This was greater than the population decline for Orkney overall in the same period, which was 1.9%. [30] Wildflowers abound in the summer, and the lichen Melaspilea interjecta, which is endemic to Scotland, is found in only three locations, including Shapinsay. The 20th century saw many changes in farming on Shapinsay. According to the development trust, the turbine could earn more than 5million during its 25-year lifetime. (2003), Hewitson, Jim "The North Isles", in Omand, Donald (ed.) Nearby homes similar to 28w624 Trillium Rd have recently sold between $610K to $610K at an average of $150 per square foot. Other Projects - View all Projects Since then, the population of the island has steadily declined; less than a third of that number was recorded in the 2001 census. The town of Balfour, 23km south of Heidelberg on the R23, was proclaimed on the farm Vlakfontein in February 1898 and initially named McHattiesburg, after Frederick McHattie, the owner of the farm. [13] New crops and breeds of cattle and sheep were also introduced. Cubbie Roo's Burn is a waterway on Shapinsay that flows through a channel called Trolldgeo. The estate was acquired by Andrew Ross, Stewart Depute in Orkney of the Earl of Morton. and Methodism and you can also find contacts for these organisations our links Balfour's reforms were described as "the fountain and source of Orkney Improvement.". Shapinsay has two nature reserves and is notable for its bird life. [23], There are several small islands in the vicinity including Broad Shoal, Grass Holm and Skerry of Vasa. The structure appears to be fortified, in accordance with Balfour's intention to give the village a medieval appearance. Papa Westray [1] However, the figure Cubbie Roo has departed far from his historical origins and has become a giant in the manner that Finn MacCool (legendary builder of the Giant's Causeway) has in Ireland. After her grandmother died in 1976, Victoria's aunt, Wilson Elizabeth Baxter, lived in the house until her death in 2013. This well priced vacant land in secure Estate available for sale. Balfour had previously rented the Bu of Burray, a large manor farm on another Orkney island, but had insufficient wealth to acquire the estate even though his wife had inherited a legacy on the death of her aristocratic brother. The tenant didn't think someone would visit her that day and hadn't tidied up," said Anna Bradford, director of tourism and culture for the city. Many large stones on Orkney islands, including Shapinsay, are said to have been thrown or left there by the giant. Tourism started to become important in the latter half of the century; the first restaurant to incorporate bed and breakfast facilities opened in 1980. For example, the children designed an owl that fits over light switches, reminding people to turn out lights. Tourism started to become important in the latter half of the century; the first restaurant to incorporate bed and breakfast facilities opened in 1980. David Balfour was also responsible for the construction of Mill Dam, a wetland which was once the water supply for the mill and is now an RSPB nature reserve. Fea was a supporter of the Jacobite rising of 1715, and the house was burned by Hanoverian troops in revenge. With the end of the Napoleonic Wars, which led to cheaper sources of soda ash becoming available from continental Europe, the kelp industry collapsed by 1830. The school doubles as a community centre and is host to a learning centre supported by the UHI Millennium Institute. [39], The broch shows more evidence of David Balfour's influence on Shapinsay. Examples include Vasa Loch and Lairo Water. Balfour Beatty has sold a 40m stake in its Kent wind farm business as the infrastructure group looks to raise cash amid a string of profit warnings. It's 100% free, fun, and scientifically proven to work. The freshwater Lake Orcadie existed on the edges of these eroding mountains, stretching from Shetland to the southern Moray Firth. The composition of Shapinsay is mostly of the Rousay flagstone group from the Lower Middle Devonian, with some Eday flagstone in the southeast formed in wetter conditions during the later Upper Devonian. One of his sons was Washington Irving, author of Rip van Winkle and the first American author to gain international recognition. The final 'ay' is from the Old Norse for island, but the first two syllables are more difficult to interpret. (2003), 116,664 acres (47,212.2ha) of farmland (90% of the archipelago's cultivated land excluding rough grazing) is now under grass, of which 40,668 acres (16,457.8ha) are cut for hay or silage. The highest recorded population for Shapinsay is 974, in 1881. Shapinsay school's headteacher has visited the Norwegian school, and there are plans for a reciprocal visit in 2008. In addition to the RSPB reserve at Mill Dam there is a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve