MAGAZINE OF THE ISLES OF SCILLY STEAMSHIP GROUP
Delivering for Scilly
WINTER 2025/26
Share your memories Celebrating the legacy of Scillonian III and Gry Maritha
Scillonian III number one again The route retains its title as the UK’s best for spotting marine wildlife.
New Skybus route Connecting Cornwall and the capital
Steamship St I S L E S O F S C I L LY
GROUP
Isles of Scilly
Delivering for Scilly
Poppies to Paddington
Welcome to the latest issue of Delivering for Scilly magazine, full of the latest news from the Group. It has been a busy quarter with many exciting announcements. We would like to say a huge thank you, as ever, for your continued dedication and commitment to the Group.
We were honoured to once again support the Poppies To Paddington act of remembrance, carrying the wreath across sea and sky in partnership with The Veterans Charity and Routes of Remembrance.
In this issue... Our new Twin Otter aircraft is ready to join the fleet, read more on page 8. Turn to page 10 to find out how Jessie Boulton’s first year as Chief Mate on Gry Maritha went. On page 14 we look back at Matt Wheeler's time with us as Chief Officer on Scillonian III. Head to page 16 to read our latest customer feedback.
With grateful thanks to all team members who’ve helped contribute articles and photos. Opinions expressed are the authors’ and not necessarily those of the company. Whilst every effort is made to ensure total accuracy Isles of Scilly Steamship Group cannot be help responsible for any errors or omissions within this magazine. Delivering for Scilly is produced by Isles of Scilly Steamship Group inhouse communications team. T +44 (0) 1736 334240 marketing@islesofscilly-travel.co.uk Editor Marketing Team Isles of Scilly Steamship Company Limited, Hugh Town, St Mary’s, Isles Of Scilly TR21 0LJ
Delivering for Scilly
The wreath was delivered to our Penzance offices before being delivered to the crew on board Gry Maritha, ready to be transported to the Isles of Scilly later that day. The wreath toured the islands with the local police before making the return journey to the mainland on board Skybus. After landing safely back in Penzance, the wreath was handed over to Great Western Railway for onward transportation to London as part of the tribute.
Scillonian III makes the airwaves BBC Radio Cornwall brought its breakfast show on board Scillonian III in September, broadcasting live from the ship before it set sail for the Isles of Scilly. Presenters James Churchfield and Daphne Skinnard spoke with crew members and passengers, giving listeners a glimpse of life on board. The four-hour live broadcast shared behindthe-scenes stories, day-to-day experiences and insights from those who keep the service running smoothly including Captain Dave Redgrave, Chief Executive Officer Stuart Reid, Chief Financial Officer Judith Piper, Technical Superintendent Luke Parnell, Purser Gail Dunkley, Engineer Steve George and Gry Maritha Captain Justin White. Listen to the highlights of the show here: https://bbc.in/4nDWObe
Marking a Milestone
Cornwall Blood Bikes launch anniversary calendar Cornwall Blood Bikes have transported urgent medical items free of charge across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for ten years, completing more than 45,000 jobs and covering one million miles. To celebrate a decade of service, the volunteerrun charity has produced an anniversary calendar, featuring Skybus and Scillonian III, to raise awareness of its vital work and showcase the NHS and healthcare partners it proudly supports. 3
A new era
Skybus launches Newquay – London Gatwick route
We were proud to announce the launch of
and leisure travellers alike; enabling faster, more
Skybus’ new Public Service Obligation (PSO) air
convenient travel between Cornwall and London,
route between Cornwall Airport Newquay and
as well as seamless access to Gatwick’s extensive
London Gatwick in November.
network of international destinations.
A refreshed timetable of flights is now operating
Jonathan Hinkles, Managing Director of Skybus,
daily and will gear up to twice-daily services on
said: “We are thrilled to launch this new service
weekdays from 14th February 2026.
between Cornwall and London Gatwick. It is not
The reaction to this news has been
just about making travel easier for passengers; it’s
overwhelmingly positive, with many welcoming
about creating opportunities – for businesses, for
the renewed reliability and regional investment
tourism, and for the local communities we serve.
this route brings.
