It was 'all hands on deck' at Discovery Point last Thursday (23 May) as guests from Dundee’s business community enjoyed an exclusive hard-hat tour, and discovered more about the restoration works currently in progress aboard the Royal Research Ship Discovery.
Attendees were given a rare opportunity to descend into the dry-dock to marvel at the scale of the historic ship from a unique perspective. The tour, led by Ali Gellatly, Ship and Facilities Director for Dundee Heritage Trust, also offered a chance to see work undertaken by heritage engineering experts, discuss plans for the next steps and ask questions about the project.
JPS Restoration Ltd and Industrial Heritage Consulting have been appointed to carry out the restoration work. The team hope to build an element of training into the programme, to ensure that vital heritage repair skills are passed on and not lost.
The UK’s first purpose-built Antarctic research ship has been a key part of Dundee’s history, since its launch in 1901 and its subsequent return to the city skyline in the 1980s. These urgent repairs come as the ship approaches its centenary of being officially designated a Royal Research Ship in 1925 and are crucial for the future of this iconic vessel.
The £1.4million urgent works to RRS Discovery have been funded initially by the National Heritage Memorial Fund and will continue into 2025.
“It was a delight to welcome some of our key Dundee business contacts aboard RRS Discovery, to share this milestone in her history and our exciting plans for the future. Our charity aims to preserve the city’s beloved ship and share her inspiring stories with explorers of all ages around the world. Once the urgent repairs are completed, the next step is to ensure the ship is supported and protected within her dock at Discovery Point. Fundraising is ongoing, and committed support from our local community will help us keep Discovery ship shape for years to come.”Catriona Yates, Development Manager for Dundee Heritage Trust
The ship and museum remain open as usual during these major works, but Dundee Heritage Trust plans to hold another dry-dock tour for corporate supporters in early September.
To register your interest, and find out how you can be part of RRS Discovery’s ongoing story, please email development@dundeeheritage.co.uk
You can also keep up to date with RRS Discovery’s restoration and support Dundee Heritage Trust at www.dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk
Dundee Industrial Heritage Limited
Dundee Heritage Trust and its operating company Dundee Industrial Heritage Limited are both registered charities formed in 1985 to preserve and interpret Dundee’s industrial past. As well as the Royal Research Ship Discovery, Dundee Heritage Trust has responsibility for Discovery Point Antarctic Museum and Verdant Works, one of the nation’s most important textile museums.
