Fair Isle bird observatory appeal

Bill Oddie, a regular visitor to the Observatory, is giving his public backing to the Appeal at the Rutland Bird Fair this weekend, August 16th/17th . Bill says: "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 and help build the new Observatory - and I hope to be one of its first birding visitors"

Roy Dennis, chairman of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, says "This is a very great challenge for us. 60 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 and help us achieve our goal to open our brand new Fair Isle Bird Observatory in 2010"

The Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust is an independent charity, which is totally self-funded and reliant on revenue from visitors. It is appealing for donations to the FIBOT New Building Fund www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk

Mark Adderley, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland charity, who own Fair Isle, visited last month and was thrilled by what he saw. He also adds NTS weight to the FIBO Trust appeal. "I visited Fair Isle in July as a volunteer on one of our Thistle Camps and listened to the islanders' thoughts for the island going forward. We have supported many initiatives to boost the Fair Isle economy over the years and we commend the Fair Isle Bird Observatory directors in their ambitious and committed goal to build a new observatory and lodge on the island."

Fiona Mitchell of the island's shop, the Stackhoull Store, says it's vital to have a new building: "It gives us confidence for the future of the Isle. The visitors to the Observatory are not only vital to our economy, but also to keeping our transport links. Whether they buy a postcard in the shop or a piece of Fair Isle knitwear - it all helps."

The thousands of visitors who travel to Fair Isle mainly go for the birdlife and the chance to see a rare migrant. All leave with lasting memories of island life. The welcome, the work of the Observatory and the way of life are closely linked. The Bird Observatory Trust is determined not to lose them.