The mistress stone is a natural 'doorway' in the rocks on the edge of a high cliff. A long time ago the young men of St Kilda would climb to the top, stand on the very edge of the rock and then stand on one leg! It seems like a very dangerous and foolish thing to do, but these men would climb steep cliffs all their lives in search of seabirds and their eggs. It was very important that they had a head for heights and good balance. This test showed they did and could go seabird hunting with the rest of the men. Once they did this they could marry and provide for their family.