Gigs might fly
The campaign that hopes to make the historic Klondike the majestic centrepiece of the Cultural Centre and Museum, due to open Spring 2026
Crowdfunder launched to put the historic Klondike gig boat at the heart of Scilly’s new museum
The team behind the Isles of Scilly’s new Cultural Centre and Museum has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help raise £35,000 to install the iconic Klondike gig at the heart of the Town Hall on St Mary’s.
Gigs Might Fly is spearheaded by Scilly Arts and Heritage and hopes to make the historic Klondike the majestic centrepiece of the Cultural Centre and Museum, due to open in Spring 2026.
Stories from the Klondike and other island gigs will be included in the new museum in the Town Hall, celebrating Scilly’s gig rowing history and the shift in gigs’ roles from pilot boats, lifesaving and working vessels to the racing boats of today.
By suspending the historic boat in a cradle from the ceiling, the plan is to create a spectacular centrepiece for the new Cultural Centre and Museum at the Town Hall – the new home to the Isles of Scilly Museum and an indoor live arts venue and community hall.
Lydia Bassett, Director of the new Cultural Centre and Museum, said: “The Klondike is a real icon of the islands. We had always planned that she should take pride of place in the new museum in the Town Hall.
“We know how much visitors to the old museum loved seeing the Klondike and exploring her story – and we’re keen to showcase her in the most spectacular way possible! We’re calling on anyone who loves the stories of Scilly to support us in raising the money we need to help make a gig fly.”
The fully rigged Klondike, built in 1877, was at the heart of the old Isles of Scilly Museum on St Mary’s and was much loved by visitors and locals alike. She was one of the earliest gigs to be built - and though her sails are borrowed finery from her fellow gig Czar.
Scilly Arts and Heritage, the organisation which will run the new museum and arts venue, has been supported by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group which donated the costs of keeping the Klondike safely in storage during the renovations to the Town Hall.
Jeanette Ware, Islands Operations Manager for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said: “We are delighted to have been able to assist in the transport and to safely store the Klondike at Island Carriers for the past few years as a gesture to the community.
“Knowing how precious the Klondike is, we created a special area on a mezzanine level for the gig to call home while the museum redevelopment project was taking place. Everybody at the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group is proud to give back to projects such as this, helping to bring positive, measurable change to the communities we serve.”
With the help of the public – especially from the gig rowing community, as well as those who love visiting Scilly - the Cultural Centre and Museum team can raise the money to ensure the iconic gig remains at the centre of the new museum.
