Dundee is a city on the coast of eastern Scotland at the estuary of the Firth of Tay. We visited for the day, so only saw a fraction of what the city has to offer. There are a number of museums and art galleries. We concentrated on the area near the railway station seeing the ship RRS Discovery and looking around the V&A.
The ship, a barque-rigged wooden steamship was built in Dundee for Antarctic research. The vessel was launched in 1901 and carried Scott and Shackleton for the British National Antarctic Expedition. It was used as a merchant ship during the First World War then later became the Royal Research Ship. Valuable information was obtained at that time about marine life and whale populations. Alongside the ship is the Discovery Point. Inside the building is the Discovery Dome, exhibitions, artwork , a gift shop and a conference centre.
Also, on the waterfront is the V&A Dundee design museum. There are displays showing the story of design – past, present and the future. The building itself was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. It came as no surprise to see an exhibition of the Kimono – the evolving fashion from the 1660’s until the present day. Being a whisky enthusiast, I was fascinated with the Dalmore Luminary Luminary Scupltures – although I would have to win the lottery to buy one of these containing a 49 -years-old single malt! There were other scultptures on display, couture fashions, paintings, furniture and carpets. There was an extraordinary mechanical organ depicting a tiger devouring a victim! After walking all around we were glad of a sit down in the restaurant. The museum is free entry with entrance fees for special exhibitions.
If you are touring around the east coast of Scotland, Dundee is well worth a visit.
