A deserted house in the North of the Hebrides.

Population decline has been an endemic problem in the Hebrides for centuries.

There are many reasons for this decline in population, but the cost of travel to and from the islands is often quoted as one of the main factors.

On the 14th of April 2002 an economy return flight from London to Los Angeles was £202 whilst an economy return flight from London to Stornoway was £100 more expensive.