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
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.
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.
@@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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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..
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!
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?
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!'
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 🇦🇺
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.
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.
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
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 👍
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!!
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.
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 .
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!
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?
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.
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 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 💙
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!👍❤️
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.
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.
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!!!
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!
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 🏴🏴❣️
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!
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.
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.
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
Thank you Ruth for one of your best TH-cam 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.
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.
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 🙏
I got so sad in 8:38 min cuz those islands are beautiful, stunning and a lot of people could be living there, what a waste of land... Forgotten in history. I miss scotland even though i have never set my foot there. Great video as always, keep up with the awareness of these beautiness ❤❤
I think it being left for the wildlife isn’t really a waste of land, the amount of conservation and research that can be done in these types of places is incredible. I don’t think there would be many people that could tough out winters on such an isolated Scottish island!
@@ruthaisling No, it isn’t forgotten. Look at all the books which have been written about it in the past century. You showed us the list in your video. Other islands have been compared to it e.g. Mingulay, which is very similar in terrain but had the advantages of a strong community spirit and men who were determined to better their lives by the Land Grab of Vatersay. All the spirit and verve had been sapped out of the St.Kildans. Many of them succumbed to disease , especially TB, when they moved to the mainland. What I find unforgivable is that when they were told they couldn’t take their dogs, they poisoned them all. Any population which would poison dogs is a population not worth saving.
@@rosemarymee yes that’s true. Places that are abandoned always make me feel very sad but the books and visitors help keep this place alive in a way. I was surprised to read that about the dogs in the book.
@@ruthaisling In any case, your video was terrific. I actually felt dizzy when you went too near the cliff edge. You yourself are helping to keep St Kilda alive by filming it. I liked the mouse but it DID look ENORMOUSE! Very well done.
Thanks for showing us around, really appreciate it as don't think I could justify the cost to go. Looks beautiful, how stressful not knowing if and when you would be able to leave.
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 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
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.
I've been fascinated by the evacuation of the St. Kildans for quite a few years now - thank you Ruth for showing us the island and what remains of its long history of human habitation.
Just wonderful, would be a pleasant dream to have to stay on St Kilda for a few more days. Really enjoyed your video. Such a beautiful remote place with an interesting history.
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 ❤
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.
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!
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!
@@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!
@@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?!
Another great vlog Ruth! I recently read a book called 'The Lost Lights of St Kilda' (author is Elisabeth Gifford) which, whilst fiction, was clearly based on the lifestyle of St Kildans before they all left their island. Many references to their diet of sea birds. A fascinating read, if you get the chance. All the best, Phil.
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 TH-cam.
What a wild and beautiful place. I enjoyed your presentation of how the people lived on the island and the items left behind. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. Thanks!
What a brilliant video. I really appreciate the research you must do Ruth to make your videos so informative. What an amazing place. How the islanders lived was extraordinary. This video has the added jeopardy of you not knowing when you will be able to leave. More time to make friends with the mouse ! Can't wait for the next instalment.
From what I researched 4 decades ago, the British forced evacuation of the islands rather than them requesting repatriation. I would love to visit one day…
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
Great job on your TH-cam video 👏🍀🏴
Yes,
A tad expensive thou !
Intriguing for sure, but I wouldn't want to try to affort to go there!
Tried to in August but cancelled due bad weather.
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.
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.
@@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.
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
Thank you for sharing about your experiences being there, it's so interesting!
It's just not Sunday evening without Ruth's adventures. 😃
Hope you enjoy this one Duncan!
"Stuck on St Kilda with a pet mouse ......" That is real cliff hanger!
Heck, it might keep her company if she's there for a while!
😂😂
You beat me to the cliff hanger thing😊
The Mouse was eying up Ruth as its next dinner.
Very cute little company.
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.
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.
Thank you for taking us on your adventures.
I appreciate you watching the videos, thank you!
Ask about the dead dogs. Look it up.
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.
Thank you Martin! I like that word!
As a Norwegian, I follow your travels and great reports from Scotland. What a wonderful country. A very good and informative video
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.
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
Thank you for your comment, I loved reading it. I'm really happy that you can travel and hike vicariously through the videos!
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..
How did you guess!! 😂😂
😂😂
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!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Congratulations Ruth over 116K,
Thanks David!
Well its 117K Now,
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?
Thank you for taking us along!
Aww the mouse looks cute! I think hearing the sheep grazing might be relaxing and calming 😊
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!'
