Ultima Thule? Reconnecting St Kilda and Pabbay

St Kilda, often perceived as a remote and culturally isolated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not historically or archaeologically distinct from its neighboring island Pabbay. This study challenges the notion of St Kilda as an 'ultima Thule,' revealing that both islands were once managed as a single unit by the Macleod estate in the historical period. The research compares the two islands' post-medieval archaeological landscapes, highlighting how their narratives diverged in the 19th century due to financial strain and land clearance, leaving Pabbay overlooked despite its significance. By analyzing historical records and conducting recent surveys of Pabbay, the study argues that understanding St Kilda's broader context should begin with its closest neighbor, providing a more nuanced perspective on its cultural and archaeological heritage.

Geddes, G. (2025). Ultima Thule? Reconnecting St Kilda and Pabbay. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 154, 149–171. https://doi.org/10.9750/psas.154.1390