Woman attempting to spend 40 days alone on remote island rescued after injury

A woman who is believed to have been trying to live alone on a remote island had her isolation bid cut short after injuring herself in a fall.

A cave on the Shiant Isles. Picture: Geograph

Emergency crews were called to the Shiant Isles, about five miles south-east of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, at about 8.30am on Monday.

The casualty is understood to have been attempting to live without human contact on the islands for 40 days.

She tripped and injured her head 12 days into her expedition, but did not call for help for a further four days.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said: “We believe the casualty’s intention was to stay on the islands without human contact for 40 days.

“However, following a fall she requested assistance. She had not been on the island for very long.

“Stornoway RNLI lifeboat were tasked to transfer a casualty having had a head knock from the Shiant islands to Stornoway harbour.

“Stornoway Coastguard rescue team CRT provided safety cover and assisted the casualty transfer to Western Isles hospital.”

The isles have a large population of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags and great skuas.