I suppose that given the default circuit direction is left it makes sense that the island is on the starboard side, so that flyco can be on the inboard face of the superstructure from where Wings can criticise everyone in the entire circuit.
If previous posters are correct then carrier lay out is due to circuit direction, which is due to captain's seat position, which is due to cavalry SOP, which is due to scabbard position, which is due to left handers being 'under represented'.
And with the island on the starboard side you can leave rotary traffic in the starboard wait so VIPs in Flyco don't have to see them, because they came to see jets.
