Boreray, St Kilda
Island Uninhabited St Kilda island with seabird colonies
Boreray is an outlying island of the St Kilda group, notable for steep cliffs and large seabird colonies. Access requires specialist boat trips; visits focus on wildlife and rugged terrain.
Boreray is an uninhabited island in the St Kilda archipelago off the northwest coast of Scotland and forms part of the St Kilda World Heritage Site. The island is rugged and dominated by steep cliffs that provide nesting sites for large seabird colonies.
Key features include cliff-nesting seabird populations and offshore stacks that are used by gannets, fulmars and other species; the island offers no visitor facilities and landings are irregular. Visitors, when permitted, come for wildlife observation and specialist guided trips.
Boreray has a history of seasonal human use in the past but has been uninhabited in modern times; its value today is primarily ecological, as part of the protected St Kilda group.
The island lies north of the main St Kilda island of Hirta in the Outer Hebrides, exposed to Atlantic weather and accessible only by boat when sea conditions allow.
- Access and protection: Part of the St Kilda World Heritage Site and National Nature Reserve - access is by boat from Hirta and landings are weather-dependent.
- Wildlife importance: Important seabird habitat with large colonies of gannets and other sea birds; the island is uninhabited and visited mainly by specialist tours and researchers.
How to Get to Boreray, St Kilda #
Access to St Kilda (and Boreray by permit/regulated trip) is by boat from the Outer Hebrides, typically leaving from Leverburgh or Tarbert; weather and conservation rules dictate schedules and landings.
Tips for Visiting Boreray, St Kilda #
- Landing on Boreray is prohibited without permission - the St Kilda seabird colony is strictly protected and access is controlled.
- Observe seabird colonies from boats if possible; the island is vital for gannets and puffins and disturbance causes long-term harm.
- Respect St Kilda National Nature Reserve rules and ranger briefings; the site's World Heritage status carries legal protections.
Best Time to Visit Boreray, St Kilda #
Summer offers the only practical access for observation, via regulated boat trips to St Kilda.
Weather & Climate near Boreray, St Kilda #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from 3°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1656 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (180 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (190 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
.jpg?width=600)
