New ferry route to ‘Maldives-style’ UK island loved by royals is scrapped
A NEW ferry service to a popular UK holiday destination has been scrapped before it even made its first journey.
The Isles of Scilly are one of the country’s most beautiful spots, with their beaches, warm weather and scenery drawing comparisons to more exotic locations around the world.
Included in that is The Maldives, with The Travel once declaring: “If The Maldives is out of the question, consider visiting this UK archipelago that’s just as stunning.”
Even Price William is known to be a big fan, with him and Kate taking their children there on several repeat visits to enjoy low-key boat trips and dolphin watching.
With such high praise for the isles, it’s no surprise that there was seemingly demand for a new high speed ferry route, linking them to Penzance in Cornwall.
And that’s exactly what was promised by company Harland & Wolff, who launched Scilly Ferries, offering a new flightless link between the islands and the mainland.
The service was due to launch in May this year, but suffered setbacks and a renewed start date of August 20 was pencilled in.
Since then, the company has declared that it had been “overly ambitious” with its plans and that the service would now be scrapped before serving even one passenger.
The signature Atlantic Wolff fast catamaran, painted in yellow and black, only arrived in Cornwall in July ahead of its proposed link between the mainland and the islands.
Instead, it will now be returned to its Dutch manufacturer, Damen Group, having failed to make one commercial trip.
Russell Downs, Harland & Wolff’s interim executive chair, released a statement via the Scilly Ferries social media accounts, which were all then subsequently deleted soon after.
It read: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Scilly Ferries, including the Atlantic Wolff fast ferry, has ceased operations.
“The decision has been made because of the need for Harland & Wolff to refocus on its core business activities.
“We understand that this will be difficult news for those affected directly and for the people of the Isles of Scilly and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and uncertainty caused.”
Its website now simply reads: “This company is no longer trading and this website is no longer active. Thank you.”
The company added that passengers who had already made reservations would be contacted directly.
Some of the most exotic islands near the UK
The UK is home to a number of exotic-looking holiday islands
The Isles of Scilly
The Islands have been compared to several amazing holiday destinations, with some even giving it the moniker “the Maldives of the UK”.
Its blue waters, warm weather and secluded beaches all play a part in it drawing the comparison from visitors.
And the Royal Family are known to be fans too, with William and Kate regular visitors.
The Isle of Harris, Scotland
Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris in Scotland has been compared to the Caribbean by visitors and locals due to its secluded sandy beaches and pristine turquoise waters.
The beach was named the seventh best in Europe at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards last year.
Jersey
The island off the south coast of the UK has been described as having a “Caribbean-like coastline” as well as a number of amazing beaches, perfect for family holidays.
St Ouen’s Bay is particularly popular, with the white-sand beach spanning almost the whole of Jersey’s west coast and well-loved by surfers.
The news was not well received by those who live on the isles either, with chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, councillor Robert Francis telling the BBC: “I am hugely disappointed.
“As a council we are continuing to work flat out and engage the new government in helping us secure affordable sea links both to the mainland and between the five islands in order that our community can have a sustainable future.”
Reacting to the news on social media, one person wrote: “Great shame. This would have been good for the local community and holiday makers.”
Another asked: “Does anything go right for Cornwall?”
Passengers who want to travel between the two locations can take the Scillonian Ferry, which takes around 2 hours 45 minutes to go from Penzance to St Mary’s in Scilly.
There’s also the Isles of Scilly skybus, which flies from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter.