a tent so remotely and your mouse encounter would have freaked me out. The history of the community that once lived on the island is fascinating. I really felt for you being stranded on the island. Your face said it all. Thank You and well done Ruth for another amazing insight of an island I never knew existed

[@johnraworth8019]

Great video. We watched it eating our Sunday Tea ! As we live in the Highlands, you are giving us lots of ideas to explore that would never have given us a thought otherwise. Keep these wonderful videos coming 👍

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks John! Hope you can visit sometime!

[@thehighlandlife2023]

Yes same here! We live in the Highlands and just got back from visiting the isle of Muck after watching Ruth’s video of her visit! So many incredible places to explore around the Highlands and Islands!!

[@e.k.4508]

How can one eat tea? I usually drink it. Just curious (from the Netherlands)

[@SurfergirlKH]

@@e.k.4508Dinner is called „tea“ in the UK. Confused me first too but I asked my british friend. Love from germany, your „neighbour“ 😂

[@darrellashby3906]

A fascinating episode to be sure! St. Kilda’s history (especially what you presented on Hirta) is very interesting. Your emotional realization that you’re possibly stuck on the island for possibly days was not lost on me.😳 Now I can’t wait to see part 2 of this adventure! I love experiencing the Scottish Isles vicariously through your videos. Well done Ruth!👍❤️

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks so much Darrell!

[@rksnj6797]

Very interesting video! I think those chubby little mice are so cute! Was it just me or did Ruth's expression at the realization that her boat wasn't coming show mixed emotions of dread and excitement?

[@ruthaisling]

Both! Don’t miss next episode 🐭

[@michaelarcher6278]

What a brilliant video, thank you for showing so much of the island. I was due to go there in May last year, but the trip was cancelled 😢 Can't wait for next weeks installment. Love the way you ended this one .

[@ruthaisling]

Sorry to hear your trip was cancelled!! Hope you can make it another time!

[@allancoghill8610]

Great video Ruth of such a beautiful and isolated (despite all the current activity) place. I hope you weren't stranded for 9 months like the 11 folks on Stac an Armin --what a story, I can't imagine!

[@ruthaisling]

Thank goodness it wasn’t 9 months! Those men must have almost given up hope, how awful!

[@paulrelf9797]

Hi Ruth I challenged you to get to St Kilda, about a month ago. And you had already visited, I'm so pleased you never let on. Wow what a great Vlog,loved it. I've watched many documentaries on the island and the people that lived there, fascinating history. You have made another documentary for 2024 and I'm sure people will refer back to your content in the future. You captured it perfectly, Be proud of yourself,it was perfect and a joy to watch. I've got to wait now for next weeks vlog. And the mouse, a unique sub species, it was great that you captured it on film,one day it may be gone. Let's hope not. Thanks again Ruth Paul.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you very much Paul! I was very happy to be able to film the mouse, I never thought it would be possible. Have you been to St Kilda?

[@paulrelf9797]

@@ruthaisling Hi Ruth Thank you for your reply. I haven't been to St Kilda, I've only been to Edinburgh. One day maybe, I'm on the south east corner of the country,you can see France on a clear day, So it's a long way for a day trip. But the isle's of Scotland have a fascination about them,and you bring them into our front room on a Sunday. Looking forward to next week. So thank you Paul

[@louisewhite9152]

Hi Ruth, it’s only me. Just wanted to say a quick hello and I’m looking forward to setting down and watching your Vlog/video in a little while but as you know I always thoroughly love watching them ~ sending loads of love and hugs ~ Xxx

[@ruthaisling]

Hi Louise! Thank you and I hope you enjoy this one! ❤️

[@19dec1981]

I've found an old book on st Kilda with photos and the history of the island at a book fair here in the heart of Transylvania. mesmerising. that for this wonderful video. miss scotland dearly and hopefully i'll be back there visiting again.

[@markjlewis]

Hi Ruth, thank you for this delightful video, I'm looking forward to part 2. ☺

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks Mark!

[@louisequadrelli7961]

Brilliant video, love your detailed explanations. I have a friend who in the 1980s returned to St Kilda on the boat with the 2 surviving islanders, he said it was an incredibly moving experience. Its on my list ❤

[@EJP286CRSKW]

There is a feature film made in the 1930s called _The Edge of the World,_ about the evacuation of St Kilda. Shot on Foula actually, as they could not get permission for St Kilda. Worth a look.

[@ladyliberty417]

Thank you Ruth!! This a great story and I’m thrilled you got their and can tell the history!! We watch you at home on our big screen and love all your videos 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❣️

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you so much!

