200th Anniversary
Celebrating 200 Years of HMS Unicorn
Join us as we mark a remarkable milestone: two centuries of history! Launched on March 30, 1824, in the River Medway, Kent, HMS Unicorn is Scotland’s oldest ship and the most original historic vessel in the world.
Constructed from around 1,000 oak trees at a cost of £26,500 (about £2.4 million today), HMS Unicorn was designed to be a powerful and agile warship, capable of housing a crew of 300. While awaiting active service, the Royal Navy added her iconic roof to preserve her, an innovation that has ensured her exceptional condition over the past 200 years.
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Celebrating 200 Years: 2024–2026
This bicentenary is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor HMS Unicorn’s incredible history and look toward an exciting future. Together, let’s ensure her story continues to inspire for centuries to come.
HMS Unicorn’s bicentenary celebrations will span two years, from 2024 to 2026, thanks to the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Bicentenary Programme Highlights
Experience a wide range of events and activities, including:
Historical Reenactments & Living History Days
Educational Workshops
Community Festivals
Special Exhibitions
Heritage Talks & Lectures
Volunteering Opportunities
Check our “What’s On” page for more!
Bicentenary Programme Highlights
Experience a wide range of events and activities, including:
Historical Reenactments & Living History Days
Educational Workshops
Community Festivals
Special Exhibitions
Heritage Talks & Lectures
Volunteering Opportunities
Check our “What’s On” page for more!
Looking Ahead: A Future Preserved
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Unicorn Preservation Society, HMS Unicorn is now an Accredited Museum.
Celebrated for its conservation achievements and innovative volunteer programmes like the award-winning WaveMakers. Recent recognition includes the National Historic Ships’ Excellence in Maritime Conservation award.
The next chapter in HMS Unicorn’s story is “Project Safe Haven,” a transformative initiative to relocate her into dry dock at Dundee’s Victoria Dock. The project includes the creation of a purpose-built visitor centre and essential conservation work to ensure her long-term preservation.