Dundee Heritage Trust has announced the reappointment of Beckett Rankine and JPS Restoration & Consultancy Ltd to undertake the second phase of RRS Discovery’s conservation, following the success of the first package of works.

This next phase, coinciding with the 125^th anniversary of the Dundee-built polar research ship, will involve extensive repairs to the weather-beaten bulwark and stanchions, and create a new, more comprehensive support structure for the vessel. 

The works are expected to cost in excess of £2 million and are generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Tay Cities Region Deal, the Northwood Charitable Trust, the Headley Trust, and others. Discovery Point and RRS Discovery will remain open as usual to visitors throughout the works, a rare opportunity to see the ship as it’s never been seen before.  

RRS Discovery‘s hull supported by a custom steel structure during the first phase of work.

Beckett Rankine was first appointed to manage the ship’s preservation in 2020. Drawing from extensive experience in the preservation of historic vessels, the firm created RRS Discovery’s long-term conservation plan. The plan is used to guide the management of ongoing repairs and maintenance, informed by continual surveys and detailed assessments to ensure that high standards are met and to protect the ship’s future.

From 2023 to 2025, the project’s first phase focused on £1.4 million of urgent structural repairs to the most vulnerable stern section of the ship and deck repairs, funded by the National Heritage Memorial Fund.

Beckett Rankine project managed and supervised the works, including selecting and overseeing the specialist contractor JPS Restoration & Consulting Ltd, who were chosen for their combination of traditional and innovative shipwrighting methods. Many traditional shipwright skills are increasingly rare to find, and so the project is also documenting and preserving the traditional techniques being used to share with future generations.

The next phase will continue with a methodical approach to repairs, focused on replacing the bulwark and stanchions as well as identifying any other areas of the port hull requiring attention. Once all repairs are completed, the entire hull will be assessed before being freshly caulked and painted.

John Monasta, Associate Director and Head of Naval Architecture at Beckett Rankine, said:

“We are delighted to be entrusted once more with RRS Discovery’s conservation, and are incredibly grateful to Dundee Heritage Trust, the National Heritage Memorial Fund, and other funders for the opportunity to help preserve an iconic piece of Scotland’s maritime heritage.

After the success of the first phase, Beckett Rankine is lucky to work closely again with JPS Restoration, who have demonstrated that they are open, forward-thinking collaborators and talented specialists. We look forward to seeing the project’s progress unfold over the next two years.”

John Monasta beside RRS Discovery. Image: Dundee Heritage Trust

Emma Halford-Forbes, Heritage Director at Dundee Heritage Trust said:

“We’re thrilled to be moving on to the next phase of works aboard the internationally significant RRS Discovery. We’ve formed an excellent team with Beckett Rankine and JPS Restoration, who have guided us through the first phase of works and shared so much knowledge and skill with our team and volunteers. We’re delighted to be working with them for the next two years.”

Jason Struthers, Director at JPS Restoration and Consultancy Ltd said,

“JPS are thrilled to have been awarded the contract for Phase 2 of the RRS Discovery conservation works. To have been involved in such a prestigious project for the last 18 months on such a historically important part of maritime history has been a privilege, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with Dundee Heritage Trust and Beckett Rankine for the next two years”.

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RRS Discovery

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  Beckett Rankine reappointed for second phase of RRS Discovery conservation

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