Marine Projects Scotland Ltd has been selected to lead the initial stage of significant refurbishment on the historic Tall Ship Glenlee, a key artefact of Scotland’s seafaring legacy.
Built in 1896, Glenlee is now a floating attraction docked at Glasgow’s Riverside Museum and requires essential repairs to maintain its integrity. The project, supported by a £1.8 million grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), will span twelve months and play a crucial role in preserving the ship’s structure.
Beckett Rankine is project managing and supervising the overall restoration, focusing on interior work including surveys, specifications of works, contract management and delivery.
The first stage of the restoration will focus on the ship’s interior framework and metal components, establishing a foundation for further conservation work.
Marine Projects Scotland Ltd will carry out key restoration efforts, including extracting cargo hold decking and ballast to facilitate a thorough hull inspection and necessary repairs. The work will also involve conducting steel reinforcements, abrasive cleaning, structural testing, ballasting, and applying new protective coatings to safeguard the ship’s longevity.
John Monasta, Associate Director based in Beckett Rankine’s Glasgow office, said:
“We are thrilled to take on the restoration of this historic Tall Ship Glenlee, working closely with Marine Projects Scotland, to secure the future of this iconic vessel. This project is a testament to our commitment to preserving maritime heritage while ensuring the vessel is fit for future generations to enjoy.”
Peter Breslin, Managing Director of Marine Projects Scotland Ltd said:
“We are honoured to be entrusted with the restoration of this remarkable historical vessel. Our team has extensive experience working with heritage vessels and is dedicated to preserving its legacy while ensuring it remains structurally sound for years to come.”
Fiona Greer, Development Director at The Tall Ship Glenlee, added:
“We are delighted to award this contract to Marine Projects Scotland, whose expertise and dedication to historical ship preservation are second to none. This first phase of works are a significant step in securing the future of The Tall Ship Glenlee, ensuring it continues to serve as a testament to maritime history for all to enjoy and learn from.”
The restoration project highlights Marine Project Scotland’s expertise in marine engineering and historical vessel preservation. Work has already commenced, with the first phase expected to be completed within the overall project timeline. A dedicated team, including 2 trainees, will be involved in the restoration efforts.
More information can be found on the Tall Ship Glenlee‘s website.
Header image curtesy of The Tall Ship Glenlee
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