SCOT II - Model build begins

The building of the model for the SCOT II ice-breaking tug is now underway and being put together by Steve, working to original shipyard drawings and ships lines.
The model starts off being assembled upside down and then at a later stage she will be turned right way up to continue the build of the model.

SCOT II Model build begins

SCOT II - Stern

It is hoped that the actual restoration of the hull and build of the old original SCOT II Ship No 184 originally built at the Leith shipyards of Henry Robb in 1931 will begin again to progress by this autumn and the Blog and website will of course be first with any news on this.

Model of the SCOT II

Pleased to announce that the start of a model build is now under way and at approx 1/25th scale being made by "ace" model maker Steve we shall have some photographs to record this feat in its entirety as the model progresses. (Keep checking the Leith Shipyards website)

The model is being built to original drawings and will be based on her original steam engine condition (pre-1960's) as she was intended before her conversion to diesel power in the 1960's by the Leith Shipyard of Henry Robb Ltd.
The SCOT II was launched at Leith as Ship No 184 in 1931
The only Leith built ship on the British Historic Register, and it is hoped that the actual vessel will also be restored to her former glory in the fullness of time.

SCOT II ice breaking historical ship

Historic Ship SCOT II

SCOT II Steelwork

Just as an example of what was and what is now with regard to the condition that the old historic ship is now in and just looking at some of the photographs taken at her last survey before the waterways sold her on, would make any old shipbuilder just shake his head while containing the many expletives that would want to burst forth.
Just what the F**k were they thinking!

SCOT II Ship No 184 almost un-recognisable 

Difficult to put into words, what can be said about this conversion attempt circa 2005

It has to be said that her steelwork was still in pretty good condition after some 75 years the majority of the time spent in fresh water. As the photograph below shows taken as part of her last survey in 2005/6

SCOT II Steelwork circa 2005/6

All that changed when she was sold and she ended up sunk in the salt water of Ardyne Point where she sank and was under water  for 10 months just a few years later.

SCOT II Steelwork circa 2010

Her steelwork is still in pretty good condition but for how much longer without the proper care that she needs sooner rather than later.

With any luck she will not have too much longer to wait before some serious work can be carried out on her to begin her proper restoration.

Keep checking the Blog and website for regular updates, and once the work begins for real we shall be following the progress on the website and on the Blog.

SCOT II restoration Project - Now a registered Charity

Scot II restoration revived

Launch of the SCOT II March 1931
Photo from "The Loftsman" Collection

Happy to be able to tell the world that the project to renovate the oldest “Ice Breaking” Tug left in the British Isles is now to be revived after a couple of years of the usual challenges she is now an official registered charity.

She will be restored to Lloyds Class 100A1 Sea going ready again.

The ship built at the Leith Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd and launched in 1931 is also on the Historical British Ships register as an important vessel in the long list of ships built in Britain.

The main difference this time is the College that we hope will be involved to help restore her is now going to be Inverness College, which is closer to where the old ship is presently berthed just now.

Now that she is to be owned by a registered charity the hard work to raise funds and to restore her to her old sea going condition can begin again in earnest with a good chance that once again we will see this famous old ship back on her usual stretch of water travelling through the Caledonian Canal and into Loch Ness in Scotland once more.

The trust is now officially 'The Scot ll & Historic Vessels Renovation & Preservation Society SCIO ' Our charity number is SC045270 ! Our SCIO's Known name is 'The Scot ll Society.' The registration date is 04 / 12 / 2014.

Appeals for funds and help will now begin and if anyone out there feels that they can contribute any small way then don’t hesitate to contact, no amount of help or funds is too small or large.

The Blog will feature regular updates on progress and it is hoped that once things get into full swing we can follow the progress of her restoration here on the Leith Built Ships Blog.