My name is Hirushi Dissanayake, and I am currently studying Museum Studies & Heritage at the University of St Andrews. As part of my course, I had the option to complete either a dissertation or a placement. When I saw that one of the available placements was with HMS Unicorn, I was thrilled by the opportunity and knew I had to apply! During my time there, I gained invaluable insight into the preservation and conservation challenges of working on a ship that is over 200 years old. The experience also allowed me to develop practical skills and deepen my understanding of the planning and preparation involved in their ‘Project Safe Haven.’
Over the past two months, I have been developing social media content as part of my public engagement and marketing responsibilities. The goal of this project was to explore ways to increase public accessibility, boost visitor numbers, and raise awareness of HMS Unicorn—showcasing the iconic Georgian Naval Frigate as a unique and historically rich landmark. By enhancing the ship’s visibility online, will not only attract more visitors but also to offer an interactive and educational experience for those unable to visit in person. The use of social media bridges the gap between local and international audiences, creating a dynamic form of accessibility and engagement.
One of the highlights of my placement at HMS Unicorn was the chance to collaborate with another marketing intern from St Andrews. During our week, we combined our different backgrounds and perspectives to create fun, innovative social media content aimed for younger audiences. Together, we brainstormed and produced several creative posts, including reels to short-form videos designed to showcase the ship in a modern, relatable way. One of our favourite projects was a “Follow Me Around the Museum” video – a light-hearted, behind-the-scenes tour that invited viewers to explore HMS Unicorn from a more personal perspective. We also filmed a trail walk from Dundee Railway Station to the ship, pointing out key landmarks and attractions along the way. The idea was to illustrate just how accessible HMS Unicorn is and how it fits into the vibrant heart of Dundee’s cultural landscape. These videos weren’t just fun to make – they were designed to be educational and interactive, showing how heritage spaces can connect with new audiences through digital media. We were given the chance and resources to highlight the different routes people can take to visit the ship. And to think creatively about how we could promote HMS Unicorn throughout the city—whether through famous Dundee landmarks, signages, or online participation. Working with the intern showed me the power of collaboration and how combining different skill sets can lead to dynamic, engaging public outreach. It was a rewarding and exciting experience, and I’m proud of the content we created together.
Beyond social media marketing, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with Caitlin, the Volunteering, Engagement and Learning Officer at HMS Unicorn. This role allowed me to step into a variety of exciting tasks, from helping run the “Brew and Blethers” activity week to assisting with school tours. Each day brought something new and thrilling, giving me the chance to develop valuable transferable skills – especially in communication and teamwork. What made the experience even more special was the incredible team at HMS Unicorn. The crew was not only incredibly welcoming but also genuinely helpful, fostering a work environment that was both supportive and fun. Their positive energy made every task feel like an adventure, and I left each day feeling like I had learned something new, both professionally and personally. Working alongside such a passionate and dynamic team made the whole experience feel less like a placement and more like being part of a close-knit team. It’s a rare thing to find such an approachable and collaborative atmosphere, and it’s something I’ll carry with me as I continue my studies and career.