[@laurac8659]

Thank you for taking us along!

[@dl1929yup]

Hi Ruth, lovely video this week...i do hope you made it home !!...look forward to the follow up... quite a unique place.... thanks for sharing 😊x.Neil.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you Neil 🙏

[@star82238]

ルースさん久しぶり!(^^)! スコットランドの大自然とても素晴らしいですね。 遺跡なども情緒あって歴史感じます。 自分たちがなかなか見れないとても素敵な場所 これからも楽しみにしてます。 お元気でなによりです。😽

[@MeganThackeray]

A beautiful and touching tribute to St Kilda and the hearty folks who called it home. Thanks

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you 🙏

[@bernadettelanders7306]

We have a Suburb here in Melbourne Australia called St. Kilda. I wonder if that’s where our St. Kilda got its name. I was born a Stuart of Scottish heritage from Lanark Glasgow, I love hearing the Scottish accent and viewing Scotland. My sister has recently returned from visiting Scotland. She loved it 😊💞

[@maddyg3208]

Yes, it got its name from "The Lady of St Kilda" (in Scotland), which was a boat that came to Melb in 1841. There's also a St Kilda in NZ, named after the Melb one.

[@bernadettelanders7306]

@@maddyg3208 Thank you. That sounds lovely. The Lady Of St Kilda😊

[@nigelcrisp68]

Thank you Ruth for one of your best KZbin adventures, it was brilliant and I loved it. You'd be aware there's quite a few YT videos out there about St Kilda, but I wanted you to know I thought yours was right up there with the best, well filmed and informative and the scenery stunning. I live in southern Tasmania, so I can appreciate good scenery when I see it, but at my age I'm never going to fit a trip in to St Kilda, as much as I'd like, so thanks for doing so.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you so much! You certainly have amazing scenery in Tasmania 😍

[@richardnewcombe4296]

Brillant video Ruth. Have sailed to Kilda a couple of times it’s a quite extraordinary place. Your video great commentary and comment captures the magic. Looking forward to part two!

[@thehighlandlife2023]

Would love to do St Kilda with my family one day…. Although Iam not great on boats 🤣

[@ruthaisling]

Oh wow you sailed there! Have you ever been out to Rockall?

[@richardnewcombe4296]

⁠@@ruthaislingRockall now that would be a challenge, barren rock some 160 miles west of Kilda you would need your sick bag for that one😂. I don’t actually think you can safely land on it helicopter required. We have been around the outer stacks of Muckle Flugga the most northern tip of the uk, took a swim freezing, and Tearaght island the most western point of Ireland. We are based on Kerrera, have you been, wonderful little island and a wee bit easier to reach!

[@ruthaisling]

@@richardnewcombe4296 I heard it's quite rocky in the area near Rockall. Maybe I'll try and get there someday haha! Sounds like you've been to some amazing places in your boat. Haven't made it to Kerrera yet, I'll add it to my list... maybe next year?!

[@melindacloninger9071]

Thank you Ruth. I am in Tennessee in the USA. I would love to explore with you! Loved all of your video except the part about the mouse!😅 I will be watching more of your exploits!

[@CuriousPotato-z1d]

I really like how you take a genuine interest in the places you visit, Ruth. I kinda wish I could escape for a while on an island like that. Mice are cute, but when they start running around in your stuff they're not so cute! Oh no, you're stranded? Cool!

[@philbophilbo4945]

Thank you Ruth. Your adventures are inspiring and entertaining. Good on you.

[@Obiter3]

Is there anything more beautiful or delightful than the voice of a Scottish woman?

[@SamuelBlack84]

Even when they're angry, they're lovely 😂

[@ComancheWarrior63]

Yes, the voice of an Irish woman 🥳

[@Obiter3]

@ComancheWarrior63 let's say equal

[@ComancheWarrior63]

@Obiter3 agreed 👍

[@Ivo-JanvanderWerff]

Loved this vlog. Managed to get to St Kilda about 10 years ago. Had a huge affect on me, the isolation, the beauty, the huge wild sea surrounding the island. Amazing. Thankyou!

[@MeTheRob]

That was lovely. Cheered me up no end. I've been so ill and I had my first food for over a week watching this. I think I might manage a glass of whisky later too. There was a mouse in my house yesterday ..... eeek ! I was thinking - pity she couldn't stay for longer .... oh dear.

[@ruthaisling]

Aw no, I hope you start feeling better soon! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Sorry to hear about the mouse, yikes!

