The Humorous Side of St Kilda

Discover the Unexpected Laughter in Western Isles

St Kilda, or Hirta, has a reputation for remote, stark beauty. The breathtaking cliffs and ragged beaches may not immediately connote hilarity, but the island has a rich tradition of humor. The hardy St Kildans, isolated from the rest of Scotland by 40 miles of water, used laughter to forge bonds and escape monotony.

One popular form of entertainment was mock weddings. When a couple got “married” on St Kilda, the ceremony wasn’t legally binding. Instead, it served as an excuse to let everyone indulge in food and drink, sing songs, and perform bawdy skits. The comedy sometimes turned political, with attendees using the opportunity to poke fun at the island’s laird.

Another source of amusement was the practice of “heelster-gowdie.” This involved pushing someone headfirst down a steep slope of grass, with the goal of seeing how many times they could somersault before coming to a stop. The word “heelster-gowdie” itself is a unique Scottish word, meaning topsy-turvy or head over heels.

Even in times of hardship, St Kildans found a way to find humor. During World War I, when the supply ship failed to make its usual deliveries, forcing the residents to subsist on birds and eggs, the island’s teacher coined the phrase “feather and yolk brigade” to describe the new menu. The humorous term helped lighten the load during a challenging time.