“As a Cornish company with more than 40 years
We will operate the route using a 70-seat ATR72
of aviation experience, we understand how critical
aircraft – the world’s most popular regional
dependable air links are for our region. We’re
turboprop aircraft – marking a significant step-up
proud to step up to operate this vital route. Our
from the much-loved smaller aircraft Skybus flies on the Isles of Scilly’s lifeline air routes. The PSO route will provide vital links for business Delivering for Scilly
focus is on rebuilding confidence and offering reliability, and we look forward to providing passengers with the service they deserve.
“None of us underestimate the challenge ahead to build the Newquay-Gatwick route to be a thriving cornerstone of the local economy once more. We’re wholly confident that we can achieve this through Skybus’ record for reliability and service.” Skybus was selected by Cornwall Council via an expedited tender process to fly the route ahead of a new four-year tender from Cornwall Council to begin in mid-2026. Skybus is committed to restoring reliability and punctuality to the PSO air service. For the remainder of December, flights will be operated on Skybus’s behalf by Titan Airways, a UK carrier, using a 97-seat Embraer 190 aircraft. These services will be conducted under Aurigny’s Air Transport Licence.
How people reacted... Go for it Skybus! This is great news. Wishing you all the best, I’m sure you will make a success of it and hope you get the route on a permanent basis.
That’s brilliant!!! Travel Newquay to London regularly, look forward to flying with you!
We will then transition to a Dash 8 Q400 aircraft operated by Universal Air of Malta, which will remain in place until the ATR 72 enters service.
Fantastic news that Cornwall now has its own airline providing flights to London!
Further benefits to the Cornish economy will stem from Skybus’s introduction of new sameticket fast connections between London and the Isles of Scilly. These will be delivered by aligning the new London Gatwick-Newquay flights with existing services from Newquay to the Isles of Scilly by February 2026.
Great news for commuters and even better news for the job market in Cornwall! Well done Skybus! Upwards and onwards
Fares on the route begin at £79.99 one-way, including a 15kg checked baggage allowance.
Amazing news. Well done to everyone involved in this. Very exciting. I’m looking forward to using the service
We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone involved from operations and engineering to marketing and Travel Centre teams for your exceptional work in making this launch happen. Flights are available to book now at our new Skybus website at www.skybus.co.uk.
👍
🙂
This really is FANTASTIC news! Congratulations to everyone in the Isles of Scilly Steamship Co. who put effort into securing this route! I hope that operation of this route will prove to be a huge success
🍾
Congratulations. This is truly a 'step change'. From regional airline to London carrier. Big and bold. Best wishes to you on taking that stride forward. Make sure you run a really tight new ship (no pun intended...).
5
Community
Strengthening ties:
Concarneau delegation visit Debbie McGill, Passenger Relations Advisor
We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Concarneau, Marc Bigot, and his wife Christine to Land’s End Airport.
Summer treats
How people spent their gift vouchers
They flew to St Mary’s for a day trip as part of their visit to Penzance, which is twinned with Concarneau
This summer, we said a little “thank
through the Penzance Concarneau Twinning
you” with a £40 Amazon voucher
Association.
for every employee. Here’s what a
It was a pleasure to welcome them to the airport
few of our Travel Centre team put theirs towards:
and on board. Our CFO Judith Piper and Skybus Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles were on hand
“I needed a mini chainsaw to help
to give them a warm welcome.
me tidy up my jungle of a garden.
With our strong links to ship builder Piriou, which
offer so grabbed it. It’s made
has a base in Concarneau and will complete the final
cutting down the buddleia in my
stages of Scillonian IV and Menawethan build there
garden so much easier.” – Debbie
before they sail to the UK, this was a particularly
McGill, Passenger Relations Advisor
special visit.
