Isles of Scilly

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Isles of Scilly
Shown in relation to Cornwall
Geography
Status:	sui generis, Unitary
Region:	South West England
Ceremonial County:	Cornwall
Area: - Total	Ranked 351st 16.33 km²
Admin. HQ:	St Mary's
ONS code:	15UH
Demographics
Population: - Total (2005 est.) - Density	Ranked 354th 2,100 129 / km²
Ethnicity:	99.6% White
Politics
Council of the Isles of Scilly http://www.scilly.gov.uk/
Leadership:	Cllr. Mrs. Christine Savill
Executive:
MP:	Andrew George

The Isles of Scilly (Cornish: Ynysek Syllan) form an archipelago of islands off the southwesternmost tip of England. Traditionally administered as part of the county of Cornwall, the islands now have their own Council of the Isles of Scilly. They are also designated the Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The islands are correctly referred to as the Isles of Scilly, or simply as Scilly; the terms "Scillies" and "Scilly Isles" are considered incorrect by locals.

Contents 1 Geography 2 History 3 Government 3.1 Local government 3.2 National government 3.3 Flags 4 Economy 4.1 Historical context 4.2 Tourism 4.3 Employment 4.4 Transport 4.5 Real estate 5 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 6 Culture 6.1 Sport 6.2 Other 7 References 8 External links

[edit] Geography

The Isles of Scilly form an archipelago of six inhabited islands and numerous other small rocky islets (around 140 in total) lying 45 km (28 miles) off Land's End – the most southwesterly point of England.

The table provides an overview of the most important islands:

Island	Population (Census 2001)	Area km²	Main settlement
St Mary's	1,666	6.29	Hugh Town
Tresco	180	2.97	New Grimsby
St Martin's (with White Island)	142	2.37	Higher Town
St Agnes	70	1.48	Saint Agnes
Gugh	3
Bryher (with Gweal)	92	1.32	Bryher
Samson	-1)	0.38
Annet	-	0.21
St. Helen's	-	0.20
Teän	-	0.16
Great Ganilly	-	0.13
remaining 45 islets	-	0.50
Isles of Scilly	2,153	16.03	Hugh Town

¹⁾ inhabited until 1855

The islands' position produces a place of great contrast – the ameliorating effect of the sea means they rarely have frost or snow, which allows local farmers to grow flowers well ahead of those on the island of Britain. The largest agricultural product is cut flowers, mostly daffodils. Exposure to Atlantic winds means that spectacular winter gales lash the islands from time to time.

This is reflected in the landscape, most clearly seen on Tresco where the lush sub-tropical Abbey Gardens on the sheltered southern end of the island contrast with the low heather and bare rock sculpted by the wind on the exposed northern end.

As part of a 2002 marketing campaign, the plant conservation charity Plantlife chose Thrift as the 'county flower' of the islands.^[1]

[edit] History

Scilly has been inhabited since the Stone Age and its history has been one of subsistence living until the 20th century with people living off the land and the sea. Farming and fishing continue today, but the main industry now is tourism.

The islands may correspond to the Cassiterides (Tin Isles) visited by the Phoenicians and mentioned by the Greeks.

It is likely that until relatively recently the Isles were much larger with many of them joined into one island and that the land has subsided. Evidence for this includes:

• A description in Roman times describes Scilly as "Scillonia insula" in the singular, as if there was an island much bigger than any of the others.
• Remains of a prehistoric farm have been found on Nornour, which is now a small rocky skerry far too small for farming.
• At certain low tides the sea becomes shallow enough for people to walk between some of the islands. This is possibly one of the sources for stories of drowned lands, e.g., Lyonesse.
• Ancient field walls are visible below the high tide line off some of the islands (e.g. Samson).
• King Olaf I of Norway, came to Syllingene as the isles were called in Snorre Sturlason`s Royal Sagas of Norway. He came to see a fortuneteller, a seer. This event eventually led to the christening of King Olav.

