As part of our commemorative series marking Scillonian III’s final season, we have invited those whose lives and careers have been closely intertwined with the vessel to share their reflections.
Andrew May’s connection to Scillonian III spans almost her entire working life. First as a young islander witnessing her arrival in 1977, and later as a director of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group for 28 years, including 16 years as chairman.
With Scillonian III now in her final season, his recollections offer a thoughtful tribute to a vessel that has been far more than a means of transport.
Earliest memories
“My earliest memory is of Scillonian III arriving in St Mary’s Harbour on a sunny morning in May 1977, having departed Appledore the previous evening. I was in my early 20s and working in the Sunset restaurant (latterly ‘On the Quay’) helping with the serving of refreshments to the great and the good who had sailed aboard overnight.
“She looked magnificent. A truly impressive sight.
“I recall too the nay-sayers offering observations: ‘she’s too big; impossible to hold alongside’ etc. This was perhaps no surprise; I’m told similar was said of the second Scillonian on her arrival in the 1950s.
“I’ve further mostly fond memories of trips on Scillonian III during her early years but I do recall some teething problems with her stabilisation system. The comparison with her predecessor, the second Scillonian was particularly interesting, both as a passenger and a freight carrying vessel.
“As a freight carrier Scillonian III was truly transformative. The second Scillonian had numerous wooden hatch covers for example, each of which had to be lifted into place with the ship’s crane and then to be covered with a tarpaulin before being held in place with large wooden wedges, hammered home by the ship’s crew – a laborious and time-consuming business at each end of her journey. Scillonian III’s container carrying cargo system was innovative and served the community well for decades. Inevitably things change over time; the cargo mix demanded by the islands for example but also evolving maritime rules and regulations which have had the effects of constraining both passenger numbers and freight capacity in recent years. That said the vessel is still acquitting herself brilliantly in fulfilling both the needs of passengers and likewise assisting with the Islands’ freight needs.
“I am fortunate in being able to reflect on Scillonian III from the dual perspectives of an initially young islander living with the services she’s provided over five subsequent decades and as a director of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group for 28 years, and chairman of its board for 16 of those years.”
Presence and role in island life
“It’s no exaggeration to say that much of island life revolves around Scillonian III.
“She has an enviable record on reliability. She has fulfilled the functions for which she was designed and built efficiently, and she has entered islanders’ and visitors’ lives in perhaps surprising ways; such as symbolically bringing Cornwall closer to Scilly.
“This emblematic vessel, together with her masters, officers and crews over the years embodied permanence and reliability. Often stepping in when other modes of transport have been constrained by weather, and even tragedy. The cargo vessel Cita was wrecked on St Mary’s 20 years into Scillonian III’s life. Scheduled and even emergency air transport was grounded because of fog. Scillonian III stepped in with extra sailings carrying all the required specialised equipment and personnel, alongside her usual responsibilities.
“Earlier still, just six years into Scillonian III’s service in the summer of 1983 she quietly and with great dignity stepped in to secure the route and meet the sensitive needs of all touched by the tragedy which befell our island community in July of that year.
“There is for many a deep emotional attachment to her. Since the late 1980s when Scillonian III commenced her seasonal timetable, the witnessing of her final sailing of the year has been a time for reflection and even some sadness, certainly melancholy. The mood on the islands shifts. As it does five months later when her first sailing of the new season is a cause for the lifting of spirits, for optimism. No doubt each person has their own feelings; these are mine. I hope Julia McKenzie won’t mind me mentioning her in this regard, she has been a stalwart in waving Scillonian III adieu, and then half a year later being on St Mary’s quay to welcome her home once again.”
Memorable stories, events and crossings
Her final season
“My thoughts on Scillonian III’s final season and retirement are of gratitude, some sadness, and much excitement for what lies ahead.
“To think that in 1977 we were driving Austin Allegros and MG Midgets and we were using big heavy rotary dial landline phones – we don’t see many of these around today, and yet our vessel has not only endured, but is still very much fit for purpose. “She has been around for most of my life and has played a formative and an important role in it, for which I am grateful.”
Her legacy
“As to Scillonian III’s legacy, one just has to reflect on how relatively prosperous our islands are today compared with 50 years ago. Scillonian III has played her part in bringing this about. Our vessel’s legacy is assured, and the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s founders’ and inaugural shareholders’ vision has endured. I believe it will continue to do so, and we wish Scillonian IV well in her service to this admirable end.”
Scillonian III will sail for the final time in November, before Scillonian IV takes over for the 2027 season.
