Mapping the future of uninhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides
A vision is in the making for three islands long left behind
The future of three uninhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides which embody “centuries of human resilience” is being mapped out.
Mingulay, Pabbay and Berneray, off the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides, are regarded as having exceptional cultural, archaeological and natural significance.
The islands, south of Barra, were once home to small Gaelic-speaking communities but are now uninhabited, with abandoned settlements and historic buildings scattered over the landscape.
Mingulay, once home to 160 people, was finally abandoned by its resident community in 1912, with the final evacuation following years of struggle for survival, in part caused by an unbearably hard and dangerous fishing business and overcrowding as people evicted from neighbouring islands during the Highland Clearances sought out a new home.
Today, Mingulay - where the shell of the old schoolhouse still stands - along with its neighbouring isles are valued for seabird colonies, corncrake and seal populations, as well as their deep place in the story of the Outer Hebrides.
Now, National Trust for Scotland (NTS), which owns the islands, has begun work on a new Vision and Management Plan setting out how they will be protected and managed in the years ahead.
The charity said the landscape reflected “centuries of human resilience, adaptation, and interaction with a dramatic maritime environment”, adding that the islands “embody the unique cultural heritage and ecological richness of the Hebridean islands”.
The charity has sought views from local residents on Barra and those who have an interest in the islands, with climate change, conservation, community engagement and sustainable tourism identified as the four main themes of the consultation.
The plan will provide the long-term vision and objectives for the three islets and, where relevant, will meet the requirements for land management plans under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 which will be reviewed every five years.
The NTS currently manages the islands with one part-time ranger and a seasonal seabird ranger.
Work under its ownership has included keeping the islands free from invasive non-native species, which can decimate local bird populations, monitoring key seabird number and restoring or consolidating historic buildings. They have also removed sheep from all three islands in their time managing the islands.
People have been asked to identify which historic buildings on Mingulay matter most to them and what, if any, visual changes they would like to see by 2046.
It also asks which wildlife and habitats are most important to people and whether the NTS should do more to protect species and ecosystems on the islands.
The Trust said the views gathered would help shape the long-term management of the islands and how its conservation work is communicated.
A spokesperson said: “We regularly review our management plans and it is time to update Mingulay, Pabbay and Berneray. Our current management plan for Mingulay, Pabbay and Berneray highlight their high conservation value for wildlife, particularly seabirds and a sense of wildness that is valued.
“As managers, we need to balance the needs of nature, cultural value, access and enjoyment.Community consultation is usually part of the Trust's management planning process, which ensures that we understand the concerns and needs of the local community and build on local knowledge.
“Hopefully it also helps communities understand our goals and objectives. It's a great opportunity to discuss future plans, understand what's happening in the community and identify opportunities to work together for common goals.”
The consultation is part of a wider heritage planning process undertaken by the NTS for properties in its care.
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