It is not known at exactly which point the islands stopped speaking Cornish, but it seems to have gone into decline during the Middle Ages, and lost the language before parts of Penwith. The islands thus appeared to have lost the old Celtic language before parts of the mainland, in contrast to the situation of Irish or Scottish Gaelic.

During the English Civil War, the isles were a stronghold for the Royalists. It was during this period that the Three Hundred and Thirty Five Years' War started between the isles and the Netherlands. In June 1651, the isles were captured from the Royalists by Admiral Robert Blake for the Parliamentarians.

Scilly is famous for its danger to shipping and its many shipwrecks. The wreck of Sir Cloudesley Shovell's ship HMS Association in 1707 off the Isles of Scilly due to inaccuracies in navigation led to the development of the method of lunar distances, and to the invention of the chronometer by John Harrison, the first reliable methods of determining longitude at sea.

The sea has always played a huge part in Scillonian history but it was in the 19th century that Scilly had its maritime heyday. Beaches which are now enjoyed by sunbathers were then factories for shipbuilding; the harbours now full of pleasure boats were once packed with local and visiting fishing and trading boats.

Former Prime Minister Harold Wilson regularly holidayed on the Isles and eventually bought a cottage there as a holiday home. He is buried on St Mary's. His widow Mary Wilson is still a frequent visitor.

[edit] Government

[edit] Local government

Historically, the Isles of Scilly were administered as one of the hundreds of Cornwall, although the Cornwall quarter sessions had limited jurisdiction there.

The Local Government Act 1888 allowed the Local Government Board to establish in the Isles of Scilly "councils and other local authorities separate from those of the county of Cornwall"... "for the application to the islands of any act touching local government." Accordingly, in 1890 the Isles of Scilly Rural District Council (the RDC) was formed as a sui generis unitary authority, outside the administrative county of Cornwall. Cornwall County Council provided some services to the Isles, for which the RDC made financial contributions. Section 265 of the Local Government Act of 1972 allowed for the continued existence of the RDC, but renamed as the Council of the Isles of Scilly.^[2][3]

With a total population of only just over 2000, the council represents fewer inhabitants than many English parish councils, and is by far the smallest English unitary council. In 2002, there were 21 elected councillors (all independent), and some 164 staff were employed by the council. These numbers are significant in that almost 10 per cent of the population is directly linked to the council as either an employee or councillor.^[4]

For judicial, shrievalty and lieutenancy purposes the Isles of Scilly are "deemed to form part of the county of Cornwall".^[5]

[edit] National government

Politically, the islands are a fully integrated part of England and hence of the United Kingdom. They are represented in the United Kingdom Parliament as part of the St Ives constituency, currently held by Andrew George of the Liberal Democrats.

As part of the United Kingdom, the islands are part of the European Union and are represented in the European Parliament as part of the multi-member South West England constituency. The Isles of Scilly are not the most remote part of this constituency, as it also includes the United Kingdom dependent territory of Gibraltar.

[edit] Flags

There are primarily two flags used to represent Scilly:

• The flag of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, which incorporates their logo.^[6]
• The unofficial Scillonian Cross, voted for by readers of Scilly News^[6][7]

An adapted version of the old Board of Ordnance flag has also been used, after it was left behind when munitions were removed from the isles. The Cornish Ensign has also been used.^[6][8]

[edit] Economy

[edit] Historical context

Since the mid-eighteenth century the Scillionian economy has relied on trade with the mainland and beyond as a means of sustaining its population. Over the years the nature of this trade has varied, due to wider economic and political factors that have seen the rise and fall of industries such as kelp harvesting, pilotage, smuggling, fishing, shipbuilding and, latterly, flower farming. In a study of the Scillionian economy by Neate in 1987, it was found that many farms on the islands were struggling to remain profitable due to increasing costs and strong competition from overseas producers resulting in a diversification into tourism. Recent statistics suggest that agriculture on the islands now represent less than 2 percent of all employment.^[9][10][11]

