From the edge of the world: part 1

I’d had a great week of induction in Inverness with Susan Bain and the team, but nothing really prepares you for that first sighting of the tiny archipelago. It looms in the haze, much bigger than I had imagined (despite all the reading and researching I had done).

And suddenly, here I was ... standing in the St Kilda international arrival and departure lounge! It was a hotbed of activity with people being peeled in and out of dry suits, as the transfer of passengers was slickly managed.

I immediately recognised Craig (the island archaeologist), who’d come down to meet me with Jonathan (Conservation Ranger for Canna). The latter had kindly been staying to help open up the National Trust for Scotland buildings and help get the season underway.

I had a fantastic welcome and then went off to see the Manse, which will be my home for the next 6 months.

Thank you everyone for making me feel so very much at home!