Dundee Heritage Trust (DHT), the guardian of Captain Scott’s pioneering Antarctic ship, the Royal Research Ship Discovery in Dundee, has announced the beginning of the second phase of a major repair and conservation project aboard the ship.
This next phase, coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the Dundee-built polar research ship, will involve extensive repairs to the weather-beaten bulwark and stanchions and create a fully supportive habitat for the vessel for the very first time.
The works are expected to cost in excess of £2 million and are generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Tay Cities Region Deal, the Northwood Charitable Trust, the Headley Trust, amongst others. Discovery Point and RRS Discovery will remain open as usual to visitors throughout the works, a rare opportunity to observe both traditional shipwrighting skills and modern conservation methods in action, as tales are uncovered from within the ship’s historic timbers.
Maritime consulting engineers Beckett Rankine (BR) and heritage engineers and conservators JPS Restoration & Consultancy Ltd (JPS) have been reappointed for the next phase, following their support for the first phase. Since being appointed to manage the ship’s preservation in 2020, Beckett Rankine has created RRS Discovery’s long-term conservation plan. Informed by ongoing surveys and detailed assessments, the plan guides the management of maintenance work, ensuring high standards are met to protect the ship’s future.
Emma Halford-Forbes, Heritage Director at Dundee Heritage Trust said, “We’re thrilled to be moving on to the next phase of works aboard the internationally significant RRS Discovery. We’ve formed an excellent team with BR and JPS, who have guided us through the first phase of work and shared extensive knowledge and skills with our team and volunteers. We’re delighted to be working with them for the next two years.”
For more information on the works, tickets and opening hours, visit dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk.
