First Groups Come Aboard

The Discovery 100 celebrations truly kicked off on Friday, with a number of full tours taking place onboard the Royal Research Ship.

The morning started with a number of media visits, including journalists and broadcasters from BBC Scotland, STV and Tay FM. We also welcomed local social influencer Andrew Batchelor. They had the opportunity to speak to our resident scientists, Professor Richard Lampitt and Dr Sara Fowell, and the ship’s captain, Captain Stewart Mackay.

We were then joined by a number of local Dundee dignitaries including Dundee Lord Provost Bill Cunningham (pictured below accepting a plaque from Captain Stewart), representatives from Dundee City Council, University of Dundee and even from the world-famous comic the Beano! They were joined by Chief Executive of NOC Professor Ed Hill CBE, who spoke to the group on the bridge.

In a complete gear change our next group of visitors was a Year 6 class from Claypotts Castle Primary School. They brought a very different excited energy on board and were really engaged and keen to grill the scientists and engineers. Some of our favourite questions were:

“Are you Captain Scott?” (aimed at Captain Stewart)

“Why is the ship bigger than me?”

“Why do animals deeper in the ocean look scarier?”

“Have you been to Antarctica?” (aimed at NOC’s Marketing team)

However they did manage to get a great group picture up on the bridge! (pictured below)

The final endeavour of the day was a recording of a live lesson with our scientists Richard and Sara. Teaming up with Kim and Sophie from Discovery Point they delivered an engaging talk all about how science has developed in the last 100 years, but also how it’s hardly changed at all!

The Discovery 100 celebrations ramp up on Saturday with RRS Discovery opening up to the public. Check back here tomorrow to find out how we get on. Wish us luck!