Built in the late 19th century, the Manse which is located next to the Church and Schoolhouse, is to be redeveloped to provide further facilities for NTS staff and also the public visiting the island.

Western Isles Manager Susan Bain said of the plans: "We are undertaking refurbishment of the Manse on St Kilda in 2009, this is to provide staff accommodation, an office, a public toilet and a laundry facility for those staying on the island, we will also relocate the shop within the manse. Our plans do not include a café."

The new facilities will provide for the increasing number of visitors who land on the island on the many boat trips coming from around the Western Isles.

The island has also this year attracted a more unusual visitor in the form of a two barred crossbill, thought to be from Russia.

There has been an influx of the birds in the Northern Isles, thought to be the result of food shortages.