Fresh attempt to save historic clipper City of Adelaide

Report from Jim Tildesley, Director, Scottish Maritime Museum

The Trustees of the Scottish Maritime Museum welcome the decision of the Minister for Culture, Fiona Hyslop, in commissioning a detailed evaluation of the various options available for the future of the City of Adelaide.

The Trustees have actively sought a viable future for the vessel since 1999 when they were advised, in a Government Commissioned study, that the Museum did not have sufficient resources to preserve the vessel themselves. The Trustees remain concerned about their revenue support and will continue to liaise with the Scottish Government and Historic Scotland on that matter.

The newly commissioned study will identify the most effective way forward and the Trustees will work closely with the Minister and her officials to achieve an early and definitive conclusion to the work.”

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop has clarified the options for the future of the SV Carrick also known as the City of Adelaide.

The Carrick is an A-listed ship berthed in Irvine at the Scottish Maritime Museum.

In answer to questions from Irene Oldfather MSP the Minister said:

“The Scottish Government has been working closely with a number of stakeholders to explore what realistic options exist for securing the futureof this category A listed ship. Historic Scotland has recently commenced a detailed evaluation of possible options in order to help support the eventual decision-making process.

“These options are:
• Removal to Sunderland;
• Removal to Adelaide in South Australia;
• Retention in an a different location in Scotland; and
• Managed Deconstruction of the vessel.

"None of these options is straightforward, but by undertaking this exercise we will be able to take a fully informed and open decision as to the best outcome for the vessel."

Officials from the Scottish Government and from Historic Scotland have helda wide range of discussions with a number of bodies and individualsregarding this Category A listed ship.

These have included the Scottish Maritime Museum, the Advisory Committee of National Historic Ships (the UK wide body with a remit for historic vessels), North Ayrshire Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, groups from Sunderland (SCARF) and from Australia (The Clipper Ship, City of Adelaide Ltd) and the UK Government’s Department for Culture Media and Sport. I have personally met with a delegation from the Australian group and have subsequently spoken to the South Australian Minister for Transport.

www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org
director@scotmaritime.org.uk