St Kilda tracking station to get green makeover

Homeland November 2, 2016

Established by the MOD, a tracking base has been located in the St Kilda archipelago since 1957. The base itself is on the island of Hirta, north west of the Scottish mainland, an island so remote that the last islanders abandoned the isle in 1930. It is currently inhabited by workers on the military site, National Trust Conservationists, and a lot of wildlife!

The MOD, along with the National Trust for Scotland – who are responsible for the World Heritage site, has submitted a planning application to redevelop the base.

The base, which is connected to the missile testing range at Benbecula, requires a full upgrade and redevelopment of facilities that is expected to take around two years. A number of challenges will be faced by contractor Qinetiq, such as access – rough Atlantic waters mean that there is only one short season in the summer when it’s possible to gain regular access to the island by boat.

The National Trust for Scotland, has praised the redevelopment plans, calling “sympathetic and sustainable”.

Susan Bain, the National Trust for Scotland’s Property Manager for St Kilda, said: “We have been very impressed by the extent to which the MoD and its partners have gone to make sure they come up with proposals that will enhance the existing site and are both sympathetic and sustainable in the vitally important context of St Kilda.

“Most traces of the buildings from the 1960s will be removed and their replacements will be entirely appropriate to the setting in terms of design profile and best environmental practice.

“Every detail has been considered, down to ensuring that there is no chance of contaminant flora or fauna from the mainland being brought to St Kilda during the construction phase.

“The military has a long association with St Kilda going back to World War I and we are very pleased to have worked in partnership with the MoD since 1957.”

Designed by Skye-based architects Wittets, Galliford Try International and Hugh Broughton Architects have been appointed to develop the design the new facility.

Construction will see stilted foundations used, which will minimise ground impact, with lower segments of the buildings featuring stone walls that will blend into the St Kildan landscape – echoing the local vernacular of the abandoned cottages. Wood panelling will further complement the landscape while it weathers and roofs will be planted with native grasses.

The redevelopment of the St Kilda station has been hailed as evidence of the MoD’s ongoing commitment to its facilities in the Western Isles, which remain economically important.

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Galliford Try Hugh Broughton MOD QinetiQ Scotland St Kilda UK Western Isles Wittets