Major refurbishment for island hotel's tractor

A NEW look for a celebrated sea tractor in Devon has been unveiled after an extensive refurbishment, to ensure it can remain in operation for another 50 years and beyond, writes Lorna Hughes.

- Lorna Hughes.

Burgh Island Hotel's tractor has been carrying passengers above the water from Bigbury-on-Sea since 1969.

The quirky form of transport, designed by pioneering engineer Robert Jackson CBE, cost £9,000 to build. Over the years it has become a key point of access for hotel guests, ferrying renowned political, artistic and literary figures to the island, but maintaining the sea tractor is a challenge, with spare parts that often need to be custom-made.