[@elainemackenzie9651]

This was super interesting. I'm from the Highlands so enjoy seeing and learning about Scottish history, my brain sometimes struggles to read a lot of info at once but the visuals and your delivery kept me engaged throughout. Loved it. Thank you.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you 🙏 I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimfreyler2944]

All the videos by Ruth I have watched so far have been heavy on the scenery wow factor (good thing). This one a bit different with a very interesting historical backstory. Here's a quote I've taken from a book titled 'Scottish Islands' by Hamish Haswell-Smith regarding the inhabitants who moved to the mainland in 1930. "They never really adjusted to life on the mainland. They did not appreciate the use of money, the way of life, the type of diet, and they had never seen a piped water, a staircase, or for that matter, a tree". Strangers in a strange land.

[@busking6292]

I believe one man was taken to Edinburgh circa 1890 and was amazed at their ability to beat the 'rocks' flat(pavement) and apparently laughed like a hyena upon seeing people on a horse-drawn omnibus,was totally dumbfounded with the spectacle of st.Giles cathedral and also people living above each other,I'm sure there are a thousand other anecdotes on similar situations.

[@lornarettig3215]

Such fascinating comments; thank you! It is indeed impossible for us to imagine such a situation, that the islanders had no knowledge of so many things. We can see video of everything today.

[@andrewrawlance6651]

Thank you Ruth, I do hope that you get off the island safely, it's good that you took plenty of food. Regards. Andrew.

[@davidjones6470]

Congratulations Ruth over 116K,

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks David!

[@davidjones6470]

Well its 117K Now,

[@davidjones6470]

118K, 😮

[@silentrabbit247]

Had a day trip leaving from Levensburgh (South Harris ) in April 2022. Nice high pressure, great place to visit and the highlight being the return via Boreray and the the Stacs Lee & an Armin. Glad to see the MOD eyesore has been slightly improved. ( It's a Double World Heritage Site ) Enjoy your travels.

[@PaulLedsham]

HI Ruth - I'm the mouse that visited you during the night. Humble apologies if I scared you, but I just came to say 'hello' and to see if you had a Mars Bar to spare. We don't get much chocolate on this remote island unfortunately. My cousin Eric who lives in Peebles often has a Flake for breakfast, or the remains of one anyway. Life is so unfair. Anyway, I hope you come to see us again on Kilda, and if you do please bring something tasty for me to eat (I'm getting tired of eating grass). Yours truly - Angelico (eek, I know - but it was my mum's name choice). PS - any chance of a cheese cracker before you go? 😊😊

[@ruthaisling]

Hahahaha 😂😂😂😂😂

[@hoboonwheels9289]

Of course chocolate is poison to animals😁

[@margaretspurling8162]

I would like to stay for awhile. Any chance?

[@1Melody1963]

@@hoboonwheels9289Not true. Unless in very large quantities.

[@kevincormack4340]

​@@hoboonwheels9289false Cats & dogs can definitely eat chocolate, fake chocolate yes but real cocoa chocolate they can eat and it's only UK Canada us & France say this text of world don't And I know lots of ppl give there cats white chocolate

[@paolobianconi495]

Beautiful video. I remember an Ossian LP called St. Kilda wedding issued in 1977. It was the first time I heard the story of these places.

[@民草1]

Ruthさん　こんにちは。 今回も元気なお顔拝見できて嬉しいです。 スコットランドは、自然が素晴らしいですが、私は老人なので寒さと雨が多いのは少し・・・ しかし、ウイスキーと自然は最高ですね。 今回も映像ありがとうございました。 日本のいちファンより、尊敬するRuthさんへ よい旅を続けて下さい。

[@andrewmccall811]

Absolutely amazing, great job my friend, really great job. Loved every second of it.

[@Gunavati1]

Stuck on St. Kilda, wonderful!

[@ruthaisling]

Well..... I'm not so sure about that haha!

[@lindabarnes4128]

You'll give us fabulous content with perhaps just a bit of edge. Batten down for bit!​@ruthaisling

[@Pugggle]

Aww the mouse looks cute! I think hearing the sheep grazing might be relaxing and calming 😊

[@でんうえもんやまだ-u4p]

Excellent work, Ruth san😊

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you very much!

[@佐藤やすひろ-z9k]

😊​@@ruthaisling

[@celticlass8573]

Gorgeous and well-done video! I bet you're glad you packed extra provisions! It's shocking how many people don't think in terms of preparedness for bad weather. Even outside of remote locations, you can find yourself with no food or water, and you can't rely on someone helping you right away, even in a city. It's just prudent to have some supplies just in case. If it's the choice between being comfortable and not having food or water, I know which I'd choose.

