Day 78
SS Explorer
The research ship used to develop new and improved fishing methods and engineering machinery - now being turned into a floating museum to be docked in Leith.
Launched in 1955 as the FRS Explorer having been specifically built to carry out research functions - testing new and emerging technologies being developed for use on fishing trawlers. No expense was spared and FRS Explorer was to go on serving in this capacity for 28 years before technology developed beyond her capabilities and it became too expensive to refit her.
The FRS Explorer (Fisheries Research Ship) was one of the last ships to be built by Alexander Hall and Co, an Aberdeen shipyard. For most of her working life she operated out of Aberdeen city. However she was registered in Leith, and many a leither served aboard her during her many years of operation.
On being decommissioned in 1984 she was reclassified as the SS Explorer (Steam Ship), and was due to be scrapped, not once but twice - saved the first time by the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, general maintenance was carried out. But ultimately she was left to deteriorate again for 10 years while they tried to establish a berth. Eventually they reluctantly decided to sell her to the scrapyard once again. The SS Explorer was saved from this fate for the second time by the Leith based SS Explorer Preservation Society, and was towed to the Edinburgh Dock in Leith in 1994. In 1996 she was added to the National Historic Ship register - the maritime equivalent of being given Listed Building Status.
The SS Explorer Preservation Society, which includes many former crew, local people and enthusiasts, plan to restore her to her former condition. With much support from members, many of whom have been able to carry out basic maintenance and restoration tasks, and donations from various organisations and individuals she will become a floating maritime museum in the heart of Leith.
