These Great Sporting Events "Local Issue" stamps were issued in 1996 by six postal authorities of the United Kingdom (UK).  They were released to chart the history of the FA Cup Final, and depict great moments from finals over the years.  The F.A. Cup Collection was officially authorised by the Football Association and the clubs who are featured.  Each of the six postal authorities issued six stamp designs and 2 souvenir minisheets, totalling 36 different stamps and 12 minisheets.  All of these are available as full sheets of 20 stamps, or individually in my other listings.

PLEASE NOTE: The stamps are not valid for postage in mainland Britain unless the Royal Mail postage stamps are also applied.  They were issued offshore and were only valid for delivery to the mainland Post Office, at which point the Royal Mail took responsibility for delivery.  The stamps are genuine, and listed in various official stamp catalogues.  They were issued primarily to support the boat services to the mainland and the community councils of the islands.  They have also found popularity with visitors to the islands (who then use the postal service, e.g. for postcards) and stamp collectors worldwide.

And for those needing a Geography lesson, BERNERA ISLANDS (Great Bernera and Little Bernera) lie northwest of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.