Special Sub-Topic: The Isles of Scilly Click Here To Play: The Isles of Scilly

Which is the largest island?

St Mary's. St Mary's, the largest island is less than three miles across and has only ten miles of coastline.

How many islands are there altogether(including uninhabited)?

55. There are five inhabited islands along with fifty uninhabited.

The main export from the islands is fish.

false. The main export is flowers.

Who owns the Isles of Scilly (all except Tresco)?

The Duchy of Cornwall. The Duchy of Cornwall has owned title to the islands since 1337. In 1570 it the Duchy leased Scilly to the Dorrien-Smith family who continued to hold the lease until 1831 when it kept Tresco.

What are 'gig races'?

rowing races. Gig racing is where lots of boats (like kayaks but wider) race from island to island. It is the most popular sport on the islands and is quite a spectacle to watch!

St Agnes is the only inhabited island without a hotel.

True. 80% of visitors stayed on St Mary's, 9% on Tresco, 5% on St Martin's, 4% on Bryher and 5% on St Agnes.

How many recorded shipwrecks have there been around the Isles of Scilly?

900. Over the centuries, 900 recorded shipwrecks have occurred. Many more may have happened around the hazardous rocks.

What nickname has this given the islands?

The Fortunate Isles & The Fortunate Islands. They have earnt this name because even in recent years the islands have collected the goods and drift-wood and used them in their houses and to sell on the mainland.

What is the first thing boats see when coming from the Atlantic?

The Bishop Rock Lighthouse & Bishop Rock Lighthouse. The Bishop Rock Lighthouse is situated six miles from St Mary's. Originally it was made of cast iron with open legs in the belief that the rough seas would pass between without harm, but a gale in 1850 swept all of it away. A granite tower, 120ft high, was then errected, but the spray went right over it. So in 1887 the whole structure was encased and given two extra storeys bringing it to 175ft above mean sea level. In all it is calculated to swing through an arc of six feet. The lighthouse used to have a keeper, but now is fully automatic. Only when a new bulb is needed and repairs required do helicopters land on the helipad on the roof.

How many hours of sunshine are there per year?

1752. On average there are 1752 hours of sunshine per year on the islands. This is compared to 1514 at Kew, London.