While 2024 was the 50th anniversary of the first breach of territorial integrity in Europe since WW2 - the invasion and annexation of Northern Cyprus by Turkey, a member of NATO, in 1974 - 2025 will undoubtedly trigger a celebration of the largely forgotten annexation of Rockall by the UK in 1955.

Originally annexed to prevent it becoming the site of a Russian missile base, naturally, it now emerges that Rockall was actually annexed for its guano crop which is an essential peat fertilizer used in the Scottish Highlands.

Peat being an important 'green' fuel used by crofters to fry their Mars bars.

Over the years, Rockall has been the subject of many disputes between the UK and Ireland relating to fishing and oil rights, so it is more strategic than most people realise.

Various individuals and groups (e.g. Greenpeace) have tried to live on Rockall but eventually left as the Council tax (Band Z) is prohibitive due to the cost of providing services to the rocky outcrop from the Scottish mainland.

Lest we forget, Rockall is immortalized in the famous David Essex hit Rock On:

Hey, did you rockall?
Rock on, ooh, my soul