The SS Explorer volunteer team visit The Tall Ship Glenlee

In July 2025, our volunteering team was invited to visit The Tall Ship Glenlee and meet with some of their volunteers. Leaving our beloved SS Explorer behind, volunteers got to enjoy a day out visiting the only steel square-rigged cargo vessel remaining in the whole of the UK.

Lauren guided us around the ship, sharing her story as British Cargo Vessel, an Italian ship of mystery, the sail training icon of the Spanish Navy and finally back home to Glasgow, Scotland. Our volunteers were impressed by the work by the Clyde Maritime Trust in restoring Glenlee, and found their many stories of overcoming obstacles in their efforts inspiring. The Glenlee exists now as a floating museum, in a similar fashion to our end goal for the SS Explorer.

Our visit also included a chat with some of the people working with the Tall Ship Glenlee Trust to keep her afloat and a testament to Clyde shipbuilding. Our volunteers had many questions regarding their learning and outreach projects, as well as wanting to discuss social media accounts and plans for the future. Like Explorer, Glenlee will need drydocking soon, and are likewise working towards securing that funding.

From one team obsessed with their unique and aging vessel to another, thank you Glenlee for your warm welcome and inspiring words! We hope to return the favour and invite their team to visit our Old Lady of Leith soon.

Check our socials for more pictures and videos of the day!