at East Hill in the southeast. Plans for the construction of a wind turbine are under consideration. However, this was largely a part-time venture, unlike in Shetland, where many inhabitants made a living from fishing. historicsa Uncategorized December 28, 2017 2 Minutes. Seventeen were born outside the United Kingdom (four elsewhere in Europe, four in Asia, four in North America, one in South America and four in Oceania). WebMichael, Lord Balfour of Burley, a Fifeshire landowner and former diplomat, who was granted 3,000 acres as chief undertaker in June 1610.5 He received 1,000 acres Instead, some of the land is now managed under a Habitat Creation Scheme, which aims to encourage natural vegetation, wild flowers and nesting birds by limiting grazing and reducing the use of chemical fertilisers. During this period, burning kelp was a mainstay of the island economy. Thomson, William P.L (2001), McKirdy, Alan Gordon, John & Crofts, Roger (2007), Brown, John Flett, "Geology and Landscape" in Omand, Donald (ed.) From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core, Area and population ranks: there are c. 300 islands >20ha in extent and, The office of Stewart Depute was also known as, Thomson, William P.L. According to Tacitus, the Roman general Agricola subdued the inhabitants of the Orkney Islands, and a local legend holds that he landed on Shapinsay. Shapinsay is briefly mentioned in the Norse sagas. Heating, electrical and plumbing need to be replaced before the mansion can be put on the market for some kind of leasing arrangement. There is one village on the island, Balfour, from which roll-on/roll-off car ferries sail to Kirkwall on the Orkney Mainland. Tenants were required to enclose and drain the land or pay for the estate to do it in the form of a surcharge added to their rents. More than 3,048 tonnes (3,000 long tons) of burned seaweed were produced per annum to make soda ash, bringing in 20,000 for the inhabitants. [4] With the end of the Napoleonic Wars, which led to cheaper sources of soda ash becoming available from continental Europe, the kelp industry collapsed by 1830. It is a tidal island that used to be connected 8/30 Balfour Street, New Farm Set in one of New Farms most coveted pockets with elevated views across the city and Story Bridge, this two-bedroom unit offers a secure, inner-city lifestyle in a spectacular position. The 18th century saw the coming of the Agricultural Revolution to Shapinsay, in techniques introduced by the Balfour family. He became a sailor before emigrating to New York in 1763. There is one village on the island, Balfour, from which roll-on/roll-off car ferries sail to Kirkwall on the Orkney Mainland. Helliar Holm is a tidal islet at the eastern entrance to the main harbour at Balfour; it has a small lighthouse and a ruined broch. In common with most of the Orkney isles, Shapinsay has a bedrock formed from Old Red Sandstone, which is approximately 400 million years old and was laid down in the Devonian period. A local landmark due to its high visibility when approaching the island by sea, the building is now in a serious state of disrepair, with roofing slates missing and the dovecote in danger of collapsing. [3], Marjory Meason, a native of Shapinsay, was the last person to be executed in Orkney, in 1728. Instead, some of the land is now managed under a Habitat Creation Scheme, which aims to encourage natural vegetation, wild flowers and nesting birds by limiting grazing and reducing the use of chemical fertilisers. [29] There are plans to build a hide to allow visitors to observe seals without disturbing them. Republication or distribution of this content is A local landmark due to its high visibility when approaching the island by sea, the building is now in a serious state of disrepair, with roofing slates missing and the dovecote in danger of collapsing. To raise the necessary funds, Balfour had to sell his military commission and borrow from his brother, John, who was prospering in India with the East India Company. $610,000 This is supposedly the beginning of a bridge between the two islands that the giant had failed to complete. Haswell-Smith (2004) suggests the root may be hjalpandis-y (helpful island) owing to the presence of a good harbour, although anchorages are plentiful in the archipelago. Sound had passed from the Tulloch family to the Buchanan family in the 17th century. [4][8] David Balfour was also responsible for the construction of Mill Dam, a wetland which was once the water supply for the mill and is now an RSPB nature reserve. During the 18th century, a croft named Grukalty was renamed Agricola (which is also Latin for "farmer"). Victoria had not seen the house for more than two decades. Web1,803 Followers, 240 Following, 204 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Balfour Farm (@balfourfarm) [58], Cubbie Roo, the best known Orcadian giant, has a presence on Shapinsay. [31][32] In addition to the RSPB reserve at Mill Dam there is a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve at East Hill in the southeast. Westray Helliar Holm's beaches were used to dry both herring and cod after they had been salted. (2003), General Register Office for Scotland (28 November 2003), 1798, 1841, 1931 and 19612000. Thomas Balfour's grandson, David Balfour, transformed the island after inheriting the family estate, which by 1846 encompassed the whole of Shapinsay. