RMV "Scillonian III" was purpose built for the Steamship Company by Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd of Appledore in Devon and was christened by H.R.H. Prince Charles, Duke of Cornwall on 17 May 1977 and entered service later in the same month. She is the third passenger ship to carry the "Scillonian" name and made her first trip to Scilly on 19 May 1977, sailing from Bideford to St Mary's. On the arrival of the new ship, critics found it "too big, they will never hold her, not suitable or not as good a sea boat as the old boat" (the same had happened when the first "Scillonian" went into service in 1926 and again with her replacement in 1956).