Wanted: Bar staff for UK's most remote pub

IT IS the most remote pub in the British Isles, with a clientele of no more than 20.
The Puff Inn serves MOD staff based on Hirta, the largest island in the St Kilda archipelago - 112 miles west of the Scottish mainland. Picture: Ian Rutherford/TSPL NNL-160720-160037001The Puff Inn serves MOD staff based on Hirta, the largest island in the St Kilda archipelago - 112 miles west of the Scottish mainland. Picture: Ian Rutherford/TSPL NNL-160720-160037001
The Puff Inn serves MOD staff based on Hirta, the largest island in the St Kilda archipelago - 112 miles west of the Scottish mainland. Picture: Ian Rutherford/TSPL NNL-160720-160037001

Now the Puff Inn on St Kilda is advertising for a new steward to take over the running of the bar and keep its small but loyal band of regulars happy.

Potential applicants need not worry about being rushed off their feet. The pub is not open to the public and only serves Ministry of Defence staff based on Hirta, the largest island in the Atlantic archipelago, as well as a handful of conservationists.

The ability “to work on your own initiative” is listed as a key requirement for candidates.

The last of St Kilda’s native population were famously evacuated at their own request in 1930. Now the only people to live on the islands, which lie 112 miles west of the Scottish mainland, are civilian contractors based at a missile monitoring station, and seasonal volunteers working to preserve its outstanding natural beauty.

The Puff Inn was closed to the public in August 2005, reportedly after a fight erupted between two yachtsmen.

The bar was originally built as a canteen for military staff in the 1960s but was gradually opened to all those passing through the islands.

It became popular with those brave enough to sail to St Kilda across the regularly choppy seas as well as cruise passengers.

Patrons have recalled wild nights involving ceilidhs and elaborate rituals to initiate new regulars.

Now all customers must have prior MOD approval to visit.

The new bar steward will work for QinetiQ, an MOD contractor. They will be expected to serve customers as well as unload supplies - which arrive via helicopter.

Applications were due to close on Friday but the deadline has been extended.