We were delighted to attend this year’s UK Maritime Heritage Forum in Edinburgh, hosted by National Museums Scotland.

The forum brought together maritime organisations from across the UK to exchange knowledge, share challenges, and explore best practice in ship preservation, dry docking, and long-term conservation. These topics are especially relevant as we continue to develop Project Safe Haven and plan the future of HMS Unicorn.

Our Project Safe Haven Officer, Viktoria Johansson, reflected on her experience:

“I was thrilled to participate in the UK Maritime Heritage Forum, held from October 19 to 21 and hosted by National Museums Scotland in Edinburgh.

From Project Safe Haven’s perspective, the forum was incredibly beneficial, as many significant decisions need to be made regarding the long-term conservation of the ship. These decisions, including those related to the ship’s relocation and drying-out process, are complex and will require considerable time, effort, and support to be executed successfully.

Attending the UK Maritime Heritage Forum was a fantastic opportunity for the UPS project team, as it enabled us to learn from experts and organisations that have faced similar challenges. While no ship is identical, we share common struggles as we try to stay afloat. There is much to learn, and we are eager to continue our work, inspired by all the great efforts showcased at the forum.”

We were also proud to see our Fundraising and Communications Manager, Hazel Crombie, present our brand-new Project Safe Haven campaign video, which was hot off the press and received fantastic feedback from attendees. Our presentation on Project Safe Haven was followed by an engaging panel discussion that sparked valuable conversation around the future of ship preservation.

We are sincerely grateful to the organisers and everyone who took part for creating such an inspiring and collaborative event. We returned to Dundee full of ideas, new connections, and renewed motivation for the work ahead.

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To learn more, donate, or join Shipmates, visit www.hmsunicorn.org.uk