As part of our commemorative campaign celebrating the final season of Scillonian III, we’re sharing the stories of the people who have helped shape the vessel’s remarkable legacy.
Few roles are more central to the passenger experience than the purser. Responsible for everything from customer care and administration to overseeing life on board, pursers have helped create the welcoming atmosphere that generations of travellers have come to associate with Scillonian III. Here, former purser Marcia Still and current pursers Dan Reynolds and Gail Dunkley reflect on their memories of the ship.
Former purser, Marcia Still’s career on board Scillonian III began in 1980 when she covered a friend’s shift behind the bar and was subsequently offered a position as a stewardess.
Marcia on Scillonian III’s deck during her first season in 1980.
Marcia with current Scillonian III master, David Redgrave, in 2016.
After five consecutive seasons, Marcia moved away before returning to Scillonian III in 2000 as a stewardess. She became purser in 2004 and went on to spend 17 years in the role, welcoming passengers and helping oversee the vessel’s day-to-day operations.
The purser plays a key role on board, with responsibility for overseeing staff, accounts, administrative and financial tasks, including cargo and passenger manifests, as well as managing guest services.
Marcia said: “I’ve always loved Scillonian III and the Isles of Scilly. It was more of a way of life than just a job.
“I was lucky enough to be on board for two Tall Ship races. The weather was perfect for the first one, and we spent hours amongst all the boats in Falmouth Bay – to see them up close was spectacular.
“Another memory that sticks in my mind was the time I was on the bridge wing looking straight down into the mouth of a basking shark as it was coming up near the surface feeding. It didn’t matter how many times you spotted dolphins or other wildlife, it was always a thrill.
“Over the years I’ve met some lovely people and worked with some great crew. I met my husband Steve in 1980 when he was travelling to the Isles of Scilly, as he always did in September with the Newquay gig crews. It was many years later that we got together and eventually married in 2018.
“I’ve often regretted not keeping a diary as it might seem to outsiders that the job was very routine, but there was always something exciting, interesting, funny or unusual happening. It was hard work, but good fun. I didn’t think as an 18-year-old that I would finish my working life still sailing back and forth to Scilly. When I retired in 2021, I was completely overwhelmed by the comments and good wishes.
“What makes Scillonian III so recognisable is the regularity of her schedule and the way the sun shines off her as she sails across Mount’s Bay towards the islands.
“Exciting times are ahead with Scillonian IV coming into service. Part of me would have loved to be still working and be involved.”
Recorded in 2016, Marcia shares a day in her life as purser.
Current Scillonian III purser, Dan Reynolds, stepped into the role in 2021, having first joined the crew as a steward in 2009. His career on board began following a conversation in the pub with relief master Pete Crawford, who encouraged him to apply for a steward position.
Dan said: “I’d recently been made redundant; I didn’t hesitate and filled out an application form the following day. I knew it would be seasonal and thought it would tide me over until I found something full-time. I was asked down to the ship for an interview. I didn’t think the interview went particularly well, so I feared the worst. A week went by before I was called by the former purser, Marcia, who asked if I was still interested, which of course I was and I worked by first shift on Scillonian III in April 2009. I certainly didn’t think I’d still be on board 18 years later.
“I have many stories and fond memories on board Scillonian III, but I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing the islanders growing up – some of whom now travel with their own children. Mainly though, it’s the crew I have worked with for many years who aren’t just friends anymore, they’re more like family. I think it’s the crew that makes Scillonian III so special, as passengers who travel year after year know us and I think that helps to make them feel comfortable, especially during a rough crossing.”
Dan Reynolds (left)
Dan shares the purser role with Gail Dunkley, with the pair working alternate weeks on and off. Gail has worked on board Scillonian III for eight seasons, including two as a steward and one as purser.
Gail said: “I have so many memories! My first is on my first sailing being sent up on deck as we approached the islands and seeing Scilly for the very first time.
“I also fondly remember the first time I saw the sun setting and a pod of dolphins heading into our bow waves – not to mention all the time spent with the crew who have become family.
“Scillonian III is a very special boat. For many passengers it is the start of their holiday and the magic of the Isles of Scilly. At 49 years old, she is still beautiful and reliable.
“She will have a place in many people’s hearts for a very long time. It is going to be so sad to see her go and I am sure there are going to be a few tears shed on her last sailing. She has done her time and deserves a rest now!
“It will be really interesting to see the difference between Scillonian III and Scillonian IV. 49 years between them, there have been a lot of advances both in technology and design.”
Scillonian III will make her final sailing on Sunday 8th November.