Name chosen for new Isles of Scilly cargo ship

The name for the new vessel comes from one of the 12 uninhabited Eastern Isles, which are part of the Isles of Scilly

A new freight vessel being built to serve the Isles of Scilly has been named Menawethan.

Isles of Scilly Steamship Company said the name comes from one of the 12 uninhabited Eastern Isles which are part of the Isles of Scilly.

Menawethan will replace Gry Maritha in 2026, and is one of two new ships, the other being Scillonian IV.

Three names were put to the island community to vote on, with Menawethan coming out on top.

'Important vessel'

The steep-sided island of Menawethan is home to seals and seabirds and is a favourite spot for kayakers, divers and wildlife spotters.

It is also known in Cornish as Men an Wedhen, meaning the tree stone.

"Such an important vessel to the islands deserves a name chosen by islanders, and I can’t think of a more fitting name than Menawethan," said Stuart Reid, chief executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company.

"Building work on our two new ships is continuing at pace, with the keel-laying ceremonies for both Menawethan and Scillonian IV taking place next month.

"We can’t wait to welcome them both into service in 2026."