We’re now on our 14th annual trip to this amazing archipelago situated 80 miles off the West Coast of Scotland. Our past customers have consisted of photographers of all levels, but also people who have simply joined us for the experience of being in one of the most isolated and secluded locations on the planet.
The islands which make up St. Kilda are the remains of an extinct volcano which protrudes from deep below the North Atlantic waters. If you like drama in your landscapes then St. Kilda tick all the boxes and still have more to offer. There is nothing subtle about this place, with vertical cliffs (the tallest in the UK) rising 400m out of inky black menacing seas. Add to this the tallest sea stacks in the UK, natural arches, secluded bays, and even a paradise sandy beach, it’s sure to be one of the highlights of any landscape photographer’s life.
For wildlife photographers, the islands offer a unique mixture of bird colonies including the world’s largest population of puffins and gannets. Over one million sea birds breed on the steep cliffs here during the summer, largely made up of fulmar, guillemots, razorbills and various gulls. Inland there are both arctic and great skuas, along with the St. Kilda wren which can only be seen here.
St. Kilda is the only location in the UK with a dual World Heritage status. One of these is for its unique habitat, and the other is for its cultural significance. Until 1930 Britain’s most isolated community of people lived here, and the village they populated still remains under the supervision of the National Trust for Scotland who protect it as a working museum. We are the only company with permission to accommodate photographers in the few habitable houses. There is no other accommodation on the island, so we pretty much have the place to ourselves once the day visitors depart around 3pm each day. We take our own chef and all the food we need to supply everyone with three hefty meals per day, along with a generous helping of wine and locally brewed beers of course.
Here’s what our past customers have had to say about our trips to St. Kilda…
"I came away from St. Kilda having experienced some of the very best days of my life. For that I will always be very grateful to you for providing a truly unique opportunity for photographic enthusiasts. Your enthusiasm and professionalism was obvious and the support you so readily gave has certainly provided me with a renewed passion for photography." - Chris, 2015
"What a wonderful experience being in St Kilda has been for me. And to actually spend time there in such good company with the knowledge we were in your capable hands, has been a complete joy. I have huge admiration for your attention to every detail and the trip exceeded all my expectations. I couldn't find fault with any part of it.” - Helen R, 2016.
"I just wanted to thank you for providing me with a fantastic adventure on St Kilda. The trip exceeded all my expectations and will stay with me for a long time. Your organisation was excellent, especially with the challenging weather we had. I thought we had a great group and would love to travel with you again in the future. I will be recommending you to all my photographic friends and I hope to see you again in the future.” Helen W, 2016.
"Everything was so well organised, the food was brilliant and you and James were very good teachers and really patient! Thanks for encouraging me to get up and down those hills. I have not laughed so much in a long time and I've made a few lovely new friends.” - Andrena, 2016.
"This trip was basically my top five holidays I’ve ever had, all rolled into one. I had an amazing time.” Mike, 2016.
"Just wanted to say thank you to you for a great week in Scotland. I had an absolute ball! The problem for you of course is that you won't get rid of me now - I will definitely book with you again!” Sharron, 2016.
"I've been on more than a few adventure holidays and this was one of the best.” - Nick, 2016.