£4k raised in 4 days

Crowdfunding campaign aims to renovate Discovery

The fundraiser, which has been backed by television presenter Lorraine Kelly, started at the end of last week and has already reached 10% of its £40,000 target.

The funds will be added to the £350,000 that Dundee Heritage Trust — which operates Discovery Point — needs to complete a nine-month repair programme.

The £40,000 of public money will be used to reinstate the masts and rigging to Discovery’s original rigging plan at the end of the conservation phase of the project.

Paul Jennings, executive director of Dundee Heritage Trust, said: “We are very pleased with the amount we have raised so far.

“It’s still early days but we’ve also been told by Crowdfunder that our conversion rate, between those looking at the page and then donating, is very high.

“It shows we are still considered by the people of Dundee as a key part of the Waterfront and the city’s history.”

The organisation’s next goal is to hit £10,000 by next week.

Mr Jennings added: “We are extremely grateful to those who have donated.

“It’s fantastic to see so many people still value our ship.

“Everyone’s looking forward to the new additions to our Waterfront but this shows we are still considered a key part of that future.”

Work began on the ship yesterday and it will take up to a year to complete.

Dundee Heritage Trust is an independent charity which relies on the success of fundraising activities to carry out major conservation projects.

A CROWDFUNDING campaign which is raising cash for vital restoration works on the RRS Discovery has seen more than £4,000 donated in just four days.

The RRS Discovery in Dundee is undergoing vital restoration works to reinstate masts and rigging in accordance with the ship’s original design.