In a good place, but a future uncertain

Both islands have benefited from stir-crazy islanders desperate to get away. Some have become very attached to the smaller islands which, in the normal scheme of things, they might have never considered for a break.

Alderney is now in a position where it has two small ferries offering regular services, a position it could have hardly believed a few years ago.

Investment has come into the islands. People are being attracted by Alderney's way of life and the relatively cheap price of housing. Sark too has seen an influx of new islanders bringing new ideas and enthusiasm to island life over the past few years.

Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder said a final official farewell to Sark this week, with plenty of praise for the island, its authorities and its residents. And a message from the Queen, no less.

Sir Ian reflected on just how far the island had come during his time in office. Five years ago, he remarked, he considered Sark to have a divided community. His term has seen significant progress in Sark, including a new dairy and a new abattoir, a revitalised school and far-reaching land reforms.

Of course not all is perfect in the island – could it ever be with any small, self-governing community – and Sir Ian, presciently, raised the challenges the island faces in the future, particularly in retaining its uniqueness.

Both islands will enjoy the opportunity to ride a wave of success at this time. The fact that both have been able to recognise weaknesses, and capitalise on their strengths, has left both islands in a far stronger position than they might have thought they would have been at the turn of the decade.

But they will be wise to be aware of the challenges coming around the corner, as they inevitably will to a small jurisdiction.

Sark and Alderney are unique places, but they will still face the same issues of population, housing, infrastructure and paying for public services, as does Guernsey.