Dundee attraction Discovery Point receives £3.55m funding boost

A popular Dundee tourist attraction exploring the city’s maritime history has been awarded £3.55m for the next stage of its redevelopment.

Discovery Point includes Captain Scott’s Antarctic exploration ship RRS Discovery, which is currently undergoing a major restoration project.

The Heritage Fund money will also go towards two new exhibition galleries and a restaurant in its visitor centre.

Dundee Heritage Trust said it hoped the funding would help secure the ship’s future as “one of the world’s most-important historical vessels”.

RRS Discovery was purpose-built in the city to take explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott to the Antarctic in the early 1900s.

The ship returned there in 1986 to a permanent home in the city.

Last year the Hope Cross, a poignant memorial to polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton from his crew, went on display at Discovery Point after a journey of more than 7,000 miles from the South Atlantic.

The new attractions add to a 360° virtual recreation of Dundee in 1901 that was opened in the centre in 2022.

The new exhibitions will shed light on the early explorers’ fascination with Antarctica and how Discovery’s pioneering voyages continue to shape global climate science.

Building work on the project is expected to begin next year and conclude in 2028.

Dundee Heritage Trust chairman David Henry said: “The next stage of Discovery Point Transformed marks an exciting new chapter in our ongoing mission to preserve and celebrate Discovery’s extraordinary legacy.

“By combining innovative exhibitions with essential conservation work, we will ensure that RRS Discovery continues to educate and inspire for the next century.”