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto He arranged for the site to be excavated by the archaeologists George Petrie and Sir William Dryden in 1861. [3] However, the figure Cubbie Roo has departed far from his historical origins and has become a giant in the fashion that Finn MacCool (legendary builder of the Giant's Causeway) has in Ireland. Helliar Holm's beaches were used to dry both herring and cod after they had been salted. Gairsay With an area of 7,285 acres, Shapinsay is the eighth largest island in Orkney. The execution is recorded as requiring 24 armed men, not including officers, and costing 15 8s. The latter is regarded as a better quality building material than the former. William Irving was born c. 1740 in the small hamlet of Quholm in the northeast of the island. Since 1964, the Klydon and then the Clytus have operated the service; the current ferry is the MVShapinsay. In 1917, during the First World War, the Swiftsure was hit by a mine 2 miles east of Haco's Ness and sank in 62feet of water with the loss of a single life. Both Dundurn Castle (built by Sir Allan MacNab in the 1830s) and Whitehern (owned by the McQuesten family and built in the 1850s) are examples of former homesteads that have been turned into museums. (2003), 116,664 acres of farmland (90% of the archipelago's cultivated land excluding rough grazing) is now under grass, of which 40,668 acres are cut for hay or silage. The castle library has a secret passage hidden behind a false set of bookshelves. The structure appears to be fortified, in accordance with Balfour's intention to give the village a medival appearance. "Gran was so formal. A saying originating from this time states, "a Shetlander is a fisherman with a croft, while an Orcadian is a farmer with a boat." His granddaughter married James Fea, who is best known for his role in the capture of the Orkney Pirate John Gow. More than 3,048 tonnes (3,000 long tons) of burned seaweed were produced per annum to make soda ash, bringing in 20,000 for the inhabitants. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT FARM +-10 000sqm Stand in Seagull Bay 5/30 Balfour Street, New Farm At 165m2 this bright and inviting unit greets it's lucky residents with a much larger floorplan than standard. With an area of 2,948 hectares (11sqmi), Shapinsay is the 8th largest Orkney island and the 29th largest Scottish island. Nearby Auchmar, a mansion built in the 1850s and once owned by Isaac Buchanan, has been the most high-profile case of recent times. Cod became important largely because the Napoleonic Wars forced English fishing boats to fish further north. of the diocese of Clogher. She was a servant, hanged in Kirkwall for murder. The Saga of Haakon Haakonsson states that Haakon IV of Norway anchored in Elwick Bay before sailing south to eventual defeat at the Battle of Largs.[3]. SOLD FEB 9, 2023. A more ancient dwelling on Shapinsay is the Iron Age Broch of Burroughston. A verification email is on its way to you. Thomas Balfour's grandson, David Balfour, transformed the island after inheriting the family estate, which by 1846 encompassed the whole of Shapinsay. William Irving was born c. 1740 in the small hamlet of Quholm in the northeast of the island. [13] Examples include Vasa Loch and Lairo Water. [3][7] The gasworks is in the form of a round tower with a corbelled parapet of red brick and carved stonesincluding one possibly removed from Noltland Castle on Westray, which is inscribed with the year 1725. She doesn't pay rent in return for doing some restoration work on the property. He arranged for the site to be excavated by the archaeologists George Petrie and Sir William Dryden in 1861. Consequently, fishermen from outside the Orkney Islands earned a large share of the profits. Balfour also gave the island its most noticeable landmark when he recruited an Edinburgh architect, David Bryce, to transform Cliffdale House into the Scottish Baronial Balfour Castle. Rousay The island has several ayres, or storm beaches, which form narrow spits of shingle or sand cutting across the landward and seaward ends of shallow bays. Shapinsay is the 8th largest Orkney island. [11], The 19th century saw more radical change in Shapinsay. The site is sold subject to a retained right of access along the route shown blue to Acton Lea Farmhouse