Thanks Eric! I was so shocked the boat wasn’t there, I wasn’t expecting that! Next video coming soon!
@@ruthaisling Glad you're home and safe.
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 🇦🇺
Glad you enjoyed it!
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.
Thank you Phil!
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.
No, I don't know it! I will check it out, thanks for sharing!
Stuck on St. Kilda, wonderful!
Well..... I'm not so sure about that haha!
You'll give us fabulous content with perhaps just a bit of edge. Batten down for bit!@ruthaisling
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
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 👍
Thanks John! Hope you can visit sometime!
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!!
How can one eat tea? I usually drink it. Just curious (from the Netherlands)
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.
The mouse 🐁 is so cute!
Yey 🎉 Sunday Funday with our Ruthie ❤
Thanks for watching!
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 .
Sorry to hear your trip was cancelled!! Hope you can make it another time!
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!
Actually a good book title. "Ruth and the mouse!" 🤔😂
I like it! 😂😂
Or The Ballad of Ruth and the Mouse of St Kilda
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?
Both! Don’t miss next episode 🐭
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.
I’m so pleased. Thank you 😊
Read about the dead dogs on Google.
Great video Ruth - i'd love to be marooned on st Kilda - piece quiet and stunning views (as long as the weather is OK!)
The views are stunning!
I just started watching this video and didn’t realize there’s higher definitions available, the 2160 is amazing, it’s like I’m there in person
Thanks, please enjoy the 4K!
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 .
Oh wow that is so interesting, where did you life in Scotland?
@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 💙
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!👍❤️
Thanks so much Darrell!
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.
Aw no, I hope you start feeling better soon! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Sorry to hear about the mouse, yikes!
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.
I've bought the book you recommended and now reading it. Thank you.
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!!!
Excellent work, Ruth san😊
Thank you very much!
😊@@ruthaisling
Hi Ruth, thank you for this delightful video, I'm looking forward to part 2. ☺
Thanks Mark!
I love to explore new places. Whenever I am watching your videos, it gives me a such feeling that I am also travelling with you.
Glad to hear that!
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!
The top of that cliff looks terrifying.
It was so high!!!
I thought that! 😮
Only one place left for you to go to now Ruth - Rockall. 😊
So exciting! What a great video! Part two awaits!
Thanks Phil!
Always found St Kildas story fascinating. Thanks so much for taking us there.
Glad you enjoyed it!
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 🏴🏴❣️
Thank you so much!
You are brave WELL DONE RUTH 😊
Hello to you Miss Ruth from S.California.Thank you for showing St.Kilda in detail and explaining so much about the place.❤❤❤❤❤❤
Well worth the wait. Another well filmed video. Cannot wait for the next instalment I would definitely visit but only in the summer.
Thank you! Yes I think the trips only run during summer time
Fascinating video, Ruth! Please post the 2nd part soon!
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!
Thank goodness it wasn’t 9 months! Those men must have almost given up hope, how awful!
Thank you Ruth, I do hope that you get off the island safely, it's good that you took plenty of food. Regards. Andrew.
I'm assuming ,there would have been sail boats, back in the day.
Beautifully filmed ,thanks for taking us along ❤
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.
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.
Thanks Ruth for taking us along to St Kilda,what a great historical site.😮😊 I am glad you visited the Cemetery .
Glad you enjoyed it!
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
Hi Louise! Thank you and I hope you enjoy this one! ❤️
So interesting. Ending on a cliffhanger…pun intended. 😊
👍😬
Been to St Kilda twice on sailing boats, but only been able to land once. Utterly remarkable place.
It is remarkable!
😂😂😂 We know you made it since this vlog was posted…… Looking forward to part Two… Brilliant cliff hanger ending.
Thank you Ruth for one of your best TH-cam 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.
Thank you so much! You certainly have amazing scenery in Tasmania 😍
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.
Absolutely fantastic Ruth! It has always been a dream for me to visit St. Kilda.
Thanks a lot for taking us along!
Thank you! Hope you enjoyed the video!
Wow that island doesn't mess around with safety, I like that!
What a beauty of a place thank you for bringing us along
Thanks for watching!
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 🙏
Nice to hear you got great weather when you visited, it makes a difference!
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.
I got so sad in 8:38 min cuz those islands are beautiful, stunning and a lot of people could be living there, what a waste of land... Forgotten in history.
I miss scotland even though i have never set my foot there.
