A new report from the National Trust for Scotland has revealed that the St Kilda archipelago requires protection from over-tourism as more people add it to their 'bucket list'.
The historic islands, which are the most western of the Outer Hebrides, were inhabited for more than 2,000 years before its final 36 occupants were evacuated in 1930 due to untenable conditions. It is now a tourist destination, with the now-ruined village on the 'ghost island' of Hirta being the main attraction.
The archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the few in the world to hold joint status for both its natural and cultural value. While tourism was once encouraged, the National Trust for Scotland has warned that the growing number of visitors amid a rise in day trippers and cruise ship passengers would need to be managed in the future.
