Our history

The history of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group is one of grasping opportunities and rising to challenges. In 1920, the people of the Isles of Scilly came together to form a company to deliver a regular and reliable transport link to the mainland. We are that company.

During the winter months the islands were often isolated completely and it wasn’t until 1920 that the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company was formed with the intention of providing a year-round passenger and cargo service.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company was founded with £20,000 raised by selling shares, mostly to islanders.

The first Scillonian was commissioned to carry 400 passengers as well as freight and within a few years had built up a considerable day-trip market. Tourism began to challenge flower farming as the main driver of the island economy, although the flower industry still flourishes and we carry 20 million stems to the mainland each year.

The sea crossing from the mainland can be a difficult one, particularly in winter and in 1984 we bought Land’s End Airport and began to run Skybus, initially as a freight operation. Skybus now operates a year-round passenger service from Land’s End Airport which the islanders have come to rely on as an important part of the lifeline link as well as a motivator for tourism.

Scillonian II and III on Scillonian III 1st sailing day at St Mary's Quay Scillonian I docked at St Mary's Quay

The current vessel to carry the Scillonian name was designed and built specifically for the task. Launched in 1977, it is now due for replacement.

2019 saw the beginning of a project to replace Scillonian III, Gry Maritha and the inter-island freight vessel Lyonesse Lady. Once the ship builds are complete, the Group will provide a new generation of services to the Isles of Scilly and with that comes an improvement in the quality of life for many residents.

We strive to be at the forefront of thinking and technology and continue to explore new revenue streams and opportunities such as the Isles of Scilly drone project and, working with academic institutions to look at the opportunity of operating hydrogen-powered aircraft in the future.

The story of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group and of the islanders is one of perseverance and innovation, of commitment and entrepreneurship. These qualities seem to be as much a part of life on and around the islands as the tides themselves.

Over the past century of service, we have welcomed millions of passengers and we look forward to many more milestones in the years to come.

Skybus twin otter in 25 year livery at land's end airport Skybus flower freight delivery Scillonian III and Gry Maritha next to each other in Penzance

Our timeline

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1919
How it started
A public meeting was held in the Town Hall on St. Mary’s on Thursday, 15th May, to consider the possibility of maintaining or arranging for a steamship service between the islands and the mainland. There were about 95 persons present, and Mr FR Ward was voted to the Chair. On the 22nd November a limited liability company was formed with a nominal capital of £25,000.
ISSG- 1st Ship - Peninnis
1920
The Steamship Company was formed
The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company dated 26th March 1920, and that of the right of the Company to commence business, dated 27th April 1920. The Argus was purchased, an ex-Royal Navy ship, she was renamed ‘Peninnis’. She carried passengers to and from the islands for 6 years, before costly repairs meant it was time for her to retire.
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1925
Scillonian ordered
We ordered the first of our purpose-built Scillonian passenger ferries, from the Ailsa Shipbuilding Company in Scotland. A grand, steam-powered vessel that could carry 165 tons of cargo and 390 passengers, the ferry cut the journey from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly down to just over 3 hours.