I spotted one that was on special
“I bought a couple of CDs - Amyl and the Sniffers and CMAT. My favourite CMAT song is I Wanna Be a Cowgirl. I’ll use the rest of the gift card on something arty. I’m working on some robins now but anything for lino printing, modelling or other crafty projects would be great.” – Phili Holmes, Passenger Relations Supervisor “I’m upgrading my gaming set up so I put the gift card towards a new computer monitor. Right now I’m playing Dying Light 2, Helldrivers 2 and Space Marine 2.” – Luca Ellis, Passenger Relations Advisor
Delivering for Scilly
Highlights from our 105th Annual General Meeting We were delighted to welcome shareholders and customers to our 105th Annual General Meeting in September. For us, the AGM is more than a look back at the year gone by - it’s a valuable opportunity to listen, engage, and plan for the future together. The conversations we share play an important role in shaping the next chapter of travel to and from the Isles of Scilly. Ian Howard, Stuart Reid, Judith Piper and Jonathan Hinkles all delivered presentations that covered the future promise of: • Strengthening freight - Menawethan, our new freight vessel, will join the fleet by spring 2026. • Enhancing the passenger experience - the next generation Scillonian IV will set sail in 2027. • Innovation in aviation - through our new partnership with Aurigny Air Services, our Twin Otters have started services in the Channel Islands, creating new opportunities in regional air travel. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to all who continue to place their trust in us. Your support and insights are invaluable as we embark on this exciting next chapter.
Police dog Jack joins our team for the day Four-year-old police dog Jack joined us for a special day of duty as part of our ongoing partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police. Guided by his handler PC Pete Boxall, Jack carried out important detection work, starting his day in Penzance for Scillonian III checkin, where he was met with plenty of smiles from passengers. He continued his duties at St Mary’s Airport, before returning home on Skybus after his shift. This visit is part of our continued collaboration with the police to maintain the safety and security of our passengers, staff and operations both on the mainland and across the Isles of Scilly. 7
Welcome to the fleet Introducing a new aircraft into service is an exciting milestone but it’s also a highly technical, tightly regulated process that involves an enormous amount of scrutiny and precision. Rather than rushing the Twin Otter into operation, the team is working through several essential safety, regulatory and design steps to ensure the aircraft enters service at the highest possible standard. Richard Cornish, Skybus Continued Airworthiness Manager, explains why:
Certification of key modifications
Completing the bridging check
“We are waiting for certain modifications to
“We must perform a ‘bridging check’
be validated by the UK CAA before they are
whereby we carry out a maintenance
allowed to be used on the aircraft. One of the
check on the aircraft to align it with our
key modifications is the lithium-ion battery,
maintenance programme. This will also
which needs to be scrutinised closely as
involve making certain changes to make the
it represents a radical departure from the
aircraft legal in the UK.”
standard battery types used on the aircraft.”
Extensive checks and regulatory compliance
Finalising the aircraft livery
“Modifications, routine work, and defect
“Finalising the livery design seems simple
rectification must be reviewed, checked, and
but requires a great deal of back-and-forth
carried out correctly and in accordance with
between the design office, myself, and
the relevant instructions, ensuring everything
Aurigny. It must be right, as the design will be
complies with the right regulation."
on the aircraft for a good number of years.”
While this careful and methodical process continues, services to and from Alderney are being operated by the existing Aurigny Dornier 228 NG fleet, which will be withdrawn in 2026. At that point, a back-up Skybus Twin Otter will be permanently based onsite to ensure the highest possible levels of resilience and reliability. Delivering for Scilly
Work experience spotlight: Noah Walker We welcomed Noah, 15, to Land’s End Airport for a week-long work experience placement. During his time with us, Noah engaged with our fire crews, engineering team and pilots. He assisted with morning operational checks, loading and unloading of freight and passenger planes and experienced the refuelling process. A highlight for Noah was spending two days with the engineering team, where he enjoyed handson testing activities. Noah’s passion for aviation shone through, especially when he joined the piloting team for a day. As a keen user of flight simulation programmes at home, he was in his element! Since the placement, Noah has applied to study aviation engineering at Cornwall College.
Supporting students from the Isles of Scilly Since 2023, the Group has proudly supported Five Islands Academy by providing 200 tickets to help pupils travel to the mainland to take part in sporting events throughout the academic year. Thanks to this sponsorship, island children have been involved in a variety of different competitions in the last two years, most recently one in Redruth. Teacher Adam May from Five Islands Academy said: “Thank you again to the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group for supporting our recent mainland sports trip. Our Year 9 and 10 girls headed to Redruth in a massive 26 schools’ netball competition. Although our girls were a little younger than most of the opposition, we still came away with a win and had a great experience.” 9
People focus
From deep seas to home shores Meet Jessie Boulton, Gry Maritha Chief Mate, who joined us in January this year.
