 Coll MacDonald of Colonsay raided Hirta in 1615 , removing 30 sheep and a quantity of barley . Thereafter , the islands developed a reputation for abundance . At the time of Martin 's visit in 1697 the population was 180 and the steward travelled with a " company " of up to 60 persons to which he " elected the most ' meagre ' among his friends in the neighbouring islands , to that number and took them periodically to St. Kilda to enjoy the nourishing and plentiful , if primitive , fare of the island , and so be restored to their <unk> health and strength . " 