[@ruthaisling]

Yes very glad and I was also glad I had downloaded many books on my kindle!!

[@LSBushcraft]

The scenery is beautiful, the grass is green, the sea is so beautiful, I wish you good health.

[@LUIS-ox1bv]

Windy and desolate. It proved a hardscrabble life,which is the reason the habitants elected to abandon it in the 1930s.

[@iancomputerscomputerrepair8944]

Well worth the wait. Another well filmed video. Cannot wait for the next instalment I would definitely visit but only in the summer.

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you! Yes I think the trips only run during summer time

[@Kim-J312]

Yey 🎉 Sunday Funday with our Ruthie ❤

[@ruthaisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@wilmawilson1899]

Ruth ...what a wonderfully informative video , so well done and narrated , enjoyed every minute of it ...hope you managed to depart the island in less time than the guys who were stranded for nine months . Loved your accent too

[@wbbartlett]

Fair play to the chap that donated these islands to the National Trust. The mouse was cute, I would have been feeding him :D

[@ruthaisling]

Probably not allowed 😂

[@desboast1948]

Hi Ruth, brilliant video as always. I'm well happy you have been to st kilda and shared it with us. I went there 2018, weather was great and I'm looking to go back again as i loved my day there. Hope you get home safely 🙏

[@ruthaisling]

Nice to hear you got great weather when you visited, it makes a difference!

[@gfurstnsu]

I biked the Outer Hebrides back in 1978. I also read allot about in a book that described the inhabitants and history. Of course the Vikings raided the islands and this lead to many people moving to the mainland. The Hebrides islands were owned by many from the mainland. At one time in the 1700s there was a time when many of the inhabitants were cleared from the islands and shipped to various parts of the British empire. It was a very sad time. Most of the people I met heated with a fire based on dried peat. I also remember that the people spoke Gaelic and a little English. The roads were very primitive at that time and were single lanes with a few turnoff locations every mile for passing. There were many sheep and the weather in September while there was abominable. Lots of rain and wind. The old houses were called black opuses and had a thatch roof with stoned holding the roof on during the windy weather. I camped while there and had a hard time finding a location that was not boggy and wet. I also stayed with a couple who owned one of the black houses. We went out to a pub where there was an active dart board. There are also many stone henge like structures indicating that the Outer Hebrides were inhabited back in the Stone Age. I found the island to be sparsely inhabited and very beautiful. One event I remember like it is yesterday. I had been biking and it was rainy and cold. It must have been on the weekend and I was wet and cold. There by the side of the road was a small tent in the drainage. I parked my bike and leaned down. Inside it was empty but also a gas stove. On the stove was a kettle with tea. I heated it and soon was drinking wonderful tasting tea. I leaned back on the low seat and soon was deep asleep. When I woke up a few hours later the sun was shining and I felt very refreshed. I continued on. To this day I remember that as the best tea I have ever experienced. Thank you road crew for leaving it for me to drink and a roof above for me to sleep under, away from the rain and wind. Moments like this spice up a bike trip far away from your home on a distant island.

[@ahmadsadeghi4241]

Hello to you Miss Ruth from S.California.Thank you for showing St.Kilda in detail and explaining so much about the place.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@duncankilburn7612]

It's just not Sunday evening without Ruth's adventures. 😃

[@ruthaisling]

Hope you enjoy this one Duncan!

[@keithwoods4367]

Hi Ruth, good to see you out and about again. You probably know this but for your info, there was a film made in 1937 called The Edge of the World filmed in it's entirety on St Kilda. Fantastic outdoor scenes. Good luck with your next escapade.

[@markwhidby5148]

It was actually filmed on Foula (where Ruth, of course, has been!).

[@keithwoods4367]

@@markwhidby5148 Sorry Mark, I did think it was St Kilda. Still a great film though, as most of Powell's were, especially with Pressburger.

[@efogg3]

Wow that island doesn't mess around with safety, I like that!

[@Alexander-mo7ke]

Hi Ruth. You were pepared from the start that you would probably get stuck. Hope the boat will come eventually. Nice videos. Greetings from Malta.

[@ruthaisling]

Fingers crossed!

[@cascode1192]

Ruth, have you heard about the “Lost Songs of St Kilda”? Briefly, a few years ago there was an old chap living in a care facility who liked to play the piano. Eventually it was discovered that the tunes he was playing (which people had thought were improvised or badly remembered standards) were songs he had learnt from a St Kildan many years before. Google it for more details, and arranged versions are on KZbin.

