Scotland's Whale Road
DISCOVERY POINT

Dive into the history of whaling in Dundee and beyond, as we chart RRS Discovery‘s role in turning the tide from hunting to conservation.

Talk: Art in Antarctica

We’re joined by polar specialist Henrietta Hammant, who will explore early examples of art made in this beautiful landscape; from watercolours, to carved whale bone, to festive decorations. 

Discovery Point Transformed

Explore our plans to transform Discovery Point, conserve the RRS Discovery, and spark curiosity in heritage for the next 100 years.

Leave a Gift in your Will

Did you know that Dundee Heritage Trust can receive gifts in wills? Your gift could make a lasting difference to our work in Dundee.

Our Mission for Discovery

Dundee Heritage Trust exists to share our heritage for the benefit of current and future generations. Now, we’re on a mission to protect the RRS Discovery and spark curiosity in heritage for the next 100 years.

Conserving RRS Discovery

Explore our £1.4M conservation project aboard the Royal Research Ship Discovery, supported by the National Heritage Memorial Fund.

Polar Publications

Celebrate two iconic publications from within our Polar Collections; the famous South Polar Times compiled on Discovery in 1902, and Shackleton’s rare Aurora Australis.

The Hope Cross
DISCOVERY POINT

Visit the historic Hope Cross at Discovery Point; built in 1922 by Shackleton’s Quest crewmates following his untimely passing.

Support Us

Discovery Point Transformed

Where heritage sparks curiosity, forges community, and ignites lifelong learning

Discovery Point is the home to the Royal Research Ship Discovery, an icon of scientific exploration and adventure inspiring millions of people around the globe since her launch in 1901.

As we embark on an urgent mission to protect this irreplaceable piece of Dundee’s heritage for the benefit of current and future generations, we ask you to play your part in her story.

The Project

What is Discovery Point Transformed?

Discovery Point Transformed is the keystone of our mission to conserve the RRS Discovery and spark curiosity in her story in Dundee and around the globe for the next 100 years. 

 This exciting project will transform the Discovery Point attraction by 2028, reigniting the beacon that has drawn polar enthusiasts, adventurers, and the curious everywhere to Dundee for over 30 years.

With less than 2% of our regular income being publicly funded, we are dependent on the generosity and enthusiasm of our supporters to help us achieve our vision.

Project Aims

To achieve our vision for Discovery Point, our aims from 2025 to 2028 are to deliver:

Building on urgent repairs carried out in 2024, this next stage of work will help us conserve the ship for the next generation, and support the survival of critically endangered skills in shipwrighting in Scotland.

A visitor walks by a diorama of the inside of the RRS Discovery during its construction in the Dundee dockyards. A golden glow radiates from behind the ship's structure.
Conservation aboard RRS Discovery
Conservation aboard RRS Discovery

We will spark curiosity through state-of-the-art exhibitions, exploring why early explorers were first drawn to Antarctica and immersing visitors in the science pioneered by Discovery and their impact on global climate science today.

Dynamic new exhibitions
Dynamic new exhibitions

We will support a wider range of people to discover our heritage through exciting new learning and volunteering opportunities, especially our local learners in and around Dundee.

Learning opportunities for local people
Learning opportunities for local people

We will transform Discovery Point for the future, introducing a new destination restaurant overlooking the River Tay, new flexible events and learning spaces, and vital works to reduce our energy use and boost our resilience in a changing world.

Sustainability for the future
Sustainability for the future

Why We Need Your Help

At the heart of our mission is the RRS Discovery, a remarkable ship that symbolises human ingenuity, determination, and scientific curiosity. 

The RRS Discovery is facing critical conservation challenges. The ship’s wooden structure is beginning to decay, amongst other urgent restoration issues, threatening her existence and the stories she holds. 

It currently costs over £2 million each year for the charity to care for our two museums, including the RRS Discovery, but that cost will go up with critical repairs needed to preserve her for the next 100 years. 

Will you join our mission for Discovery?

Make a difference today!

The project

Discover the plans

Now at an advanced stage of development, with planning permission secured, and a first stage of ship works already underway, we are now embarking on a major fundraising campaign to bring our vision to life. 

We are grateful for the support of our partners, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Tay Cities Region Deal, the Northwood Charitable Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, and the Hugh Fraser Foundation who have already made generous pledges to the project.

 

Join our mailing list

Keep in touch!

To be the first to hear our updates about Discovery Point Transformed, please sign up to our e-newsletter and select “News, special offers, and appeals” in your preferences. You will also hear about our ongoing work to care for our museums and the RRS Discovery. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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