The National - 12.08.2019
SS Explorer seeks help for tourist attraction plan
By Martin Hannan
Multimedia Journalist
The original article is here>>
The following is an excerpt from the article :
”AN ambitious plan to make the SS Explorer in to one of the “pearls of Leith” needs funds and public help.
The National recently told the story of the SS Explorer which is listed on the National Register of Historic Vessels as a result of her pioneering work in researching the seas as a steam-powered fisheries laboratory ship. She remains one of the last seagoing steam trawlers in the world.
The preservation society which is conserving and restoring the ship want to see her become one of the pearls of Leith, an ambitious plan by Leith Civic Trust to boost tourism to the port.
Launched in 1955, SS Explorer set a number of firsts including being the first fisheries research vessel to have its own onboard computer.
READ MORE: Celebrating the legacy of a ship steeped in Scotland's history
She entered service in 1956 with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, working under the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen. She was known as a capable vessel and served for 28 years.“
The SS Explorer could become one of the 'pearls of Leith'