What were you doing before becoming Chief Mate? I went straight from Penwith College to Warsash Maritime Academy and joined the merchant navy at 18. When I was 15-years-old, I did a one-week work experience placement on board Scillonian III and loved it. When I got to the age of thinking about careers, my father - who was an engineer in the merchant navy himself - suggested I look at a career at sea. Growing up in Penzance and having fond memories of boating in Mount’s Bay as a child, I developed a love of travel and a draw to see the world, so a career path like this made perfect sense to me. I was sponsored by cruise company Holland America Line (HAL), who paid for my three years of training. Once qualified, they employed me as third officer. I worked for the company for six years, during which time I went back to school in Glasgow to study and gain my chief mate unlimited ticket. I was promoted to second officer and continued with HAL until 2020. I wanted to try something slightly different, so I got a job on a superyacht and then moved on to a research vessel where I stayed for two years. After
Delivering for Scilly
around 12 years of travelling, I decided I’d like to
flights to reach my workplace. I spent a lot of
spend more time at home. This very fortunately
time on the Isles of Scilly as a kid and I have
coincided with an opening for my role on Gry
family originally from St Martin’s. Doing a job
Maritha - lucky me!
where I’m serving a place that I hold so dear in
How has your first year been at the Isles of Scilly
my heart makes me happy.
Steamship Group?
What are the most challenging aspects of your
2025 has been a good year for me. Deciding to
role?
move away from deep sea jobs where I would
The elements, weather, sea, and tides! The waters
spend a lot of time away from home, friends and
between Land’s End and the Isles of Scilly are
family was an important one for me to make.
notoriously turbulent. Two huge tidal channels
I’ve really been enjoying this year coming home
meet in the Atlantic Ocean and throw in a few
to where I grew up and reestablishing my place
storms for good measure, then we plod out in a
in the community here. It feels good to be doing
tiny ship. It’s always humbling. We spend many
something with a clear purpose. A particular
hours watching the forecast like hawks.
highlight was gaining my St Mary’s pilotage
Have you spotted any interesting wildlife this
exemption for Gry Maritha, it feels like a great
year?
accomplishment to have my skills and knowledge trusted to bring the Gry safely into harbour.
In February I spotted a humpback whale in St Mary’s sound as we arrived one afternoon. It put
What does a typical day look like for you?
on a great show then disappeared. Since then,
The Gry Maritha’s schedule is based around the
I’ve spotted countless dolphins and seabirds, a
tides, so in a typical two-week rotation, every
few risso's dolphins and a couple of pilot whales.
day will be slightly different.
I’m always in awe when we see any wildlife.
On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday we load
How do you find working in a traditionally male
cargo in Penzance and sail to the Isles of Scilly
dominated environment?
on the high tide. As the tide changes every
I’ve been incredibly lucky throughout my career
day, it shapes our days, so some days it’s a rush
that 99% of people I’ve worked with view me
to load and set sail, other days it’s a slower
as just another colleague and therefore have
morning, a break for lunch and await the tide.
treated me as such. It is still definitely a male
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday we wake early
dominated industry but there's plenty of space
to unload and load anything that needs to come
for females to be successful.
back to the mainland and sail home, normally
What would you say to young women
departing around 9am. It’s then either straight
considering a career in this industry?
into wet dock to unload or onto Lighthouse Pier to unload and await the gate to get back into wet dock at high tide. Except on some occasions where Scillonian III is on Lighthouse Pier, then we just wait in the bay for either the gates or the pier to be available. The changing schedule keeps things interesting. No day is the same.
I think that consistency in showing up to the job and not expecting any sort of special treatment is key. I had a wonderful start to my career on the cruise ships where the atmosphere is professional, training standards are high and you aren't the only female on board. Even though I was often the only female in my department of
Sundays are much-needed maintenance days for
around 40-50 people, I never felt like a minority
the Gry. We run drills and get to work on jobs
or isolated in any way.
that need doing to keep things running smoothly. What’s your favourite part of the job?
I have made some truly wonderful lifelong friends from this career, both male and female,
I really enjoy being able to walk to and from
and I'm very grateful that my colleagues and
work. It’s very novel for me to not have to pack
people that I meet and connect with continue to
up my life every few months and endure endless
be one of the best parts of going to sea.