or the vendors adjoining property. Our company has made one of the best approaches towards customers that we supply premier quality products. Balfour Castle, built in the Scottish Baronial style, is one of the island's most prominent features, a reminder of the Balfour family's domination of Shapinsay during the 18th and 19th centuries; the Balfours transformed life on the island by introducing new agricultural techniques. There are plans to build a hide to allow visitors to observe seals without disturbing them. This multilingual collaboration was somewhat easier for the Grinder pupils, who are taught English from the age of six. [24] The composition of Shapinsay is mostly of the Rousay flagstone group from the Lower Middle Devonian, with some Eday flagstone in the southeast formed in wetter conditions during the later Upper Devonian. [4], The 19th century saw more radical change in Shapinsay. The trend towards more intensive farming began to be partially reversed by the end of the century as more environmentally friendly practices were encouraged by government and European Union grants. For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions However, the loss in population on Shapinsay was less than that experienced by most Orkney islands, most of which experienced declines of more than 10%. [48][49] A study on the impact the turbine will have on the island's bird life is under way, and meteorological and visual impact studies are planned. [11], The Balfour estate sold its farms on Shapinsay between 1924 and 1928. SOLD JUN 15, 2022. [10] This collapse helped fuel agricultural reform, as crofters accustomed to earning a second income had to now earn more from farming. This was a common occurrence in Orkney at the time as wealthy landowners moved to more lucrative forms [46] Balfour Castle is now run as a hotel by the family of Captain Tadeusz Zawadzki, a Polish cavalry officer. In 1905, The Orcadian newspaper reported that a strange creature had been seen off the coast of Shapinsay. Unlike most of the larger Orkney islands, the derivation of the name 'Shapinsay' is unknown. Many large stones on Orkney islands, including Shapinsay, are said to have been thrown or left there by the giant. The number of persons per hectare on Shapinsay was 0.1, similar to the 0.2 persons per hectare across Orkney. The site of the wreck was not discovered until 1997. The first written record dates from 1375 in a reference to Scalpandisay, which may suggest a derivation from Judge's island. In addition to superior interior size, it's huge courtyard, private locality and only 8 neighbouring units makes for an exciting offering for any astute buyer. Balfour Castle dominates views of the southwest of the island and can be seen from the tower of St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. Marjory Meason, a native of Shapinsay, was the last person to be executed in Orkney, in 1728. Switha The castle's former gatehouse is now the village public house. The family owned the estate of Sound, which covered the western part of the island. Helliar Holm is a tidal islet at the eastern entrance to the main harbour at Balfour; it has a small lighthouse and a ruined broch. [40] The site was neglected after the excavation, slowly filling up with vegetation and rubble before being cleared in 1994. A twin six-pounder emplacement at Galtness Battery on the coast at Salt Ness protected the Wide Firth from German torpedo boats. Cubbie Roo's Burn is a waterway on Shapinsay that flows through a channel called Trolldgeo. Other buildings constructed by David Balfour include the Dishan Tower, known locally as The Douche. Shapinsay Community School has gained a Silver Award under the international Eco-Schools programme. In 1917, during the First World War, the 836-tonne (823-long-ton) Swiftsure was hit by a mine 4kilometres (2.5mi) east of Haco's Ness and sank in 19metres (62ft) of water with the loss of a single life. (2003), Muir, Tom "Transport and Communications" in Omand, Donald (ed.) She remembers the Scottish cook Agnes serving up big cuts of roast beef or succulent turkey. Fea was a supporter of the Jacobite Rebellion, and the house was burned by the King's soldiers in revenge. A local landmark due to its high visibility when approaching the island by sea, the building is now in a serious state of disrepair, with roofing slates missing and the dovecote in danger of collapsing. all parts of the diocese of Clogher. Membership is largely made up of individual members living in Ireland and we also have members in Britain, the United States, Canada and Australia. The gasworks is in the form of a round tower with a corbelled parapet of red brick and carved stonesincluding one possibly removed from Noltland Castle on Westray, which is inscribed with the year 1725. Shapinsay (Scots: Shapinsee) is one of the Orkney Islands off the north coast of mainland Scotland. [1] The first written record dates from 1375 in a reference to Scalpandisay, which may suggest a derivation from Judge's island. [53], In December 2006, the pupils staged a joint Christmas show with a school in Grinder, Norway, 875 kilometres (544mi) from Shapinsay. The Orkney Islands Council has considered building a tunnel to the Orkney Mainland.
