Conservation work completed – RRS Discovery is ship-shape and open to the public once more!

RRS Discovery is open again to the public after an intensive refurbishment programme to its masts and rigging.

An intensive seven-month refurbishment programme began last October and was helped by a £40,000 crowdfunding campaign. The masts and rigging came down for repairs and were transported to a Gloucester-based shipyard. The same shipping specialists, T. Nielsen & Co, have spent the last four weeks replacing the parts.

TV viewers will be given a sneak preview of the new-look ship this Friday evening, July 7^th, when it serves as the location for STV entertainment show Live at Five.

STV presenter Lorraine Kelly, a Dundee resident, long-time supporter of the famous Antarctic exploration ship RRS Discovery and contributor to the crowdfunding campaign, said of the ship:

“RRS Discovery is a major asset to the city of Dundee and beyond. She attracts many visitors and much well-deserved attention for her history and stories of adventure, also her links to Dundee, where she was designed and built.

“I’m happy to see that she’s shipshape again and ready for visitors, and I hope you’ll join me in looking forward to going on board again this summer.”

Paul Jennings, executive director of Dundee Heritage Trust, which operates RRS Discovery and Dundee’s Verdant Works, said:

“On behalf of Dundee Heritage Trust I want to say a huge thank you to the supporters who made this happen, from individuals to businesses to charity groups like ourselves. We can’t wait to share her again with the public on 8^th July and beyond.  By just visiting Discovery  Point you are contributing to the upkeep and ongoing preservation of RRS Discovery for future generations.”