Great video as always, keep up with the awareness of these beautiness ❤❤
I think it being left for the wildlife isn’t really a waste of land, the amount of conservation and research that can be done in these types of places is incredible.
I don’t think there would be many people that could tough out winters on such an isolated Scottish island!
It is forgotten in history 😰
@@ruthaisling No, it isn’t forgotten. Look at all the books which have been written about it in the past century. You showed us the list in your video. Other islands have been compared to it e.g. Mingulay, which is very similar in terrain but had the advantages of a strong community spirit and men who were determined to better their lives by the Land Grab of Vatersay. All the spirit and verve had been sapped out of the St.Kildans. Many of them succumbed to disease , especially TB, when they moved to the mainland. What I find unforgivable is that when they were told they couldn’t take their dogs, they poisoned them all. Any population which would poison dogs is a population not worth saving.
@@rosemarymee yes that’s true. Places that are abandoned always make me feel very sad but the books and visitors help keep this place alive in a way. I was surprised to read that about the dogs in the book.
@@ruthaisling In any case, your video was terrific. I actually felt dizzy when you went too near the cliff edge. You yourself are helping to keep St Kilda alive by filming it. I liked the mouse but it DID look ENORMOUSE! Very well done.
Thanks for showing us around, really appreciate it as don't think I could justify the cost to go. Looks beautiful, how stressful not knowing if and when you would be able to leave.
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.
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?
@@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
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.
Thank you Neil 🙏
You are a brave lady, Ruth. I love your videos, so informative.
I've been fascinated by the evacuation of the St. Kildans for quite a few years now - thank you Ruth for showing us the island and what remains of its long history of human habitation.
I’m glad to be able to share it!
It's so nice to see you again Ruth.
Absolutely fantastic ruth. It always been a dream to visit st. Kilda. Awesome video ruth 👍 💘
Hope you can visit sometime!
Just wonderful, would be a pleasant dream to have to stay on St Kilda for a few more days. Really enjoyed your video. Such a beautiful remote place with an interesting history.
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 ❤
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.
Yes very glad and I was also glad I had downloaded many books on my kindle!!
So interesting Ruth, what an amazing video. Thank you for sharing your trip.
Glad you enjoyed it!
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!
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!
Would love to do St Kilda with my family one day…. Although Iam not great on boats 🤣
Oh wow you sailed there! Have you ever been out to Rockall?
@@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!
@@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?!
Brilliant video of a beautiful location! Thank you for sharing with us !
Glad you enjoyed it!
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。😽
I love this video so much! What an adventure, you are so badass to go on all these excursions. Thank you for sharing all this!
Great video, best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪
Outstanding Ruth. One of my favorite channels now for sure. Your content is consistently excellent, thanks.
Wow, thank you so much 😊
Love your videos! I’ve been to Scotland and it became my favorite country. Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷
So nice to hear Scotland became your favourite country. Brazil is one of my favourite countries 🙃🇧🇷
Another great vlog Ruth! I recently read a book called 'The Lost Lights of St Kilda' (author is Elisabeth Gifford) which, whilst fiction, was clearly based on the lifestyle of St Kildans before they all left their island. Many references to their diet of sea birds. A fascinating read, if you get the chance. All the best, Phil.
Amazing trip! Thanks for sharing.
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 TH-cam.
No I haven’t. I must check it out, thank you for sharing about this
What a wild and beautiful place. I enjoyed your presentation of how the people lived on the island and the items left behind. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. Thanks!
Your videos are better than tv quality now lassie keep up the gid work 💙🏴🙏
Aww thank you. That means so much! ❤️
Hi Ruth thanks for taking the time to make this video . I wouldn’t like the mouse in my tent either 👍
No mouse in the house ✋
What a brilliant video. I really appreciate the research you must do Ruth to make your videos so informative. What an amazing place. How the islanders lived was extraordinary. This video has the added jeopardy of you not knowing when you will be able to leave. More time to make friends with the mouse ! Can't wait for the next instalment.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Another excellent entry from you, Ruth. I loved it. Geoff, from the Other Perth.
Thank you Geoff 🙏
Fascinating. All the geography, history, beautiful video. Thanks so much Ruth for sharing so much with all of us.
Glad you enjoyed it!
From what I researched 4 decades ago, the British forced evacuation of the islands rather than them requesting repatriation.
I would love to visit one day…
歴史に驚き‼️不思議な島ですね！
great to see that you present the really important stories to your audience keep up the great work
Thanks, will do!