The Future of the SS Explorer
SS Explorer in Leith
The vessel returned to Leith nearly 30 years ago and since then has been cared for by a team of volunteers who have worked to maintain and preserve the vessel and protect it from the effects of the weather and time and to raise the necessary funds. For many years, the intention was to return the vessel to an operating condition but as years passed this became more challenging.
In 2018, it was decided that it was no longer practical to retain this goal and a new vision for the vessel was agreed by the members of the Society.
Our Vision
SS Explorer is fully restored; moored at a publicly accessible berth in the port of Leith together with a shoreside interpretation centre serving the local and wider community as a maritime museum and marine science educational resource, a visitor attraction and an attractive venue contributing to the economic regeneration of Leith and North Edinburgh.
In 2019, a report from Wessex Archaeology set out a Stabilisation Plan to guide preservation works and to identify those of High, Medium and Low priority. Initially, volunteers addressed the High priority issues and carried out temporary repairs - particularly on the Monkey Island which was the source of the most serious water ingress.
Subsequent works have deal with the majority of the issues identified and in 2023 a Conservation Management plan was commissioned – with funding from the Pilgrim Trust. This was delivered in 2024 and now provides a guideline for the works to preserve the vessel.
Drydocking Explorer
While volunteers can carry out many of the onboard tasks, Explorer was last drydocked in 1989 and urgently needs to return to drydock for inspection, cleaning and painting of the hull. Using the Conservation Management Plan as a guide, we have now prepared a detailed plan for drydocking the vessel along with other necessary major works.
Raising funds for this work is one of our most pressing needs but we also need to ensure that the Society is capable of managing these major works. This will require a strengthening of our organisation and development of support from local, national and international communities. In addition, we need to provide tools and materials for the continuing preservation works.
This work is the subject of an interim fundraising drive and we hope to be in a position to apply for major works funding in 2026.
Interpreting Explorer
As set out in our vision, we plan to develop a shore-based interpretative centre to welcome visitors and tell the interconnected strands of the Explorer Story. This will include the vessel’s design, construction and operations; the triple expansion steam engine, Scotch Boiler and other machinery; Life on board and research into fish stocks, fishing gear and methods; Experimental marine and environmental research; marine operations in the Northern Seas and of course, the crew and scientists who manned the vessel.
However in the meantime, we continue to welcome visitors on board the vessel and are preparing temporary exhibition spaces on board the vessel to enhance these tours.
Support for the future SS Explorer
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Drydocking Explorer
Explorer has not been dry docked for long time. The scope for dry docking is currently under development, with plans to secure funding in 2025 and 2026.
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Maintainence
Every day a new piece requires cleaned, fixed or secured. The dedication of our volunteers stands testament to their desire to keep the Explorer in working order. But we need more hands on deck to preserve the past for our future.
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Visitor Centre
We want to turn the Explorer into an interactive learning space where we can share it’s scientific contribution and encourage STEM learning for future Marine Biologists or Engineers.
