Historic Lochee mill timbers to help restore RRS Discovery

Timbers salvaged from one of Dundee’s historic jute industry buildings are set to play a major role in the ongoing restoration of RRS Discovery, bringing together two of the city’s most famous industrial legacies.

Large beams of North American pitch pine taken from a former Cox’s Mill warehouse on Burnside Street in Lochee will now be installed aboard the Dundee-built polar exploration ship at Discovery Point.

The project has been made possible through a collaboration involving Dundee Historic Environment Trust, Dundee Heritage Trust, Hillcrest Homes, George Martin Builders, Historic Environment Scotland and JPS Restoration and Consultancy Ltd.

The warehouse is the last undeveloped building from the once vast Camperdown Works complex, which was previously the largest jute works in the world.

Plans are already in place to transform the building into social housing, with restoration work being carried out to safeguard the structure’s future.

During inspection work on the building, specialists discovered huge timber beams hidden within the old mill store. Initially believed to be Douglas Fir, experts later confirmed the 142-year-old wood was actually North American pitch pine - a highly prized material in shipbuilding because of its durability and resistance to rot.

The discovery proved significant for the ongoing restoration of RRS Discovery, as pitch pine is ideally suited for repairing parts of the 125-year-old ship.

Restrictions on exporting the timber from North America mean large quantities of the material are now extremely rare within the UK.

The beams were transported to Discovery Point in February 2026 and will now be used extensively during Phase Two of the restoration project.

JPS Restoration and Consultancy Ltd will repurpose the timber to repair areas including the ship’s outer planking, bulwarks and deck shelves.

Ali Gellatly, Ship & Facilities Director at Dundee Heritage Trust, described the project as a symbolic link between Dundee’s maritime and jute heritage.

He said pairing the two industries together reflects the Trust’s wider mission to preserve the city’s industrial past while continuing to spark curiosity about Dundee’s history.

Jason Struthers, Director at JPS Restoration and Consultancy Ltd, said opportunities like this are extremely rare within the conservation sector. He added that allowing part of one historic Dundee structure to become integrated into another has made the project especially meaningful for everyone involved.

Douglas Binnie of Dundee Historic Environment Trust said the organisation was pleased to help connect the different partners involved in salvaging the timbers and finding a new purpose for them aboard the ship.

Meanwhile, Hillcrest Homes Chair Dave Boyle said it was a privilege to see materials from one major Scottish landmark helping preserve another.

RRS Discovery remains open to visitors throughout the restoration works, with guests able to see traditional shipbuilding and repair techniques taking place on the vessel in real time.