11
Transparency
NEW VESSELS UPDATE Since our summer issue, both Scillonian IV and Menawethan have reached some exciting new milestones. From confirmed delivery schedules to structural progress, systems testing and interior outfitting, the shipyard team in Vietnam has been hard at work bringing our next-generation vessels to life. At the end of August, we announced the delivery schedules for both new vessels - a major milestone in our replacement programme and one of the biggest investments in lifeline transport for the Isles of Scilly. Our new freight vessel, Menawethan, remains on track for delivery in spring 2026, while our new passenger ferry, Scillonian IV, is set to enter service in March 2027, offering faster journey times, increased comfort, and enhanced environmental performance. The slight adjustment to her schedule is due to global supply chain factors and the longer delivery route, but with confirmed dates, both vessels are set to deliver modern, reliable, and sustainable transport for the islands for decades to come. A true once-in-ageneration investment. In the meantime, Scillonian III will continue serving passengers through the 2026 season, with her regular maintenance ensuring she remains dependable while our new vessels are completed. Delivering for Scilly
Menawethan
Scillonian IV
On 31st October 2025, Menawethan was
Following the launch of Menawethan, Scillonian IV was repositioned on her keel blocks in the building dock, ready for the next key stage of her construction.
launched. It took place overnight to align with high tide and quieter river traffic. The whole process - from flooding the dock to towing her to the outfitting berth - took around four hours. Just after launch, on 1st November 2025, Menawethan entered the commissioning phase. This process includes running and testing the generator sets, side door, pallet hoist, main engines and propulsion systems, hydraulics and electrical systems, in accordance with the shipbuilding specification and Lloyd’s Register rules. This, with thorough function testing of all systems and equipment, will take approximately three months before she undertakes her weeklong sea trials scheduled to take place at the end of January 2026. The vessel will travel down river to the open sea, near Vung Tau, to demonstrate the full function test of all systems and the ship’s sea keeping performance in the open sea. The commissioning and sea trials process is to
The final megablock (weighing 118T), forming the vessel’s bow section, was successfully lifted into the dock using the goliath crane, and work to integrate it with the rest of the hull is now underway. This significant operation marks a major step in the project, which once fully integrated, completes the construction of the hull. Next steps include completing the stern tube installation, fitting the tailshafts and propellers, mounting the rudders, finishing blasting and painting, installing the fixed fire-fighting system throughout the vessel, and continuing outfitting with interior bulkheads, ceilings, and floorings in the crew and passenger areas. We’re pleased with the progress so far and remain on track, looking forward to welcoming Scillonian IV into service in 2027.
ensure everything performs perfectly ahead of preparations for her delivery voyage to the UK via France at the end of March. 13
Honouring Matt Wheeler We were deeply saddened to
craft. Last Christmas, Matt volunteered
announce the passing of Matt Wheeler,
to come in on Christmas Day to
Chief Officer of Scillonian III. Matt
check over our fleet, a reflection
was not only an exceptional mariner
of his dedication, generosity, and
but also a highly respected colleague
commitment to his colleagues and the
and friend. His loss leaves a profound
Group.
void for all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Stuart Reid, Chief Executive, said: “Matt was a true gentleman. Many of you will remember being greeted by him with a warm smile and kind word when boarding Scillonian III. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Matt. He was a highly professional and
Matt joined the Steamship Group in February 2022 as Chief Officer on Scillonian III, but had previously worked for us on both the Gry and Scillonian III between 1989 and 2015. During his time away from the Group (2015 to 2022), he took on the roles of Mevagissey Harbour Master and then
extremely capable mariner — always
Penzance Harbour Master, where he
calm, dependable and willing to help
continued to demonstrate the same
others”.
professionalism and integrity that we
His main role was supporting Victoria
all came to value so much.
Bolitho as Captain, he frequently took
Our thoughts are with Matt’s wife,
the helm of Scillonian III and also
family, friends, and all those who had
carried out runs on the Gugh landing
the privilege of working alongside him.
Delivering for Scilly
15
Excellence
Customer Feedback Our customers are central to everything we do, and we’re proud to share some of their recent feedback. Thank you to all our employees for their unwavering commitment during our busiest months.
I just want to let you know that we did, in-fact, manage our day trip last Monday at third time lucky! It was so kind of you to manage our booking date changes and your choice of Monday 22nd was perfect with glorious weather and a very smooth crossing with the sea like a mill pond. Thank you so much for your wonderful customer service, Jenny.