[@ruthaisling]

No I haven’t. I must check it out, thank you for sharing about this

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Thanks!

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you very much indeed 🙏

[@gmac7947]

You are brave WELL DONE RUTH 😊

[@happysporran]

Superb, and very moving, video Ruth. You seem to have such a strong empathy with the people of past generations. I'm also impressed with how you coped with the noisy neighbours😊!

[@kentonfisher3190]

Wow. Who needs history books for these islands when you do such a good job. Spectacular views, amazing bird life to boot. But you have left all your subscribers wondering whether you have managed to get off, or if you are still there!!! A cliffhanger...hopefully not using horsehair to shimmy down the cliff. 😂

[@Basque-Aragon]

I know, right? I'd probably learn new ways to serve fresh grass...lol.

[@ruthaisling]

Hahaha gosh I don’t know if I would trust my life with a rope made from horse hair 😂

[@kevinharris3386]

Thanks Ruth for taking us along to St Kilda,what a great historical site.😮😊 I am glad you visited the Cemetery .

[@ruthaisling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@curtvona4891]

Great vid. I love the cute mouse and the sheep. I would panic if my boat did not come in.❤

[@ruthaisling]

Haha I was a bit panicked!!

[@curtvona4891]

@@ruthaisling I could imagine, Ruth😊

[@thehighlandlife2023]

@@curtvona4891 I’d be chuffed! More time on an isolated Scottish island… yes please! 😍🤣

[@curtvona4891]

@@thehighlandlife2023 😊

[@frankalexander6629]

Stunning! I visited it in 2012 and hope to go back in 2030. Hope one of the books was “Island of Wings” which I think was the most informative. Roger Hutchinson who wrote Callum’s Road was on the same trip but he was staying two weeks in the Wool Shed to research writing a book on St Kilda. I wanted to camp but having to pay the same return fare put me off. I enjoyed your video and will view the rest.

[@patkauwoh6794]

Actually a good book title. "Ruth and the mouse!" 🤔😂

[@ruthaisling]

I like it! 😂😂

[@Trace-kf2ly]

Or The Ballad of Ruth and the Mouse of St Kilda

[@neilford99]

You made it! I read the Tom Steel book last week, great suggestion. I'm fascinated with the place and will try and get there next year, time and luck permitting.

[@ruthaisling]

So glad you read it and enjoyed it! Hope you can visit sometime!

[@bjrnjohanhumblen525]

The house mouse from St. Kilda became extinct after the humans left. The field mouse there now is actually from Norway because of the vikings. The mouse of the azores in Portugal is also from Norway.

[@LilyGazou]

Thanks for that info👏

[@Bogbastardo]

So Viking boats were full of rats..some humans too.

[@mickd6459]

A very interesting documentary, well done. Wish I could visit,

[@Sabhail_ar_Alba]

Very impressive, Ruth - I couldn't stop laughing at the Skua attack! I worked there for 4 years (a month around) and have rare photo's of snowy scenes from Conachair (on my Albasiar YT channel). Looking forward to part 2 .

[@thehighlandlife2023]

You worked on St Kilda? That’s so cool!

[@ruthaisling]

I’ve seen many comments from you before about St Kilda! I’m glad you enjoyed this video. So amazing you spent so much time there. What was your favourite part or thing about the island? Did you ever get out to Soay?

[@jurgensuss3624]

Absolutely fantastic Ruth! It has always been a dream for me to visit St. Kilda. Thanks a lot for taking us along!

[@ruthaisling]

Thank you! Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@TheFunkadelicFan]

The top of that cliff looks terrifying.

[@ruthaisling]

It was so high!!!

[@thehighlandlife2023]

I thought that! 😮

[@tomayrscotland6890]

Hi Ruth Tommy Copland here in ayr, I miss all my camping trips now that I am 76 but my Daughter and I went everywhere. Our vavourite spot is Glenn Sanox in Arran. And inverary. I will get my boat going and use that next summer. Take care lass your doing a great Job..

[@ruthaisling]

Sounds great Tommy 👍

[@Kennyarrow]

Hello dearest Ruthie 🤗, St Kilda is a beautiful island ❤ Thank you so much for presenting it to us in such an expert manner. Love and well wishes from South Africa. Kenny and Michelle 🌹🌹🌹❤❤❤🌸🌸🌸🤗🤗🤗