Skylark IX Recovery Trust announces Bright Future for Dunkirk Little Ship
The Skylark IX Recovery Trust has announced ambitious plans to secure a bright future for the much-loved Skylark IX 'Dunkirk Little Ship' at the heart of a new immersive heritage experience!
Article Source: Skylark IX Recovery Trust
Last Updated: 1 June 2021 11:39
Image Credit: Martin Shields
The proposed £3m Spirit of Skylark Centre will ensure a permanent home for Skylark IX, which is listed on the National Historic Ships Register and believed to be one of only two ‘Dunkirk Little Ships’ from the World War 2 Operation Dynamo surviving in Scotland.
The Little Ship was rescued and is currently being restored by a specialist boatbuilding team working with people recovering from drug addiction and social isolation thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The new Centre will enable the Trust to help a far greater number across West Dunbartonshire through boatbuilding, heritage and arts programmes inspired by Skylark and her story.
The Spirit of Skylark Centre, which will sit in the grounds of the Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) on Castle Street, will also add a dynamic new dimension to Dumbarton’s rich heritage and, it is hoped, link into the regeneration of Dumbarton waterfront and town centre.
The Skylark IX Recovery Trust, a collaboration between West Dunbartonshire’s Alternatives Drug Recovery Service, The Vale of Leven Remembrance Association and Leven Cruising Club, with support from the Scottish Maritime Museum, revealed plans for the Spirit of Skylark Centre during the 81st Anniversary of Dunkirk.
Skylark IX, which was built as a pleasure boat in 1934 as Britain’s new seaside resorts grew in popularity, will sit at the heart of the new Spirit of Skylark Centre. An immersive sound and vision experience will bring visitors right into the heart of the story of Operation Dynamo and take them ‘doon the watter’, celebrating the enduring appeal of pleasure boating as epitomised by the famous call ‘All Aboard the Skylark!’.
At the Spirit of Skylark Centre Boatbuilding Shed, which will have access to Dumbarton’s waterfront, Alternatives clients and community members will learn traditional wooden boatbuilding skills as they construct 22 foot St Ayles skiffs.
Working with boatbuilding experts at Archipelago Folkschool, the Trust hopes to develop apprenticeships so trainees can gain qualifications to aid employability.
The Trust also hopes to build on the skiff building to revitalise Dumbarton’s strong coastal rowing tradition which faded in the late 1920s.
As well as a café, community space and courtyard, the new Spirit of Skylark Centre will include a space for Remembrance and reflection. A second Remembrance spot will be located at Sweeney’s Cruise Company in Balloch, where veterans boarded Skylark for Remembrance trips on Loch Lomond for thirty years.
The new Spirit of Skylark Centre will also reflect Dumbarton’s wider maritime, industrial and social history also on show at the neighbouring Scottish Maritime Museum, which stands on the site of the former famous and innovative William Denny Shipyard.
Volunteering, leisure and life-long learning opportunities will also include research for higher education; teaching resources, projects and visits for primary and secondary schools; oral history, film and performance projects.
Unveiling the plans, Mary Burch BEM, Chair of the Skylark IX Recovery Trust, says: “In her lifetime, Skylark has been battered by wartime service, storms and at least two sinkings. Although, following an in-depth condition survey and advice from marine surveyors and maritime heritage experts, we have had to sadly accept that she will never sail again, we have taken some of her indomitable spirit to go well beyond our original vision.
“With our proposed Spirit of Skylark Centre, we will preserve Skylark IX in the most historically authentic and dignified way and help more people make positive and even transformative change to their lives and community. We willensure that Skylark remains in our community as a significant reminder of the history of Dunkirk and the Little Ships, as a tool for education, employment and inclusivity and as a landmark that will merge with the future plans of Dumbarton and bring visitors to see what hope and resilience can achieve.
“We are so grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and all the veterans, local community groups and passionate individuals who have steadfastly supported Skylark IX over the past decade and enabled us to embark on this hugely exciting new chapter in her life.”
