HMS Duncan’s first visit to her adopted city of Dundee proved so popular hundreds of eager visitors had to be turned away.
More than 3,500 members of the public were welcomed on to the Type-45 Destroyer over the weekend at the King George V wharf.
However, many more were disappointed when they were told there wasn’t enough time left for them to be shown round the ship on Sunday.
A spokesman for the ship said: “There is much disappointment on the ship as they had to turn people away from the gate at 2.30pm.Photo gallery: HMS Duncan visits Dundee“The last access to the ship was at 3pm and it became apparent that there were simply too many people waiting to go on board.
“Unfortunately with the fading light we had to be quite strict about it because as a working naval ship there are items on the deck which would have been trip hazards, which becomes a risk to their safety.
“We had 1,400 people on Saturday and 2,100 on board on Sunday, with a large number also unable to come on board.
“All on board the ship are very proud and overwhelmed that she has captured the imagination of the people of Dundee and we look forward to coming back.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=kJceFwbFPtM%3Frel%3D0
“This is the first of what will be many more visits to Dundee as it is a long-standing affiliation she’s got with the city.”
The ship’s captain, Commander James Stride, said: “It is fantastic to be here. Ships have always been affiliated to cities or counties and to have Dundee with its maritime heritage, as well as Belfast, as our affiliation is just great.
“Our people have already been visiting Dundee for an Armed Forces day and I’ve been up visiting The Lord Provost and some of our other affiliates here.”
The ship is named after Dundee’s naval hero, Admiral Duncan, who famously defeated the Dutch fleet off Camperdown and captured 11 of their ships without losing a single British one in 1797 during the French Revolutionary Wars.
HMS Duncan will depart Dundee this evening.