I am the person who fell onto the plane at Land’s End airport two weeks ago! I do not know the names of the people who were so wonderful in helping me to thank them individually, so I would be grateful if you could pass on my thanks. The staff at were just amazing in looking after me and my husband. The people at St Mary’s airport were equally great on my return journey. With most grateful thanks from both of us.
My son Ed was significantly delayed on the 6:40am train and missed the Scillonian. Your fabulous team, including Jenny, found a solution. Thank you everyone, we appreciated your efforts.
On Monday evening on our return from St Mary's, our car failed to start, in the secured car park. Whilst my partner called the recovery team, a lady from the dockside drove me to him and stayed until we were sorted. Even after we waited outside, she gave us her mobile number in case we needed anything. I would like you to send a massive thank you to Diane, from your dockside team. She kept us calm in a stressful moment and went above and beyond.
Delivering for Scilly
I recently returned from St Mary’s to Penzance on Wednesday 20th August on the ferry. My son hadn’t collected my backpack. 20 minutes into our journey home in the car we received a phone call from one of your dockside workers. This dockside employee waited over 15 minutes for us to return to collect my bag. This is above super customer service and what a super human being. He had clearly finished work for the day and was waiting on his bike with my bag on his back. Please can you personally pass on my thanks to him. We live five and a half hours away from Penzance. My only regret is that I did not ask him for his name. Once again, many thanks. It's people like him that make a difference.
My husband and I travelled on the Scillonian III from Penzance on Saturday 20th September. Whilst waiting in the queue, my husband collapsed. I am writing to commend every one of your staff who came to his aid. They were all kind, caring, and considerate. The luggage check-in chap who rushed for a blanket and a wheelchair, the checkin lady who gave us water and help, the medic on board who "checked his obs," and the rest of the crew who came and checked on him. We were totally overwhelmed by the kindness of all of them. We would like you to know how grateful we are. Your staff are a credit to your company and we thank them all.
I would just like to give a big thanks to a couple of people on the crew when we returned from the Isles of Scilly to Penzance on Saturday, on the Scillonian. My stepmother was taken quite ill on the sailing, assuming a bout of seasickness, which is quite unusual for her. The gentleman and lady crew members who looked after her were fabulous but I failed to get their names. Margaret was struggling to walk along the pathway to luggage collection although myself and husband were supporting her. Then a chap in hi-vis uniform stepped out and said “Can I get you a wheelchair” to which I said yes please. “You sit and wait on the steps right there and I’ll be back”, in less than a minute there he was with a wheelchair and wheeled Margaret all the way over to parking. He had a lovely manner to him, and it was a refreshing change to have someone be pro-active instead of standing around waiting to be reactive. His name is Neil. Thanks to your wonderful staff in taking great care of her.
I wanted to thank IOS Travel for helping me sort out a mix-up I had with a booking I made yesterday - especially Sara and Luca. The patience, help and support was fantastic - and the problem was sorted out really quickly - I’m very grateful and wanted you all to know that your hard work is much appreciated.
A huge thank you to your crew aboard the Scillonian III and in particular Chris, the chief engineer. We sailed today and I left a suitcase on the quay whilst loading up the car. Some very kind strangers brought it back to the quay. Chris very kindly put it away for safekeeping but then also (incredibly) having spoken to me, drove back down to the quay and delivered the case to us at 10:30pm tonight. This is such an incredibly kind thing to do and amazing service which is above and beyond. We’ve travelled many times with you and always been impressed with your people but Chris really went above and beyond. Thank you so much Chris!
Just to say how much my family and I enjoyed our trip from St Mary’s to Land’s End today on the Skybus. Everyone was brilliant, especially the two pilots of flight IOS034 at 10:55am, who clearly knew their stuff, worked very well together and were very professional. Even more so the female pilot who was so fantastic! She took our family photo with the plane and took plenty of time after landing to allow my 11-year-old to sit in the cockpit and explain some of the controls – please say thank you so much to her and let her boss know how great she was!