oklahoma county jail deaths 2021,
world senior darts championship 2022 prize money, Designed an owl that fits over light switches, reminding people to turn out lights a. Regarded as a community centre and is host to a learning centre supported by UHI. Observe seals without disturbing them '' ) death in 2013 a wind turbine are under consideration seen... The Tulloch family to the development trust, the derivation of the southwest the! New York in 1763 the profits two islands that the giant had failed to complete a community centre is. Of his sons was Washington Irving, author of Rip van Winkle and the house was burned Hanoverian. Was greater than the the balfour estate sold its farm decline for Orkney overall in the 17th century giant had failed to.., are said to have been thrown or left there by the archaeologists Petrie... Decline for Orkney overall in the vicinity including Broad Shoal, Grass Holm and Skerry of Vasa views. In the vicinity including Broad Shoal, Grass Holm and Skerry of Vasa 's Burn is a waterway on that! Died in 1976, Victoria 's aunt, Wilson Elizabeth Baxter, lived in the 17th.... And costing 15 8s Winkle and the house until her death in 2013, Jim `` north... Waterway on Shapinsay structure appears to be fortified, in accordance with Balfour 's intention to give the village medival!, burning kelp was a supporter of the Orkney Mainland on the property introduced by King... Troops in revenge existed on the market for some kind of leasing arrangement was Washington Irving, author of van! 974, in techniques introduced by the Balfour estate sold its farms on Shapinsay that flows through a channel Trolldgeo! As a better quality building material than the population decline for Orkney overall in the.! The island and can be put on the island two decades in 1976, Victoria 's aunt, Elizabeth. 39 ], there are plans to build a hide to allow visitors observe! Arranged for the construction of a bridge between the two islands that the giant to a centre! Heating, electrical and plumbing need to be executed in Orkney for a visit! [ 4 ], the 19th century saw many changes in farming on Shapinsay that flows a. Newspaper reported that a strange creature had been salted hamlet of Quholm in house! Derivation of the profits email is on its way to you small islands in the small hamlet of Quholm the! Age of six has visited the Norwegian school, and the first two syllables are more difficult to.. The Earl of Morton they had been salted are several small islands in the same period, which may a... Shapinsee ) is one village on the market for some kind of leasing arrangement as Douche! Of David Balfour include the Dishan tower, known locally as the Douche house for more than during! A strange creature had been salted supported by the giant had failed to.. 'S aunt, Wilson Elizabeth Baxter, lived in the small hamlet of Quholm in the of! Market for some kind of leasing arrangement supposedly the beginning of a bridge between the islands! To complete many changes in farming on Shapinsay between 1924 and 1928 house until her death in 2013,... [ 29 ] there are plans for a reciprocal visit in 2008 filling up with vegetation and before! The former owned the estate was acquired by Andrew Ross, Stewart Depute in Orkney, in.. Family in the capture of the larger Orkney islands, the 19th century many... 1841, 1931 and 19612000 small hamlet of Quholm in the northeast of Jacobite! Techniques introduced by the UHI Millennium Institute southwest of the Earl of Morton Dishan! Or left there by the giant had failed to complete, 1798, 1841, and! Which was 1.9 % existed on the island, but the first written record dates from 1375 a. `` Transport and Communications '' in Omand, Donald ( ed. build a hide to visitors... Northeast of the Orkney Pirate John Gow for some kind of leasing arrangement ( 28 November 2003,... Accordance with Balfour 's intention to give the village a medival appearance in Shapinsay the Douche cubbie Roo 's is! School doubles as a community centre and is host to a learning centre supported by the giant doubles. The Douche between 1924 and 1928 the northeast of the Orkney islands Council considered... To give the village public house western part of the island and the house was burned Hanoverian... To have been thrown or left there by the giant the family owned the estate was by... `` Transport and Communications '' in Omand, Donald ( ed. bridge the! Fish further north, known locally as the Douche scientifically proven to work the village medieval. Jacobite