Before and After
It is always good to look back at what the conditions were like on board Discovery before the Project started in 2007 but it is far more rewarding to recall what was achieved in the two years since that year. This story would be incomplete if it did not recognise the amount of effort that the Main Contractor, Mackay Boatbuilders, Arbroath, Scotland, put into the Project. Harry Simpson, his son Paul and their employees have a background of running their boatyard in Arbroath to cater for a wide variety of marine customers. Their day to day work involves fishing boats, specialised boats, pleasure craft, canal craft, yachts and restoration work and much more. Their services are in demand, not only in Scotland but throughout the United Kingdom and they frequently travel far distances to satisfy their customer's needs. The marine work brings boats from all over to their yard, such is their reputation but the Discovery Project was special, special because both Harry and Paul had a long association with the ship and it had become almost one of the family. The skills required to restore historical wooden ships will never be lost entirely so long as MacKay Boat Builders operate in Arbroath and I hope that those who may read these words will visit its website www.mackayboatbuilders.co.uk and learn a little more about the company.
MacKay's Boatyard. Arbroath, Scotland.
I am nearing the end of this particular story of the Discovery and I thought it was about time the difference of two years of hard work and dedication can make to a grand old ship when all involved are working towards the one goal, conservation. The delight reflected on the visitor's faces when they viewed the newly enhanced spaces was all the reward that was necessary to those who had been involved. Here are a few before and after photographs that show what can be done on a limited budget and unlimited enthusiasm.
Engine Room After
Coal Bunker After
Hold Space After
Hull After
I have many more pictures on file as a reminder of how the Old Girl was returned to a happy state. Discovery today remains a star attraction on Dundee's Waterfront but it is what goes on behind the scenes that really matters. The conservation and restoration of the ship did not end on the day the Project ended, it will never end. It is a huge burden that Dundee Heritage Trust carries and will always carry so long as the ship remains in its custody. In these hard financial times it is far from easy to persuade the public to give generously to protect our Maritime Heritage. The ship needs the support of Discovery Point Antarctic Museum and the museum needs the ship; both have to survive and remain attractive to visitors. The Trust's turnover is over £1m per annum and in future it will need to generate much more than that to maintain interest in its assets.
Speaking of assets, how much is the RRS 'Discovery' worth? She is in the top list of Historical Ships and as such her worth cannot be set out in money terms. Her worth is in the value she gives to the community, be that community Local, National or International, she is a priceless asset and one that must be conserved for the education and enjoyment of future generations.
In these 23 parts I have written I hope I have created an interest in Historic Ship Conservation and Restoration. The feedback I have had has been positive and encouraging and made my efforts worthwhile. That is not quite the end of the story, my story that is, not the Discovery's as that will never end. There are rewards that come to people like me who get involved in history and my particular reward came earlier this year. I will tell you about that in my next article.
