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Bird lover Bill Oddie backs Fair Isle project
£1.5m appeal to help fund new seabird observatory launched
Published: 14/08/2008

ONE of TV’s best-known bird lovers, Bill Oddie, will today add his weight to a £1.5million appeal to help fund a new seabird observatory on Fair Isle, the remote island owned by the National Trust for Scotland charity.

The observatory on Fair Isle between Orkney and Shetland is known to ornithologists around the world for its rare bird migrants and spectacular seabirds. The appeal is being launched by the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust.

For 60 years the observatory has attracted visitors to the UK’s most remote inhabited island and has become the linchpin of the island’s economy. Now it has to be replaced with a new observatory to open in 2010.

The new building will be a modern, eco-friendly place for people to stay and will cost £4million, over a quarter of which has already been pledged by Shetland Islands Council. Other public funds are being sought – but the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust needs to raise £1.5million through individual donations.

The latest seabird research from the observatory confirms many birds are suffering another disastrous breeding season. Scientists are trying to assess the impact and growing threat from climate change.

Now is being claimed as the ideal time to support the observatory as it continues its seabird studies, as well as other long-term work on migration and resident birds.

Bill Oddie, a regular visitor to the observatory, is giving his public backing to the appeal at the Rutland Bird Fair this weekend.

He said: “Fair Isle is one of my favourite birding locations. I first went as a schoolboy, a visit to my ornithological mecca. I’ve been back many times and seen some cracking rare birds. I encourage everyone to donate generously.”

Roy Dennis, chairman of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, said: “This is a very great challenge for us. Sixty years of birding tourism, migration studies and seabird research under our belt, and now we plan for an important and exciting future. Please donate what you can.”