Applications are being invited for two new artists in residence posts – not in an art college or a university but on the most remote archipelago in the UK.

St Kilda is 41 miles to the west of the Outer Isles, but offers dramatic vistas, stark beauty and splendid isolation, which should appeal to some more intrepid artists.

Artists will be offered a residency on the remote islands courtesy of the National Trust for Scotland and Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre on North Uist. The posts are to be funded by the Year of Natural Scotland programme.

St Kilda property manager Susan Bain said: "We hope this opportunity attracts artists who can present a fresh take on the wild coastlines, fascinating history and unique heritage of this place."