Scotland’s Oldest Ship, HMS Unicorn, Receives £1.11 m In Funding For Restoration and Preservation

In a historic move, the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) has provided a record-breaking donation to support the preservation of Scotland’s oldest ship, HMS Unicorn. The generous cash contribution covers urgent expenses necessary for the vessel’s ongoing conservation, ensuring its continued existence and historical significance.

In addition to this crucial funding, comprehensive, long-term plans have been put in place to relocate HMS Unicorn to the East Graving Dock at City Quay, providing a suitable environment for its preservation and maintenance.

The NHMF’s substantial grant aligns perfectly with national guidelines for ship conservation, safeguarding the ship’s historical importance according to established preservation standards. This funding supports current preservation efforts and secures the ship’s legacy for future generations.

Earlier this year, essential repairs amounting to £100,000 were conducted on the ship’s original roof, showcasing the commitment to maintaining its structural integrity.

John Paul DeJoria, the renowned US billionaire and co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair products, contributed £20,000 to the fundraising efforts, emphasizing the importance of preserving this historic ship. Ray Macfarlane, deputy chair and Scotland trustee of NHMF, expressed profound admiration for HMS Unicorn, recognizing its historical and cultural value. The vessel is one of the world’s oldest ships still afloat, making preservation efforts critical.

The collaboration between NHMF and the Unicorn Preservation Trust resulted in a generous grant of over £1 million, covering over 95% of the financial investment required for urgent conservation repairs. Matthew Bellhouse Moran, the museum director, hailed the recent donation as an “absolute game-changer,” recognizing its potential to advance critical preservation work.

Since its launch in 1824, HMS Unicorn has been under the dedicated care of the Unicorn Preservation Society. The recent donation provides a significant opportunity to continue conserving this historic vessel, securing its structural integrity, and preserving its cultural significance for future generations to appreciate and admire.

The future of HMS Unicorn, as a captivating piece of maritime history, is now firmly secured with the support of the NHMF and the dedication of preservationists.

Reference: BBC, The Courier, The Herald

Scotland’s Oldest Ship, HMS Unicorn, Receives £1.11 m In Funding For Restoration and Preservation appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News