Historic RRS Discovery in Dundee, built for Scott and Shackleton’s pioneering Antarctic scientific expedition of 1901 to 1904

RRS Discovery is preserved in her purpose-built dock at Discovery Point on Dundee’s regenerated waterfront, close to V&A Dundee and the River Tay. The broad view shows the three-masted ship in profile beneath a dramatic blue sky filled with white and grey cloud. Her dark wooden hull, tall masts, rigging, yellow funnel and deck structures create a striking maritime silhouette, with the glazed Discovery Point visitor centre behind her. The ship was constructed by the Dundee Shipbuilders Company and launched in the city on 21 March 1901. Designed specifically for scientific work in Antarctic waters, Discovery combined sail with auxiliary steam power and drew on Dundee’s experience of building strong wooden whaling vessels. She carried Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Ernest Shackleton and their companions on the British National Antarctic Expedition of 1901 to 1904, commonly known as the Discovery Expedition. Its scientific and geographical work included magnetic, meteorological, geological and biological research, as well as exploration of the Antarctic interior. Discovery later served as a merchant vessel, wartime supply ship, oceanographic research vessel and training ship. In 1923 she was acquired for scientific research, and in 1925 became the United Kingdom’s first ship formally designated a Royal Research Ship. She returned permanently to Dundee in 1986 and is now cared for by Dundee Heritage Trust as part of the UK National Historic Fleet. The photograph is suitable for editorial coverage of Antarctic exploration, Captain Scott, Ernest Shackleton, polar science, maritime heritage, historic shipbuilding, Dundee tourism and waterfront regeneration. In 2026 the ship marks 125 years since her launch while undergoing a conservation programme intended to preserve her for future generations. The nearby V&A Dundee strengthens the waterfront’s role as a major Scottish cultural destination, although the museum building is not visible in this composition