The Unicorn Preservation Society (UPS) has announced the launch of its first Crowdfunding Campaign which aims to raise £30,000 in aid of its Buoyancy Project which will protect the future of HMS Unicorn.
The care of old ships is a lengthy, continuous, increasingly specialised and expensive process. While still in remarkably good condition for a ship nearing 200 years of age, it is now time to consider the long term future of the ship, so that she might continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
UPS is now moving ahead with plans for an ambitious project to move the Unicorn into dry dock near her current berth at Dundee's Waterfront. This move will better support ongoing conservation work and significantly slow down the environmental impact on the ship's deterioration. The success of the society's ambition is very much dependent on careful planning and early intervention that hopes to prevent further deterioration of the Unicorn's hull.
Over a very long period of time, the hogging of HMS Unicorn's hull, a condition caused by the bow and the stern of the ship being heavier and therefore less buoyant than the middle of the ship, has become increasingly evident. A dive survey in July 2020 provided more detail related to the "hog" and wider areas of disrepair, including the ship's keel. This poses a significant early threat to the immediate future of the Unicorn as this means there has been sufficient change in the structure of her hull which poses a threat to the vessel's wider integrity.
The purpose of the restoration project is to halt the tendency for HMS Unicorn's hull to "hog" by placing two five tonne buoyancy bags at the fore end of the ship and four at the aft end.
Eric Wright, Chair of Project Board commented:
"At nearly 200 years old, HMS Unicorn is the oldest British-built historic ship still afloat and one of the six oldest large ships in the world. Urgent action is essential to prevent further deterioration of its wooden structure, in order to preserve this unique ship for the benefit of current and future generations and we urge the public to get behind our campaign to help save the Unicorn."
This fundraising campaign, to preserve HMS Unicorn's buoyancy, is one of the first stages in a complex and challenging wider project. An exciting and long-term campaign plans to dry-dock HMS Unicorn, creating a significant and meaningful maritime heritage experience in Dundee.
The Unicorn Preservation Society is appealing to the people of Dundee and to maritime enthusiasts around the globe to consider giving to this first essential stage in the preservation of the HMS Unicorn, so that the project can be completed before the end of 2020. Every pound raised will help secure the future of HMS Unicorn. Every pound donated up to a total of £15,000 will be matched, thanks to a grant secured from the Heritage Emergency Fund.
To donate and support the preservation of HMS Unicorn, please visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/hms-unicorn-preservation-project
HMS Unicorn
HMS Unicorn is #ScotlandsOldestShip, one of the oldest ships in the world still afloat and the most original ship surviving from the golden age of sail. A historic ship and a truly unique venue, Unicorn is available for private hire including corporate events, weddings, dinners and ceilidhs. For more information contact enquiries@frigateunicorn.org
