VIRGIN staff will soon benefit from the purchase by Sir Richard Branson of Makepeace Island, off the coast of Queensland, formerly known as Pig Island. Branson, and his partners Virgin Blue chief executive, Brett Godfrey, and engineering director Robert Sherrard have paid ”2m for the island and say they intend to invest a further large sum to bring the amenities up to date. Staff will not be charged for use of the facilities which will be developed to include nature walks, tennis courts and island activities such as fishing, sailing, water-skiing and other water sports. Clearly not practical as yet for UK based staff it could become popular if Virgin Atlantic”s plans to add an extension of its existing Heathrow ” Hong Kong route to Brisbane and Sydney takes place over the next twelve months. http://www.virginblue.com.au