The Isles of Scilly has been selected to host the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series Event in the UK. This is the first time that a qualifying race for this unique Swimrun World Championship has ever been held in the UK. The event will take place on Saturday 18th June 2016 and will be limited to 100 teams chasing the 8 qualification spots for the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championship on 5th September.

The ÖTILLÖ is a welcome addition to Scilly’s adventure sports calendar that takes advantage of the islands’ outstanding environmental credentials; already Scilly is home to the annual World Pilot Gig Championships and Scilly Sea Swim Challenge. ÖTILLÖ is also the latest event to be organised by the Islands’ Partnership’s Scilly Events team, set up earlier this year to stimulate visitor numbers through events-led tourism, thanks to the support of the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund.

The ÖTILLÖ race on Scilly will be a true test for the teams of two that will tackle a course close to 45km long with a minimum of eight swims. The open-water swim sections will total around 10km with 35 kilometres of trail running and scrambling in between – across St. Mary’s, Tresco, St. Martin’s and Bryher. The Swimrun World Championship race is ranked by media broadcaster CNN as “one of the toughest endurance races in the world”.

Scilly was selected by the race organisers as the UK venue after a search of various venues that lasted a year. “We chose the Isles of Scilly because the islands are so beautiful, the environment is pristine yet challenging, and because we know that with the help and hospitality of the Scilly Events team, we will put on an awesome show,” says Race Director for ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series, Mats Skott.

“We are delighted that Scilly will host the UK qualifier for the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championship,” says Isles of Scilly Events Manager Zoe Parry. “This is a great coup for the islands – helping to put Scilly on the map as a place for fun and competitive sporting challenges as well as a fantastic holiday destination. Competitors and their supporters, as well as international media, will be coming to the islands from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, The Netherlands and Germany, and we look forward to giving them a fantastic Scillonian experience, not just during the race, but also in the lead up to the event and at the post-race celebrations.”

The Islands’ Partnership wishes to extend its thanks to the Wildlife Trust, The Duchy of Cornwall, Tresco Island and The Council of the Isles of Scilly for all pulling together; without their combined support, securing the event would not have been possible. The Star Castle Hotel, Tregarthen’s Hotel, St. Mary’s Hall Hotel, The Atlantic Hotel and The Isles of Scilly Country Guesthouse have all kindly donated rooms for the international press.

Registration for the Isles of Scilly swimrun race opens Thursday, 26th November at 15.00 GMT for the inaugural race on Scilly. Details and forms can be found at www.islesofscillyswimrun.com

A final year “A” level student from Norfolk has won the 2015 Isles of Scilly Photography Competition following a public online vote on VisitIslesOfScilly.com. Megan Gallacher, who is studying Fine-Art, Photography and Geography at Thetford Grammar School, won with her photograph entitled “Tropical Oasis” after it received 516 votes. Megan wins a two-night break for two at the award-winning Sylina Guesthouse on St. Mary’s and two return boat tickets on the Scillonian III.

Megan has visited the islands every year since she was 6 years old with her twin brother, parents and grandparents. “My mum and her family have been coming to the Isles of Scilly since 1975, so it really is a family get away that means a lot to us,” Megan says. “The reason why I love Scilly is that there is never a boring day whatever the weather and, each year, our holiday is different! I can always count on Scilly for quality family time, a beautiful setting for photography, and fabulous local food and atmosphere.  I am really excited to have won this competition,” she adds. “It means a lot to me, especially as it was decided by a public vote.”

“This was our second Isles of Scilly Photography Competition and once again, the overall standard was really impressive,” says David Jackson, Executive Director, Islands’ Partnership. “We’re delighted that the competition creates a lot of excitement and enthusiasm from our visitors. Importantly, this competition also helps to augment Visit Isles of Scilly’s existing photographic library. Many of last year’s entries featured in our marketing materials throughout the last 12 months, and already we have lined up many of this year’s finalists’ entries to feature in the 2016 Isles of Scilly Guide.”

The Islands’ Partnership would like to thank Isles of Scilly Travel and Sylina Guesthouse for their support with the competition.

Last night turned out to be a great night at the Cornwall Tourism Awards for Scilly, with two businesses scooping awards.

Hell Bay Hotel took Gold in the Small Hotel Category for the third year in the row and will go forward to be represented at the South West regional awards in February 2016 and possibly the nationals later on next year. Philip Callan, General Manager was there to accept the award on the hotel team’s behalf. 

Tresco Leisure Spa won a Bronze award in the Wellbeing and Spa Experience category, much to the delight of Hannah Shaw, Leisure Spa Manager. “This was the first year Cornwall Tourism Awards had a category for Spa and Wellbeing, and therefore my first time applying for the award. I can’t thank the Islands’ Partnership enough firstly for their encouragement to apply and also their huge support throughout the whole process.”

The gala night took place at the Headland Hotel in Newquay Cornwall, attracting the great and the good from tourist businesses across the county. Comedian Rory McGrath presented the awards.

“We are delighted that once again, Scilly has been well represented at the Cornwall Tourism Awards,” says David Jackson, Executive Director, Islands’ Partnership. “Both Hell Bay Hotel and the Tresco Leisure Spa are worthy winners, demonstrating real excellence in their field. They join a growing list of previous winners from Scilly and as the standards get ever higher, they should be very proud of their achievements. Not only will these awards have a positive impact on their businesses, but it is great for Scilly to be recognised for quality and high standards of service.”