The Isle of May, which would be included in the area of any ban, is home to 25, 000 pairs of puffins and 4, 000 pairs of kittiwakes.

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Earlier this year, a separate study, led by Professor Mike Harris from the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, revealed that puffins from the North Sea's largest breeding colony on the Isle of May ventured much further afield during the winter than previously thought.

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For instance, the Isle of Man authorities may be reluctant to insist on confidential disclosure of the beneficial owners of companies.

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They want to create a sanctuary on the Isle of Skye in which bagpipers may play and dress as they please.

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But Strathclyde University's Prof Stewart, one of the men behind the pilot on the Isle of Bute, thinks that for remote rural areas it may be the most cost-effective option.

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After failing to register a win at the North West 200 in May, the Morecambe man went on to win the prestigious TT Superbike and Senior TTs on the Isle of Man.

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