The world’s greatest living explorer has praised Dundee Heritage Trust for the “pivotal role” it has played in transforming the city’s fortunes.
In a foreword to a new history of the trust’s work over the past 20 years, the charity’s patrons Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Lorraine Kelly and Brian Cox pay tribute to the work it has carried out over the past 30 years.
As well as bringing RRS Discovery back to Dundee in 1986, the trust has overseen the restoration of tourist attraction Verdant Works.
The history, written by the trust’s honorary president Professor Stewart Brymer, discusses the challenges faced by the trust since 1996 and its plans for the future.
In their foreword, Sir Ranulph, Lorraine Kelly and Brian Cox praise the trust for the “heroic challenge” it took on in restoring the Discovery and preserving Dundee’s industrial heritage.
They write: “Dundee has transformed itself in the 30 years since Dundee Heritage Trust was formed and the city is now well-placed to benefit from the regeneration of the historic waterfront area.
“Dundee Heritage Trust has been at the very centre of the transformation as the city’s premier visitor attraction.
“From our different perspectives, we are able to offer an objective assessment of the extent of the change that has taken place in Dundee and, in particular, the pivotal role that Dundee Heritage Trust has played in that change.”
The trust was originally formed to preserve the city’s industrial heritage but switched its focus to lead the campaign to bring Discovery back to Dundee.
It is 30 years ago this week since the ship, which was originally built in Dundee, returned to the city.
Professor Brymer has been involved in the trust since its inception and has previously written about its first 10 years in operation.
His new history concludes that it will remain an important part of the city over the next 30 years.
He concludes: “Experiences in the 30-year period since the launch of the trust can, however, give us faith that Dundee Heritage Trust will continue to play a central role in helping determine the city’s success.
“It has contributed greatly to this objective without ever being asked to do so. The contribution was made because it seemed like the right thing to do.
“That was achieved without a long-term vision and strategic plan as to how it would be developed.”