Hirta
| Scottish Gaelic name | Hiort |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | Uncertain |
| Location | |
| OS grid reference | NF092998 |
| Coordinates | 57°49′N 8°35′W / 57.81°N 8.58°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | St Kilda |
| Area | 628.5 ha (1,553 acres) |
| Area rank | 65 |
| Highest elevation | 430 m (1,410 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Council area | Na h-Eileanan Siar |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Demographics | |
| Population | abandoned in 1930 |
| References | |
Hirta (Scottish Gaelic: Hiort) is the largest island in the St Kilda archipelago, on the western edge of Scotland. The names Hiort (in Scottish Gaelic) and Hirta (historically in English) have also been applied to the entire archipelago. Now without a permanent resident population, the island had nearly all of St Kilda's population of about 180 residents in the late 17th century and 112 in 1851. It was abandoned in 1930 when the last 36 remaining inhabitants were evacuated to Lochaline on the mainland.
The National Trust for Scotland owns the entire archipelago. It became one of Scotland's six World Heritage Sites in 1986 and is one of the few in the world to hold mixed status for both its natural and cultural qualities. Visits to the island are encouraged during months when the few facilities for tourists are open.