The Catastrophic Arrival of Smallpox on St. Kilda

Jan 14, 2025

In the late 17th century, the remote island of St. Kilda, perched in the stormy North Atlantic, experienced an unprecedented tragedy that nearly wiped out its entire population. This was no ordinary natural disaster or famine—it was the arrival of a disease that the islanders had never encountered before: smallpox. This devastating event highlights the fragility of isolated communities and serves as a reminder of how global connectivity, even in the most remote places, can bring both benefits and catastrophic consequences.

The Unique Isolation of St. Kilda

For centuries, the residents of St. Kilda lived in relative isolation from the outside world. Located nearly 40 miles west of Scotland's Outer Hebrides, St. Kilda’s remoteness protected its people from many of the diseases that regularly swept through mainland Europe. Smallpox, measles, and other contagions—once considered inevitable trials of life in other regions—were completely absent on St. Kilda.

This isolation came at a cost. The population, which rarely exceeded 200 people, had limited genetic diversity and little exposure to outside pathogens. As a result, the islanders’ immune systems were unprepared for the diseases that might one day arrive from beyond their shores.

Smallpox Comes to St. Kilda

According to historical records, the smallpox epidemic that ravaged St. Kilda began around 1724. The disease arrived in an unexpected and tragic way: through the belongings of an islander who had died on the mainland. This individual had traveled to Harris, one of the islands in the Outer Hebrides, and succumbed to smallpox there.

In an attempt to honor their deceased friend, another St. Kildan brought the belongings of the deceased back to the island. Unbeknownst to them, the clothing and other items carried the deadly smallpox virus. When these infected belongings were unpacked, the virus began its devastating spread through the tight-knit community.

The Toll of the Epidemic

The impact of smallpox on St. Kilda was nothing short of catastrophic. Historical accounts describe how the disease spread rapidly, overwhelming the small population. Within a matter of weeks, nearly every household was affected.

Of the island's approximately 180 residents, only four adults survived the epidemic. These four, along with 26 orphans who were spared due to their isolation on a neighboring islet while fowling, were all that remained of the community.

The epidemic not only decimated the population but also left the survivors in a dire situation. The St. Kildans depended on collective labor to sustain their way of life, from farming and fishing to the perilous task of collecting seabird eggs on the cliffs. With so few able-bodied adults left, survival became an even greater struggle.

Why Was Smallpox So Deadly?

Smallpox was particularly deadly in communities like St. Kilda because of their complete lack of immunity. Unlike populations in mainland Europe, where generations of exposure to the disease had resulted in some level of resistance, the St. Kildans were encountering the virus for the first time.

The virus itself was highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets or contaminated objects like clothing and bedding. Symptoms included high fever, severe rash, and scarring, and the mortality rate was often as high as 30%. For the unprepared immune systems of the St. Kildans, smallpox was an unstoppable force.

The Aftermath of the Epidemic

The smallpox epidemic of 1724 was a watershed moment for St. Kilda. The immediate aftermath was a time of immense suffering. The 26 orphaned children who had been spared on the adjacent islet returned to find their families gone. The surviving adults faced the nearly impossible task of rebuilding their community.

The epidemic also underscored the vulnerabilities of St. Kilda's isolation. For the first time, the islanders realized that their geographic remoteness was not enough to protect them from the outside world.

Over time, the population of St. Kilda slowly recovered, aided by marriages with people from nearby islands. However, the trauma of the epidemic left an indelible mark on the community’s collective memory.

The Legacy of Smallpox on St. Kilda

Despite the devastation, smallpox did not return to St. Kilda. The island's continued isolation, combined with increased awareness of the dangers of infectious diseases, helped protect it from future outbreaks. By the 18th and 19th centuries, European societies were beginning to develop strategies for combating smallpox, including variolation and later vaccination.

The story of St. Kilda’s smallpox epidemic serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable isolated populations can be to diseases. Today, it is often cited as an example of how global pandemics can affect even the most remote communities.

Broader Implications for Isolated Communities

The smallpox epidemic on St. Kilda is just one chapter in the broader history of how diseases have shaped isolated communities. Similar tragedies occurred in other remote regions, including among Indigenous populations in the Americas and Pacific Islands, where the arrival of European settlers brought smallpox, measles, and other diseases with devastating consequences.

In the case of St. Kilda, the epidemic also highlights the challenges of balancing isolation with the need for external contact. The same connections that brought essential supplies and occasional visitors also carried the seeds of disaster.

A Reminder of Resilience

Despite the tragedy of the smallpox epidemic, the people of St. Kilda demonstrated remarkable resilience. The community slowly rebuilt itself, relying on the strength of its survivors and the close bonds that defined their way of life.

In 1930, the remaining residents of St. Kilda were evacuated to the mainland, ending centuries of continuous habitation. However, their history continues to captivate and inspire, offering valuable lessons about human adaptability and the challenges of living on the edge of the world.