Discover Dundee’s Maritime Legacy: The RRS Discovery and Shackleton’s Heritage

Visit the RRS Discovery

Dundee’s rich maritime history is beautifully encapsulated in the RRS Discovery, the ship that carried Captain Scott and his crew on their 1901 Antarctic expedition. This historic vessel, now a museum at Discovery Point, offers a fascinating glimpse into early polar exploration.

Sir Ernest Shackleton. Image: PA

Shackleton’s Crow’s Nest Returns

Recently, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s crow’s nest from his final ship, Quest, made a poignant return to the UK, thanks to efforts by the Dundee-based South Georgia Heritage Trust. This relic from the Shackleton-Rowett Antarctic Expedition symbolizes the end of the heroic era of exploration. The crow’s nest was part of the South Georgia Museum’s ‘Shackleton’s Last Quest’ exhibition and has been celebrated in London with notable figures, including HRH The Princess Royal.

Explore Discovery Point

Discovery Point offers interactive exhibits detailing the ship’s construction, the harrowing expeditions, and the crew’s life aboard the RRS Discovery. The centre also highlights Dundee’s shipbuilding heritage and the city’s pivotal role in Antarctic exploration. For more information, visit Dundee Heritage Trust.

Plan Your Visit

When planning your trip to Dundee, make sure to include a visit to the RRS Discovery. It’s a journey through history that will enrich your understanding of the courage and endurance of early explorers.

For more details on the RRS Discovery and to plan your visit, check out VisitDundee.

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