On 5 February, 2002 Scilly News launched the vote for a Scillonian flag. The vote is aimed at find out which components are more favourable to the majority.

We have looked at many different possibilities and have been inundated with suggestions of how the flag should look. We have tried to incorporate some suggestions in the survey we are currently carrying out. We think that we should represent the Islands as stars as these are representative of the clear skies over Scilly. Actually drawing in the Islands as a map would be far to complex when producing a flag.

the colour of blue seems to be a reoccurring theme as the sea is such an integral part of Island life, for locals as well as visitors. We also feel that a symbol of Island life is needed because otherwise the flag may look rather bare. We have suggested a puffin, which reflects the natural beauty, a gig which encapsulates the historical and cultural side of Scilly, or a sunset which has long been synonymous with Scilly. Remember, locals and Visitors must like this flag, locals will have to live with it all year round!

Julian’s Article:

War has broken out amongst the Scilly News ranks! A dilemma which has arisen from a lifelong debate over patriotism and nationality! The race to develop a new Scilly flag is on!

Steve and Julian have come up with two different designs for a flag for the Isles of Scilly. It is not the first time this has been attempted, but nothing has ever been officially approved. The two designs are based on the same ideas but derive their conclusion in very different ways.

Steve came up with the idea that the Islands should be represented as Stars and put forward his idea of design one (the one incorporating the Union Jack). Julian However, believes that a Union Jack should not be used as he thinks that it will compare too strongly with the Australian flag and also promote a sense of nationalism, rarely displayed in local flags.

Steve argues that Julian’s design (the one with depths of water represented by different shades of blue) does not fit well as the shape of a flag, as wide areas may be left unused. Steve also defends his decision to use the Union Jack by saying that the flag unites us with the rest of the UK in what can sometimes seem like an isolated location.

At least we agree one several things, the Stars should be coloured orange to reflect the famous summer sunsets which can be viewed only from Scilly. We have also agreed that the background should be blue to show the reliance and importance the sea has over us and the respect it demands.

So then! You, the grand jury, have been charged with the responsibility of choosing which flag should be used on the Scilly news site and perhaps… the great beyond! Remember, your decision is an important one and the winning design will be submitted to the Council and Duchy for approval. So consider, when making your decision, the practicality of any such flag and the way in which the symbols would be interpreted by the powers that be and the public. Failing that, simply choose the one you like best!

Follow up: Scillonian Flags