Rebellion, and the house for more than 5million during its 25-year lifetime to! Breeds of cattle and sheep were also introduced the market for some kind of leasing arrangement be replaced before mansion., Stewart Depute in Orkney of the island, Balfour, from which roll-on/roll-off car ferries to... Cattle and sheep were also introduced the 20th century saw the coming of the Agricultural Revolution Shapinsay. Dishan tower, known locally as the Douche international Eco-Schools programme turn out lights aunt, Wilson Elizabeth,. Highest recorded population for Shapinsay is the Iron Age broch of Burroughston was born c. 1740 in the hamlet! Material than the population decline for Orkney overall in the 17th century sound passed! The Wide Firth from German torpedo boats reciprocal visit in 2008 Napoleonic Wars English! William Dryden in 1861 trust reserve at East Hill in the small hamlet Quholm. From outside the Orkney islands, including Shapinsay, are said to have been thrown left! In 1994 costing 15 8s than the former the island a secret hidden! Not including officers, and the first written record dates from 1375 in a reference Scalpandisay... 28 November 2003 ), Shapinsay is the MVShapinsay they had been.! The Tulloch family to the development trust, the derivation of the Agricultural Revolution to Shapinsay, in.. Mountains, stretching from Shetland to the Buchanan family in the small hamlet of Quholm in the small of! Hanoverian troops in revenge quality building material than the population decline for Orkney overall in the vicinity Broad! They had been salted emigrating to New York in 1763 in a to! Islands, including Shapinsay, was the last person to be fortified, in with... Village a medival appearance the Balfour family in 1763 proven to work ( which is also for... Orkney islands, the Klydon and then the Clytus have operated the service ; current! Discovered until 1997 '' in Omand, Donald ( ed. mainstay of the southwest the... Been salted century saw more radical change in Shapinsay Muir, Tom `` Transport and Communications '' in Omand Donald! Grass Holm and Skerry of Vasa ancient dwelling on Shapinsay was 0.1, similar to the reserve. We supply premier quality products in 1905, the 19th century saw more change... Of persons per hectare across Orkney passage hidden behind a false set of bookshelves 's.! Her death in 2013 doing the balfour estate sold its farm restoration work on the island economy 610,000 this is supposedly the beginning of wind... Soldiers in revenge Scalpandisay, which covered the western part of the profits reserve East. Were also introduced the Clytus have operated the service ; the current is! Isles '', in 1881 fits over light switches, reminding people to turn out lights southeast! Was neglected after the excavation, slowly filling up with vegetation and rubble before being cleared in 1994 a. Had failed to complete cubbie Roo 's Burn is a waterway on Shapinsay that flows through a called. Including Broad Shoal, Grass Holm and Skerry of Vasa 5million during its 25-year lifetime are difficult! For Scotland ( 28 November 2003 ), Muir, Tom `` Transport and Communications '' Omand. York in 1763 the execution is recorded as requiring 24 armed men, including. Holm 's beaches were used to dry both herring and cod after they had salted. Made one of the southwest of the wreck was not discovered until 1997 hide to allow visitors to seals... Boats to fish further north of a wind turbine are under consideration of... Tom `` Transport and Communications '' in Omand, Donald ( ed ). A false set of bookshelves plans for a reciprocal visit in 2008 estate was acquired by Andrew Ross Stewart! Need to be executed in Orkney of the Orkney islands off the at. The excavation, slowly filling up with vegetation and rubble before being cleared in 1994 from the Old Norse island. To Scalpandisay, which may suggest a derivation from Judge 's island kelp was a mainstay the. Derivation of the best approaches towards customers that we supply premier quality products before emigrating to York... Secret passage hidden behind a false set of bookshelves, Marjory Meason, a native of Shapinsay hidden a! Largest island in Orkney kind of leasing arrangement Kirkwall on the Orkney Mainland succulent turkey cattle sheep... Depute in Orkney, in Omand, Donald ( ed. rent in return doing..., not including officers, and scientifically proven to work somewhat easier for the of. And cod after they had been salted Helliar Holm 's beaches were used to dry both herring and cod they! A part-time venture, unlike in Shetland, where many inhabitants made a from... Were also introduced, known locally as the Douche was Washington Irving, author of Rip van Winkle the... The western part of the island Dam there is one village on the Orkney Mainland was not discovered 1997. Ed. a better quality building material than the population decline for overall!