The Spirit of Skylark Centre has been developed in collaboration with the Scottish Maritime Museum, which is home to Scotland’s national maritime heritage collection with sites at Dumbarton and Irvine, Ayrshire.
David Mann, Director of the Scottish Maritime Museum adds: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Skylark IX Recovery Trust on the proposed Spirit of Skylark Centre. The William Denny Shipyard, which stood on this spot, was possibly the most prolific shipbuilder in its day, building a staggering 1,500 vessels before closing in 1963. The new Spirit of Skylark Centre will play an important role in helping us tell the rich story of Dumbarton’s maritime heritage. It will also play a part in keeping our wooden boatbuilding skills alive, providing positive opportunities for people across West Dunbartonshire and attracting new visitors to the area.”
The Skylark IX Recovery Trust plans to begin fundraising in early 2022 and hopes to start construction of the Spirit of Skylark Centre in 2025.
In 2018, the National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded the Skylark IX Recovery Trust a grant of £404,000 for activity up to the end of 2021, specifically preserving Skylark and delivering skills training for Alternatives clients recovering from addiction and members of the local communities of Dumbarton and West Dunbartonshire.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has also given support.
Skylark IX Recovery Trust projects to date include skiff training workshops in a temporary workshop at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Dumbarton and skiff model making programmes led by Zoom during Lockdown; a community Lockdown Patchwork Quilt created by 47 volunteers; and online events during the 80th Anniversary of Dunkirk.
LDN Architects produced the initial concept designs for the Spirit of Skylark Centre, taking inspiration from traditional Scottish boat sheds and responding to the long low roofs and architecture of the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Denny Tank, the world’s oldest surviving hull experiment tank.
Skylark IX is currently under the care of the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Scottish Boat Building School in Irvine, Ayrshire.
For more information, visit www.skylarkix.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Flight Club Glasgow launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch
Flight Club Glasgow kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces Associate Companies and Artists programme plus new shows for 2026
The Citizens Theatre has announced a new initiative to support and collaborate with artists and theatre companies, alongside more productions in its reopening year.
READ MORE
Glasgow Kelvin College hosts Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event for STV Childrens Appeal
Glasgow Kelvin College students dished up community spirit in style earlier this month, raising £700 for the STV Children's Appeal through a Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event.
READ MORE
Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme in Glasgow
Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
From Pop to Print: Bobby Bluebell Unveils Forevermore at Glasgow Print Studio
Glasgow Print Studio is delighted to announce the launch of Forevermore, a new limited-edition print by Bobby Bluebell.
READ MORE
Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square set to open this Thursday
Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gets underway this week with the opening of St Enoch Square on Thursday 6th November from 12 noon until 9pm.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
Have a merry little Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre
Make this winter one to remember at Glasgow Science Centre! Discover a line-up of unmissable seasonal events packed with science, wonder and festive fun!
READ MORE
Four top chefs in Glasgow team up to raise money for Hospitality Health
Four of Glasgow's top chefs are teaming up on Thursday 13th November to host a charity dinner for Glasgow based charity, Hospitality Health.
READ MORE
Go to Christmas market for locally made gifts returns to Glasgow city centre
Mary's Meals' much-loved market – where your Christmas shopping can help feed hungry children – returns at The Social Hub this November!
READ MORE
Peter Kay announces triumphant return to the OVO Hydro next year
Extra tickets released including premium seats to celebrate his record-breaking stand-up tour.
READ MORE
Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries
Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.
READ MORE
Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host
Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships
Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.
READ MORE
Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service
Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!
READ MORE
Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow
The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.
READ MORE
Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present
This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience
Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025
As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus
Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.
READ MORE
The Superlative Collection to host charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland in Princes Square
The Superlative Collection are taking over Glasgow's iconic Princes Square, on Friday 21st November, to host a charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland.
READ MORE
KENJI to open first Scottish store at Silverburn
Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, will welcome Scotland’s first KENJI store this December.
READ MORE
Aldi calls on schools in Glasgow to sign up for healthy eating programme
Aldi is inviting schools, parents and guardians in Glasgow to sign up to its Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, which teaches children about the importance of healthy eating.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links