The MoD today began a 30 day consultation on the future operation of its base on Hirta, the largest island in the St Kilda archipelago. The proposals could mean that personnel would be removed from the base.

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, which has owned St Kilda since 1957, says that moving to an unmanned operation could result in damage to the features which have seen the archipelago listed as one of only 25 Dual World Heritage Sites in the world.

St Kilda is a Dual World Heritage Site, designated for both is natural and cultural significance. It is one of the north-east Atlantic’s most significant seabird colonies, which includes the largest gannet colony in the world. It also has a wealth of archaeological remains which give evidence of a unique island life dating back thousands of years.

The National Trust for Scotland is concerned that significant damage could occur in the winter months if the island were unstaffed. Damage to buildings and monuments by storms or vandalism could go unchecked and potential environmental damage from introduced species from passing boats would put the World Heritage Site at risk

The move to an unmanned operation would also significantly increase costs for the conservation charity who share vital services with the MoD facility, make travel to and from the island more difficult and restrict the available accommodation for essential contractors

National Trust for Scotland Chief Executive Kate Mavor said:

“St Kilda is one of the world’s natural and cultural treasures and the Trust is very privileged to have such an important site in its care. We are very concerned by the possibility that the base on Hirta would no longer be manned. Without the support of the MoD and the infrastructure that they have in place there, there is no doubt that we would find it very difficult to give St Kilda the level of care and attention that it requires.

“The Trust would also face a massive increase in costs to maintain our work there and to deal with the redundant MoD buildings. At a time when the organisation is working hard to improve its financial sustainability, this is a cost that we can ill afford. However, of more concern is the risk that this proposal poses to the environmental and cultural treasures which make St Kilda so special. I would urge the MoD to give full consideration to these issues, before making any final decision.”