The governors of the Unicorn Preservation Society decided by “a clear majority” to vote in new leadership, a board member has told The Courier.
Professor John Palfreyman was commenting on the surprise decision to oust Lord Dalhousie as chairman of the body that seeks to secure a viable future for one of the world’s oldest ships.
Vice-chairman Mervyn Rolfe, a former lord provost of Dundee, is another casualty of what has been interpreted in some quarters as “a coup” by a faction of board members.
Lord Dalhousie, whose father formed the society in 1968, is recognised for his devotion to the Unicorn’s cause.
The change in leadership comes at a time when the society is in discussion with the National Museum of the Royal Navy where Lord Dalhousie is well respected about the Unicorn becoming a NMRN ship.
That elevated status would put her in the same bracket as Nelson’s Victory and considerably help efforts to attract the major funding needed to safeguard her future in Dundee.
After failing to secure a berth for the Unicorn in the central waterfront redevelopment, the society is now working towards moving the ship the short distance to the East Graving Dock.
It is envisaged that she would be the centrepiece of a £10 million visitor attraction similar to the Discovery at Discovery Point in a move that would need major backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Professor Palfreyman said: “The society has a vote every year about the chairmanship. We had a vote this year and a clear majority of the board decided it was time for a change.
“Board members may have different views about things but as far as I am aware the board are all fully united behind efforts to ensure the Unicorn and its heritage are preserved for the city of Dundee.
“This is the way we will be approaching the Heritage Lottery Fund in the discussions we have with them.”
Professor David Bradley, the new vice-chairman, declined to comment beyond saying he endorsed the views of the new chairman, Dundee solicitor Michael Clark.
He said at the weekend that the board decided there should be a change as they move forward and seek a new future for the Unicorn.
There had been no resignations from the 19-strong board, he added, and Lord Dalhousie and Mr Rolfe are still members and “very much involved.”
Lord Dalhousie has declined to comment.