Historic ship HMS Unicorn buoyed by almost £800,000 in restoration funding

Scotland’s oldest ship has taken a major step towards securing her future thanks to almost £800,000 of funding.

HMS Unicorn, docked in Dundee, has received the grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The initial award will go towards the total cost of moving and securing HMS Unicorn within Dundee’s repaired East Graving Dock, ensuring a stable environment for the long-term preservation of the vessel.

The move is part of an ambitious plan to help transform Dundee’s historic docks with a purpose-built visitor centre that will enhance community engagement and celebrate HMS Unicorn’s maritime heritage.

Work has already started on the 200-year-old vessel’s hull.

The Unicorn Preservation Society urgently need to match The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s investment by April 2025. This will unlock £10m of strategic grants required to finance this work, including from Tay Cities Region Deal.

The work includes the emptying of the dock, repairing it with a new caisson and making it structurally sound before it is refilled where HMS Unicorn will float over a supportive cradle.

The delivery of this work is expected to generate further funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund of up to £3.3m.

Executive director of HMS Unicorn, Matthew Bellhouse Moran, said: “This incredible pledge from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is a massive boost to our fundraising efforts; finance is urgently required to secure the future of this 200-year-old ship for future generations to enjoy. This grant is both a recognition of HMS Unicorn’s immense historical significance and a vote of confidence in our vision to secure her future, namely Project Safe Haven.

“However, the clock is ticking. We urgently need the support of individuals, businesses, and organisations to raise the finance needed for the next stage of Project Safe Haven, moving HMS Unicorn into Dundee’s East Graving Dock, ensuring she doesn’t succumb to the wear and tear of time.

“£650,000 is required to unlock £10m of strategic grants for the next stage of works to save this national treasure and create an inspiring legacy for future generations. Without support, HMS Unicorn, a symbol of Dundee’s rich maritime history, may not survive.”

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “HMS Unicorn is a spectacular surviving relic of our maritime heritage. Holding nearly 200 years of history within its hull, it is not only the oldest ship in Scotland but one of the oldest in the world, and incredibly one of the last remaining warships from the age of sail, still afloat. 

“Thanks to National Lottery players we are extremely proud to support the Unicorn Preservation Society to take their ambition plans forward. Making vital progress to creating a permanent Safe Haven for this historic vessel and developing its potential as a major heritage attraction for Dundee and Scotland.”