The historic fo’c’sle has been unveiled on Dundee’s HMS Unicorn for the first time in nearly 50 years

The hidden fo’c’sle of the HMS Unicorn has been unveiled for the first time in nearly 50 years! (Picture: HMS Unicorn)

HMS Unicorn has revealed a hidden part of the ship for the first time in nearly half a century.

The forecastle, more commonly known as the fo’c’sle, is the most forward section on the upper deck of the 19th-century frigate. For almost 50 years, it had been concealed behind a bulkhead – a wall built across the deck to provide storage for tables and chairs used during shipboard functions.

Although practical at the time, the bulkhead was said to make the deck feel more like a community hall than one of the world’s oldest surviving warships. Its removal has now completely opened up the space, allowing visitors to experience the full sweep of the ship’s sides as they run to the bow.

Staff at HMS Unicorn say the transformation brings back the ship’s elegance and authenticity. By uncovering this long-hidden feature, the vessel’s original design can once again be appreciated by everyone stepping aboard.

The Unicorn, launched in 1824, is one of the six oldest ships still afloat anywhere in the world. This latest change is part of ongoing work to preserve the ship for future generations while making its history more accessible to the public.

Visitors can now view the fo’c’sle in person as part of their trip to HMS Unicorn, gaining a fresh perspective on Dundee’s historic attraction and one of Scotland’s most important maritime treasures.