St Kilda
Outstanding Universal Value
St Kilda is a volcanic archipelago west of the main islands of the Outer Hebrides and includes the islands of Hirta, Dun, Soay and Boreray. St Kilda is the top rim of an ancient volcano formed when the North Atlantic open, 65-52 million years ago. UNESCO listed the archipelago for its intensely dramatic, jagged landscape of towering cliffs - some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe - and sea stacks present stark black precipitous faces plunging from steep grass-green slopes in excess of 375m. Scenically, every element appears vertical, except the smooth amphitheater of Village Bay on Hirta with its relict historic landscape. St Kilda islands have been uninhabited since 1930, but support large colonies of rare and endangered species of birds, especially puffins and gannets. - AsNotedIn