[edit] Tourism

Today, tourism is estimated to account for 85 per cent of the island's income. The islands have been efficient in attracting this investment due to its unique environment, favourable summer climate, relaxed culture, efficient co-ordination of tourism providers and good transport links by sea and air to the mainland, uncommon in scale to similar sized island communities.^[12][13]. The majority of visitors stay on St Mary's, which has a concentration of holiday accommodation and other amenities. Of the other inhabited islands, Tresco is run as a timeshare resort, and is consequently the most obviously tourist-orientated. Bryher and St Martin's are more unspoilt, although each has a hotel and other accommodation. St Agnes has no hotel and is the least developed of the islands.

However the level of dependency on tourism is high, even by the standards of other island communities. “The concentration [on] a small number of sectors is typical of most similarly sized UK island communities. However, it is the degree of concentration, which is distinctive along with the overall importance of tourism within the economy as a whole and the very limited manufacturing base that stands out.”^[10]

Due to its scale, tourism stands to justify the existence of many other island activities, for example, transport links to the mainland which could not be maintained with reduced visitor numbers. Therefore the implications of tourism are far ranging, as they essentially affect the sustainability of the whole community.

Tourism is also a highly seasonal industry due to its reliance on outdoor recreation, and the low level of tourist activity in winter causes a near shutdown of the islands during that season. However, the tourist season benefits from an extended period of business in October when many birdwatchers (or birders) arrive. Because of its position, Scilly is the first landing for many migrant birds, including extreme rarities from North America and Siberia.

[edit] Employment

The predominance of tourism means that "tourism is by far the main sector throughout each of the individual islands, in terms of employment… [and] this is much greater than other remote and rural areas in the United Kingdom”. Tourism accounts for approximately 63 per cent of all employment.^[10]

Businesses dependent on tourism, with the exception of a few hotels, tend to be small enterprises typically employing fewer than 4 people and many of these are family run suggesting an entrepreneurial culture amongst the local population.^[10] However, much of the work generated by this, with the exception of management, is low skilled and thus poorly paid, especially for those involved in cleaning, catering and retail.^[14].

Because of the seasonality of tourism, many jobs on the islands are seasonal and part time as work cannot be guaranteed throughout the year. Some islanders take up other temporary jobs ‘out of season’ to compensate for this. Due to a lack of local casual labour at peak holiday times, many of the larger employers accommodate guest workers who come to the islands for the summer to have a ‘working holiday’.

[edit] Transport

The islands are linked to the mainland by both air and sea services, and rely on boat services for inter-island connections. St. Mary's is the only island with a significant road network.

By air, the islands are served by St. Mary's Airport on the main island of St. Mary's and by Tresco Heliport on the island of Tresco. The following air services currently operate:

• Helicopter services, operated by British International Helicopters, from Penzance Heliport to St. Mary's Airport and Tresco Heliport.^[15]
• Fixed-wing aircraft services, operated by Isles of Scilly Skybus, from various UK airports (Land's End, Newquay, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton) to St Mary's Airport.^[16]

By sea, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company provides a passenger and cargo service from Penzance to St Mary's. The other islands are linked to St. Mary's by a network of inter-island launches.^[17]

[edit] Real estate

The freehold of the islands is the property of the British Crown (except for Hugh Town on St Mary's, which was sold to the inhabitants in 1949). The crown estate on the islands is administered by the Duchy of Cornwall. The duchy also holds 3,921 acres as duchy property, part of the duchy's landholding. ^[18]

Housing availability is a contentious yet critical issue for the Isles of Scilly, especially as it affects the feasibility of residency on the islands. Few properties are privately owned, with many units being let by the Duchy of Cornwall, the Council, and a few by housing associations. The management of these subsequently impacts the possibility of residency on the islands.^[19]

