SS Explorer
Steam-powered fishery research vessel of 1955 moored in Leith, open on pre-booked free guided tours while it is being restored.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
SS Explorer was Scotland's first purpose-built fishery research vessel and the last steam-powered vessel of her kind built in Scotland. She was ordered for the Scottish Office to work for the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen, built by Alexander Hall and Co. in Aberdeen and launched on 21 June 1955. For 28 years she was Scotland's leading scientific research ship, studying fish stocks, fishing practices and equipment, and carrying out surveys of the northern seas in the tradition of earlier work by HMS Challenger.
Her hull was based on a deep-sea Arctic side trawler, strengthened for service in icy northern waters. She combined traditional and modern technology: her main propulsion is a triple-expansion steam engine with oil-fired boilers, while all auxiliary systems are electric and powered by diesel generators. In 1969 she rescued the research trawler Sir William Hardy, which later became Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior, by towing her to Scalloway.
Explorer survived the shipbreakers twice, and the Aberdeen Maritime Museum was so impressed by her that she was bought largely complete and brought back to Aberdeen. She is number 26 on the register of National Historic Ships and is now moored in the Edinburgh Dock at Leith, where the SS Explorer Preservation Society is restoring her. Its goal is to see her fully restored at a public berth in Leith with a shoreside interpretation centre. Visits are by pre-booked guided tour only.
Highlights
- Last steam-powered fishery research vessel built in Scotland
- Triple-expansion steam engine
- Number 26 on the National Historic Ships register
- Guided tours led by restoration volunteers
- Founded
- 1955
- Operated by
- SS Explorer Preservation Society
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Tours are free, with a suggested donation of £10 per person to support the restoration and upkeep of the ship.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Because of the ship's structure, tours are not suitable for visitors with mobility issues.
Kids & families
Not suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 16+
Port security rules do not allow visitors under 16 on the vessel.
Getting there & parking
The ship is moored in the Edinburgh Dock in Leith Docks. Access is through the Bath Road security gate off Salamander Street; if driving, set the satnav to Bath Road. The security hut is the yellow building at the end of the road. Original photo ID is needed at the gate, and further instructions are sent after a booking.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tours are led by volunteers and last about one to two hours depending on group size and interests. Access to the dock is through the Bath Road security gate off Salamander Street, where original photo ID such as a passport or driving licence is required. Port security rules do not allow anyone under 16 to visit the vessel. |
