Changes

Today, the [[oil]] industry dominates the islands economy, and is served by the huge terminal at Sullom Voe.

Today, the [[oil]] industry dominates the islands economy, and is served by the huge terminal at Sullom Voe.

Fair Isle is famous for its jumpers, colorfully patterned woollen sweaters, traditionally knitted with no arms so that they can be worn while gathering [[seaweed]] from rockpools to be used as [[fertiliser]]; making these is still the primary occupation of the islands womenfolk today, although now they are exported worldwide and fetch high prices.

Fair Isle is famous for its jumpers, colorfully patterned woollen sweaters, traditionally knitted with no arms so that they can be worn while gathering [[seaweed]] from rockpools to be used as [[fertiliser]]; making these is still the primary occupation of the islands womenfolk today, although now they are exported worldwide and fetch high prices. In 1834 James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan visited the islands and ordered some of the local knitwear, but with a system of [[buttons]] fastening the front. This garment is still known as a cardigan and is beloved of [[BBC]] Radio2 listeners.

== Wildlife ==

== Wildlife ==

Native wildlife includes large [[seal]] colonies of both grey and common seals, and there are many local tales about [[mermaid]]s who disguised themselves as seals.

Native wildlife includes large [[seal]] colonies of both grey and common seals, and there are many local tales about [[mermaid]]s who disguised themselves as seals.

[[Basking shark]]s migrate past the islands.

[[Basking shark]]s migrate to the islands to give birth.

Internationally important colonies of sea birds including [[gannet]]s, [[guillemot]]s, [[razorbill]]s, [[puffin]]s.

Internationally important colonies of sea birds including [[gannet]]s, [[guillemot]]s, [[razorbill]]s, [[shag]]s and[[puffin]]s.

The isolated nature of the islands draws in a surprising number of avian rarities, especially in spring and autumn, from as far afield as [[Siberia]] and [[Alaska]], which in turn draw large numbers of birdwatchers.

The isolated nature of the islands draws in a surprising number of avian rarities, especially in spring and autumn, from as far afield as [[Siberia]] and [[Alaska]], which in turn draw large numbers of birdwatchers.