Housing demand outstrips supply, a problem compounded by restrictions on further development designed to protect the islands unique environment and prevent the infrastructural carrying capacity from being exceeded. This has pushed up the prices fetched for the few private properties that become available, but significantly for the majority of the island's population, this has also impacted the rental sector where rates have likewise drastically increased.^[20][21]

High housing costs pose significant problems of affordability for the local population, especially as local incomes (in Cornwall) are only 70% of the national average, whilst house prices are almost £5,000 more than the national average. This in turn affects the retention of ‘key workers’ and the younger generation, which has a consequent impact upon the viability of the school(s) and other essential community services.^[21][12]

The access to housing provokes strong local politics. It is often assumed that tourism is to blame for this, attracting incomers to the area who can afford to out-price locals for available housing. Many buildings are used for tourist accommodation which reduces the number available for local residency. Second homes are also thought to account for a significant proportion of the housing stock, leaving many buildings empty for much of the year.^[22]

[edit] Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

In 1975, the islands were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The designation covers the entire archipelago, including the uninhabited islands and rocks, and is the smallest such area in the UK. The islands of Annet and Samson have large terneries and the islands are well populated by seals. The Isles of Scilly are the only British haunt of the White-toothed Shrew.

The islands are famous amongst birdwatchers, especially twitchers for their almost magnetic ability to attract rare birds from all corners of the globe. The peak time of year for this is generally in October when it is not unusual for several of the rarest birds in Europe to share this archipelago. One reason for the success of these islands in producing rarities is the extensive coverage these islands get from birdwatchers, but island archipelagos are favoured by rare birds which like to make landfall and eat before continuing their journeys and often arrive on far flung islands first.

[edit] Culture

[edit] Sport

One continuing legacy of the isles' past is gig racing, wherein fast rowing boats ("gigs") with crews of six (or in one case, seven) race between the main islands. Gig racing has been said to derive from the race to collect salvage from shipwrecks on the rocks around Scilly, but the race was actually to deliver a pilot onto incoming vessels, to guide them through the hazardous reefs and shallows. (The boats are correctly termed "pilot gigs".)

The Isles of Scilly feature what is reportedly the smallest football (soccer) league in the world. The league's two clubs, Woolpack Wanderers F.C. and Garrison Gunners F.C., play each other sixteen times a season and compete for two cups as well as the league title. The two share a ground, Garrison Field, but travel to the mainland for part of the year to play other non-professional clubs.

In December 2006, Sport England published a survey which revealed that residents of the Isles of Scilly were the most active in England in sports and other fitness activities. 32% of the population participate at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes.^[23]

[edit] Other

The Isles of Scilly were featured on the TV programme Seven Natural Wonders as one of the wonders of South west England.

In early 2007 the islands featured in the BBC series An Island Parish, following various real life stories but featuring the newly appointed Chaplain to the Isles of Scilly.^[24]

Scilly is a popular scuba diving area.

