RRS Discovery was built in Dundee and returned there in 1986 to a permanent home in the city, Discovery Point. 

Dundee Heritage Trust has announced that the second phase of its ambitious Discovery Point Transformed capital project will get underway this year after securing £3.55 million support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

Caroline Clark, Heritage Fund director for Scotland, said: “Captain Scott’s 1901 Antarctic expedition was the first and the most famous of RRS Discovery’s voyages, but for 30 years the ship was a ground-breaking mobile scientific research centre, collecting data still vital today as we face the challenge of climate change. 

“With National Lottery support the Discovery Point Transformed project will secure this historic and internationally important ship for future generations, and through revitalising Discovery Point it will allow the knowledge collected on RRS Discovery to continue to inform public understanding of the importance of the polar regions and the impact of climate change.” 

David Henry, chairman, Dundee Heritage Trust, added: “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.” 

The Heritage Fund has confirmed the project has secured up to £3.55m thanks to National Lottery players, and is set to enhance one of Scotland’s most recognised museums and safeguard the historic Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery for future generations. The campaign has also received support from the Tay Cities Region Deal, the Northwood Charitable Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, the Hugh Fraser Foundation, the Swire Charitable Trust and other generous contributors. 

Discovery Point Transformed plans include significant changes to Discovery Point museum that will bring visitors closer to the Tay waterfront and the open oceans that RRS Discovery sailed. 

The funding will kickstart the project, with the Trust continuing to fundraise to generate support for Phase Two of Discovery Point Transformed; with its £10m estimated cost. Discovery Point and RRS Discovery currently remain open as usual, with building works commencing in 2026.

The next phase of Discovery Point Transformed aims to revolutionise visitor experiences at Discovery Point, cementing its status as a dynamic national museum and attraction.

The project will deliver two new cutting-edge exhibitions exploring Antarctica’s magnetic pull on explorers and how Discovery’s pioneering scientific voyages continue to shape global climate science. 

A new destination bistro will open up panoramic views of the River Tay, helping ensure visitors feel a closer connection to the sea. Upgraded learning facilities will further reconnect Dundee’s maritime heritage with the city’s future. 

Building works are scheduled to begin in 2026 and conclude by 2028, with RRS Discovery remaining open throughout the transformation. Dundee Heritage Trust has collaborated with leading specialists including AIM Design, Beckett Rankine, and JPS Restoration, leveraging three years of extensive research, surveys, and planning to ensure the project’s success. 

Ged Young, director at AIM Design, added: “This is fantastic news for Dundee Heritage Trust and the next phase of Discovery Point Transformed; a project that will enable the Museum to implement essential energy performance improvements. The opening of the south facade over two levels to reveal views of the Tay presents a once in a generation opportunity to capture an elevated panoramic of this impressive estuary that has been so critical to the City’s development and success. 

“This latest phase of regeneration will complement our earlier design collaborations with Dundee Heritage Trust for the Scottish Design Award winning Discovery Dome, and will deliver additional events space, galleries and renewable energy opportunities.”