Travel to Tresco - An open letter from Robert Dorrien Smith
Seamless Tresco Travel for 2013
I would like to update everyone on the proposed travel arrangements after 1st November 2012. Whilst we have explored many alternative helicopter options, I am certain that there is no financially viable rotary solution available in the short term.
Given this situation, we have therefore devised a seamless service for Tresco Estate guests, following extensive discussions with the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company / Skybus. This new system will allow us to continue to deliver the first-class experience that our visitors have come to expect, as well providing a saving on travel costs.
There are three departure airports for Scilly:
Adult return Child return Flight time Frequency per day
Exeter £240 £190 60mins 5 - 11
Newquay £190 £150 30mins 5 - 11
Land’s End £150 £118 15mins 14 - 20
The ticket price includes all transfers within Scilly, such as taxi-bus to the quay and boating to Tresco. At every stage of their journey on the islands, guests will be assisted by Tresco Estate staff or contractors.
This “car to cottage” ticket is only available when booked through the Island Office. (01720) 422849 www.tresco.co.uk
The Steamship Company has committed considerable investment to expand and improve their capabilities, not least a new terminal building at Land’s End, new Twin Otter aircraft and a major refurbishment of the Scillonian III. In addition, the Isles of Scilly Council has applied for ERDF funding to carry out significant improvements to St Mary’s airport, runways and terminal building, as well as electronic landing systems which will greatly improve access in adverse weather conditions. These works should be complete by early 2014.
We will all miss the luxury of Europe’s only scheduled helicopter passenger service. For the past 30 years, we have been looked after so well by all the helicopter staff, both in Penzance and Scilly. They have provided a dedicated and friendly service: we wish them all the very best in the future. I would also like to thank so many of our visitors for their support, loyalty and unselfish regard for the issues facing our island community during this transitional period. I have complete confidence that the new system will serve us extremely well.
The Isles of Scilly are the only remote part of the United Kingdom that receives no revenue support for the cost of travel. This remains the core issue confronting the islands and their communities. We are addressing this at the highest ministerial level, drawing attention to the obvious comparator of the Scottish islands.
Many Tresco guests have asked what they can do to help. I think that one answer would be for everyone who minds about Scilly and the viability of its community to write to their MP, expressing their concern at the inequality of this treatment.
Yours sincerely
Robert Dorrien Smith
For further details about travel to Tresco in 2013