Discovery Point have opened up a new exhibition which charts Scotland's whaling history.
Scotland’s Whale Road: A Voyage from Whaling to Conservation opened at Discovery Point on Saturday, and will run until 31 August 2025.
The exhibition explores national whaling stories and origins before uncovering the crucial role that the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery played in the beginnings of whale conservation almost 100 years ago.
Scotland’s Whale Road is open during museum opening hours, and entry is included in museum admission or existing Discovery Point annual pass.
Narratives around historic whaling traditions weave throughout the impactful exhibition, touching on Dundee’s own whaling industry dating from the 1750s before exploring conservation efforts kindled in the 1920s aboard the RRS Discovery.
Visitors will have the chance to trace centuries of traditions and tales from the ocean, with items on display from The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, The Scottish Fisheries Museum, and Scottish Maritime Museum as well as images from Dundee Heritage Trust’s Recognised Collections of National Significance.
The exhibition comes as the centenary celebrations of Discovery’s official designation as a Royal Research Ship approach. From 1923-1925, Discovery was refit for oceanographic science, and spent her maiden voyage as a Royal Research Ship in 1925 in the Southern Ocean undertaking the Discovery Investigations; delving into the lives and habitats of whales.
This expedition became the first step in the conservation of one of the world’s most endangered species and paved the way for vital care for whales.
Sophie Hinde, Heritage Manager at Dundee Heritage Trust says; “We are so excited to host this exhibition previously shown at the Scottish Maritime Museum sites last year.
The exhibition shares the historic connection of Scotland to the Whaling industry. We have been able to add to the exhibition and explore how the Royal Research Ship Discovery played a vital part in the conservation of Antarctic whale populations.
We are also able to highlight the legacy of whaling in Dundee through the work of our heritage partners, both in the city and across in sub-Antarctic South Georgia”.
Artist Caroline Hack, says, “I was thrilled to be approached by Dundee Heritage Trust to explore the part that the RRS Discovery played in the scientific investigations into the sustainability of South Atlantic whaling a century ago.
Turning the Discovery Expedition research into a visual story has been a wonderful challenge. Being able to share my work on this important research alongside some of my other textile work highlighting Scotland’s whaling heritage is a privilege.”
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