17
People focus
Farewell to Ian Williamson We will be saying goodbye to Ian Williamson at the end of December as he retires from his role as Passenger Relations Manager. Ian joined the Isles of Scilly
“The real highlight has
Steamship Group in 2018
always been the team.
as a seasonal worker and
When we face last-minute
later became Passenger
cancellations or changes,
Relations Manager, leading
they’ll do anything that’s
teams in both Penzance
needed. They’re great, they
and St Mary’s.
step up every single time.”
Before joining the Group,
On retirement plans, Ian
Ian spent 40 years with Transport for London, later relocating to Cornwall with his wife, Diane.
said: “I’d like to get back to walking the coastal paths, and I’ll be helping with my wife’s new allotment. I’d also love to travel more —
Ian reflects on his time
just being able to go away
at the Group: “What I’ve
when I want to will be a
loved about this role is
real luxury. I’d like to travel
how connected it is. My
around Scotland again—
department works with
that’s where my family is
Skybus, Scillonian III,
from and we used to spend
freight— everyone. You’re
all of our summers up there.”
never in isolation, and
To sum up his time at the
it’s been great being in
Group in three words, Ian
the middle of everything,
said: “Happy, teamwork
helping where you can.
and loyal.”
Delivering for Scilly
Stuart Reid Chief Executive “During his time with the Group, Ian has delivered many improvements to our passenger care and relations — from introducing our online chat function to training and developing his team to undertake a wider range of roles, improving resilience and enhancing the passenger experience. “On behalf of everyone at the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, I would like to thank Ian for his contribution and wish him a very happy, restful, and well-earned retirement.”
Collaboration
Scillonian III crowned UK’s top ferry route for marine wildlife For the fourth year running, our Scillonian III ferry route between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly has been named the best in the UK for spotting wildlife.
The accolade comes from ORCA, the leading marine conservation charity whose volunteers have carried out dedicated surveys from the decks of Scillonian III since 2009. The route continues to stand out as the richest and most accessible wildlife watching corridor in the country – giving our passengers the unique chance to witness some of the UK’s most spectacular marine life during their journey to the islands. An amazing 599 individual animals were recorded on 14 different surveys between March and October, including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and fish. Highlights of the year include 137 animals being recorded on a single survey in August, and six different species recorded on a single crossing in September. This year, 250 more animals were spotted than in 2024 – but still fewer than in 2023 – highlighting the importance of the yearon-year, continued monitoring by ORCA, with trends and shifts in distribution being reported on in real time, which is critical for cetacean conservation. Common dolphins were the species recorded most frequently, with 450 individuals spotted. 19
Scillonian III and Gry Maritha
Share your memories
Strengthening Scilly In November we announced that we had acquired part of Sibley’s Fuels, the main supplier of fuel to residents and businesses on the Isles of Scilly. The deal sees the Group
As we prepare to welcome Scillonian IV and Menawethan, we also want to celebrate Scillonian III, Gry Maritha, and the amazing teams who’ve kept them sailing for decades. These ships have been the heart of our service, made special by your dedication and teamwork. We’re gathering memories and would love for you to share your stories:
https://bit.ly/4omirNn
acquire Sibley’s fuel supplies to St Mary’s with Sibley’s retaining marine sales and sales to St Agnes, Bryher, Tresco and St Martin’s. This step strengthens our existing fuel operations on the islands through Island Carriers and allows us to build additional capability and scale within our fuel distribution work, ensuring customers continue to receive a dependable community-focused service. The change will take effect early in the new year. From 13th January, residents and businesses on St Mary’s will be able to buy their fuel directly at our current Island Carriers site on Porthmellon Industrial Estate. We’ll also be investing in upgrades to the site, including improving the site layout, updating the infrastructure and introducing pay-atpump facilities. To make access easier for customers, our Island Carriers courier business and associated vehicles will move to a new location on St Mary’s, freeing up more space for people to fill up with petrol and diesel. Stuart Reid, Chief Executive, said: “When Ian first approached me about the sale, the decision was an easy one. Ian and Gail have built a strong and trusted business over many years, always putting customers and the community first. Emma, Jeanette and the team at Island Carriers share those same values and will continue offering the highquality service that people have come to rely on. We understand the critical importance of dependable fuel delivery on St Mary’s. This acquisition allows us to refine and strengthen how we operate, ensuring the community continues to benefit from a robust and wellsupported, community-focused service.”
Delivering for Scilly