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.
The Gigs Might Fly campaign will be launched in time for the World Pilot Gig Championships this May, inviting gig rowers everywhere to help them realise their vision of making 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.
By suspending the historic boat in a cradle from the ceiling, the team will 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.
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, she is certainly an icon of the islands.
Scilly Arts and Heritage, who will run the new museum and arts venue are grateful to the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company who have supported their campaign by donating the costs of keeping the Klondike safely in storage during the renovations to the Town Hall.
With your help, the Cultural Centre and Museum team can raise the money to ensure the iconic gig remains at the heart of the new museum.