[edit] References

1. ^ County flower of Isles of Scilly. Plantlife International - The Wild Plant Conservation Charity. Retrieved on 7 April 2006.
2. ^ Isles of Scilly Cornwall through time. visionofbritain.org.uk. Retrieved on January 19, 2007.
3. ^ Isles of Scilly RD Cornwall through time. visionofbritain.org.uk. Retrieved on January 19, 2007.
4. ^ Council of the Isles of Scilly Corporate Assessment December 2002 (pdf). Audit Commission. Retrieved on January 21, 2007.
5. ^ Local Government Act 1972 (1972 c.70) section 216(2)
6. ^ ^{a b c} Isles of Scilly (United Kingdom). fotw.net. Retrieved on January 16, 2007.
7. ^ How Do You Get A Scillonian Cross. Scilly News. Retrieved on January 16, 2007.
8. ^ Cornwall (United Kingdom). fotw.net. Retrieved on January 16, 2007.
9. ^ Gibson, F, My Scillionian Home… its past, its present, its future, St Ives, 1980
10. ^ ^{a b c d} Isles of Scilly Integrated Area Plan 2001-2004, Isles of Scilly Partnership 2001
11. ^ Neate, S, The role of tourism in sustaining farm structures and communities on the Isles of Scilly in M Bouquet and M Winter (eds) Who From Their Labours Rest? Conflict and practice in rural tourism Aldershot, 1987
12. ^ ^{a b} Isles of Scilly Local Plan: A 2020 Vision, Council of the Isles of Scilly, 2004
13. ^ Isles of Scilly 2004, imagine…, Isles of Scilly Tourist Board, 2004
14. ^ J.Urry, The Tourist Gaze (2nd edition), London, 2002
15. ^ British International home page. British International Ltd.. Retrieved on January 17, 2007.
16. ^ Isles of Scilly Travel - Travel by air. Isles of Scilly Travel. Retrieved on January 17, 2007.
17. ^ Isles of Scilly Travel - Travel by sea. Isles of Scilly Travel. Retrieved on January 17, 2007.
18. ^ Mitchel, Sandy. Duchy of Cornwall - Prince Charles' Backyard - Prince Charles - Not Your Typical Radical. National Geographic Magazine. May 2006:96-115. Map ref 104. Map source Duchy of Cornwall Property Services Department [1]
19. ^ Martin D, 'Heaven and Hell', in Inside Housing, 31st October, 2004
20. ^ Sub Regional Housing Markets in the South West, South West Housing Board, 2004
21. ^ ^{a b} S. Fleming et al, “In from the cold” A report on Cornwall’s Affordable Housing Crisis, Liberal Democrats, Penzance, 2003
22. ^ The Cornishman, Islanders in dispute with Duchy over housing policy, 19th August, 2004
23. ^ Active People Survey - national factsheet appendix (Microsoft Excel). Sport England. Retrieved on January 16, 2007.
24. ^ An Island Parish. BBC. Retrieved on January 16, 2007.

[edit] External links

• Isles of Scilly travel guide from Wikitravel
• Isles of Scilly Tourist Information Centre Website
• Isles of Scilly Forum - Board Scilly
• Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Website
• Scilly News - Local website with up to date news.

• ScillyOnLine
• Council of the Isles of Scilly
• Tresco and Bryher
• Postcards of the Isles of Scilly
• http://www.scillywebcam.com A daily updated website with high quality photographs of Scilly.
• Map sources for Isles of Scilly
• http://www.gkershaw.co.uk A website by St Marys resident George Kershaw with lots of digital images of the Isles of Scilly.

The Isles of Scilly
Inhabited islands in the Isles of Scilly: St Mary's | St Agnes | Tresco | Bryher | St Martin's
Uninhabited islands in the Isles of Scilly: Annet | Bishop Rock | Crim Rocks | English Island | Gugh | Samson | Zantman's Rock
Related topics: Environment of the Isles of Scilly | History of the Isles of Scilly | Transport in the Isles of Scilly

Districts of South West England
Bath and North East Somerset | Bournemouth | Bristol | Caradon | Carrick | Cheltenham | Christchurch | Cotswold | East Devon | East Dorset | Exeter | Forest of Dean | Gloucester | Isles of Scilly | Kennet | Kerrier | Mendip | Mid Devon | North Cornwall | North Devon | North Dorset | North Somerset | North Wiltshire | Penwith | Plymouth | Poole | Purbeck | Restormel | Salisbury | Sedgemoor | South Gloucestershire | South Hams | South Somerset | Stroud | Swindon | Taunton Deane | Teignbridge | Tewkesbury | Torbay | Torridge | West Devon | West Dorset | West Somerset | West Wiltshire | Weymouth and Portland
Counties with multiple districts: Cornwall - Devon - Dorset - Gloucestershire - Somerset - Wiltshire

Coordinates: 49°56′10.81″N, 6°19′22.88″W