Wanted: Bar staff for Scotland's most remote pub

The Puff Inn serves MOD staff based on Hirta, the largest island in the St Kilda archipelago - 112 miles west of the Scottish mainland. Picture: Ian Rutherford/TSPL

Now the Puff Inn on St Kilda is advertising for a new steward to take over the running of the bar and keep its small but loyal band of regulars happy.

Potential applicants need not worry about being rushed off their feet. The pub is not open to the public and only serves Ministry of Defence staff based on Hirta, the largest island in the Atlantic archipelago, as well as a handful of conservationists.

The last of St Kilda’s native population were famously evacuated at their own request in 1930. Now the only people to live on the islands, which lie 112 miles west of the Scottish mainland, are civilian contractors based at a missile monitoring station, and seasonal volunteers working to preserve its outstanding natural beauty.

The last remaining residents of St Kilda were evacuated at their own request in 1930. Their former homes are now used by visiting conservationists. Picture: Ian Rutherford/TSPL

The Puff Inn was closed to the public in 2005, reportedly after a fight erupted between two yachtsmen.

The bar was originally a canteen for military staff but was gradually opened to all those passing through the islands.

Now all patrons must have prior MOD approval to visit.

The new bar steward will work for QinetiQ, an MOD contractor. They will be expected to serve customers as well as unload supplies - which arrive via helicopter.

Applications were due to close on Friday but the deadline has been extended.