Pathfinder pilot: collaborative conservation

The Tall Ship Glenlee is collaborating with other historic vessels to improve access to conservation skills, training, and support.

An adult with light skin and short brown hair kneels on the wooden deck of a ship with a length of rope, a hammer, and metal pegs.

Pathfinder pilots

These are new approaches to collaboration that have the potential to be scaled-up or adopted across the museum sector.

Find out more

Scotland’s historic vessels are vulnerable to the risks posed by rising conservation costs and critical gaps in traditional maritime maintenance skills. This threatens the long-term sustainability of these vessels.

The Tall Ship Glenlee is exploring whether a collaborative approach to workforce development and workshop provision could reduce duplication, improve affordability, and build greater sector resilience. By working in partnership with Waverley Excursions and engaging with other vessels, they aim to design a realistic and financially sustainable model for shared expertise, training, and technical support.

The lasting impact of this project will be a clear, sector-led pathway toward retaining vital maritime heritage skills in Scotland. This will reduce reliance on external contractors and building a stronger, more collaborative future for nationally significant historic ships.

This is an active Pathfinder pilot funded through the Museum Futures programme. This page will be updated periodically to reflect the progress of the pilot and its outcomes.

Funding

Pathfinder Pilot Fund

The Museum Futures programme provides a much-needed opportunity to explore solutions to sector wide challenges in a collaborative way. This fund will allow us to pilot ideas that could be transformative for the sector.