Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly, the most Westerly part of England form an archipelago of six inhabited islands and numerous other small rocky islets (around 140 in total) lying 28 miles off Lands End.
Tresco Island; courtesy of www.ocean-image.com
Scilly has been inhabited since the Stone Age and its history has been one of subsistance 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.
Behind the Mermaid Pub, by Tegan Howard
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.
A lot of the Scillies tourism comes to the island on the first bank holiday weekend in May when it is host to the World Pilot Gig Championships and has done so since 1990. Over 100 different teams now take part in the strenuous event and the islands population doubles for the weekend.
courtesy of www.ocean-image.com
In 1975, the islands were designated an area of oustanding beauty, which is why it has probably attracted the likes of Jude Law and David Beckham to visit.
St.Martins Island; courtesy of www.ocean-image.com
The islands gained overnight worldwide fame for brief moment when sports brand adidas recorded several commercials featuring the likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Anderson, Patrick Vieira and Michael Ballack. The reason being that the islands have the worlds smallest football league which consists of two teams, 'The Woolpack Wonderers' and 'Garrison Gunners' who play eachother 16 times in a season and compete for two cups as well as the league title. Similar commercials were made in Andorra and San Marino. You can view some of the action below;
Commercial 1 Commercial 2 Commercial 3
How to get to the Scillies
Scillonian Ferry, one of the ways to commute to The Scillies; courtesy of www.ocean-image.com
