Many regional newspapers have launched their own search for the “greatest” in their own town, on the back of the BBC’s quest to find Great Britons.

But when you live on a small island there might not be as much choice…

Step forward Isle of Man Newspapers!

With a raft of suggestions to start the islanders off, The Isle of Man Courier, Manx Independent and Isle of Man Examiner are seeking nominations for the greatest Manx person to celebrate the major figures who have shaped the island.

In the BBC top 100 list, the island was poorly represented with only suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, at number 27, whose mother Sophia was born in the Island, providing any Manx connection.

And as everyone knows – or should know – there are many more famous and worthy people around.

The Bee Gees, for example, although widely thought to be from Manchester, Maurice Barry and Robin Gibb were actually born in the Isle of Man. Their music career has spanned four decades with hits such as Staying Alive and Saturday Night Fever. At recent concerts they have performed Manx national song Ellan Vannin.

And there’s Capt John Quilliam, largely credited with steering the Victory to triumph during the Battle of Trafalgar. He was present at the battle of Copenhagen in the frigate Amazon and Nelson was so impressed by his valour he transferred him to the Victory. In 1805, during battle, the Victory’s steering wheel was shot away. Quilliam controlled the ship and took command of the captured Ildefonso.

Senior reporter James Campbell said: “We have decided to open up nominations to those who have made a significant contribution to the Manx way of life, as well as those who were Manx-born.

“Our poll is more straightforward – we simply want the readers’ favourite of all time and the one with the most votes wins.

“We have asked some leading figures in the Island to nominate their favourite Manx person to give a flavour the type of personalities you could vote for.”

Readers have to send their nomination and give the reason for the choice in 25 words or fewer.

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