There are lots of British islands that are striving so hard to keep its population high. A lot of residents from these islands are slowly migrating to the mainland to find a better life. However, the residents of the tiny island of Papa Westray struggle to keep the island alive and make it thrive.
Papa Westray, or Papay as the locals call it, was once a community of about 392 people. However, there was a decline in the island's population during the 1990s and even got down to 54 people. But according to BBC, Papay has been coming back to life compared to its island counterparts.
In a 2011 census, Papay's population increased to 40 percent all thanks to the island's expansion program of its school and fire station. The increase recorded about 90 residents in the area. The islanders really struggled to attract people to stay in the area.
One reason why Papay's population continues to grow is that the locals are willing to sell their empty houses to people willing to move to the island. Other islands are struggling to keep their population high because some owners don't want to sell their empty houses in case some of their relatives return.
The island is full of attractions that travelers and interested migrants would really enjoy. Its rich history is showcased with the historic thousand-year-old Knap of Howar and the 7th century old St. Boniface Kirk.
According to Westray & Papay Westray, the island is also blessed with magnificent coastlines and inland walks where flowers fill the area in spring and summer. The place is also rich with wildlife because of its seal and bird population. Travelers can avail tours from the local travel agencies.
Papa Westray might be struggling in keeping and attracting more residents to stay on the island. However, there's one thing that will always stay and those are the strong-willed residents fighting to keep the island alive.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
