THE Skylark IX Recovery Project in Dumbarton has confirmed that conservation work is now underway on the historic Skylark IX. 

The vessel is believed to be one of only two 'Dunkirk Little Ships' surviving in Scotland from the Word War Two Operation Dynamo. 

Initial conservation work is to be centred around preserving the vessel's name, a highly significant feature and, before now, in danger of being lost.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Conservator Rowan Gillis works on the Skylark IX at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irivine.[Photograph by Martin Shields]Conservator Rowan Gillis works on the Skylark IX at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irivine.[Photograph by Martin Shields]

A two-day project will also be carried out by conservator Rowan Gillis of AOC Archaeology Group to stablise the flaking paint and timbers. 

This work is being supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

After sinking in the River Leven in 2010, the Skylark IX lay half-submerged for two years. 

Now the Skylark IX Recovery Project is finalising a schedule of further repairs to ensure the vessel is stable enough to be transported back to Dumbarton in coming years.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: [Photograph by Martin Shields] [Photograph by Martin Shields]

It will be transported by road on a custom-built cradle from its temporary home at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine to the grounds of the Museum's Denny Tank exhibit in Dumbarton.

It is then hoped, funding allowing, that she will sit at the heart of a new £3m Spirit of Skylark Centre. 

Claire McDade, project manager at the Skylark IX Recovery project explained that the team have worked hard over the last few years to get to this point. 

She said: “Over the last two years, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to build a true picture of Skylark’s condition and significance and develop a Conservation Management Plan.

“Although, sadly, we have had to accept that Skylark IX will never sail again, our new Conservation Management Plan provides us with a clear pathway for the short, medium and long term repairs needed to care for such a significant historic vessel and keep Skylark and her nationally and locally important stories alive.

“We started with Skylark’s name as it is such a significant and valuable part of the vessel and such a wonderful symbol of our rich social history last century. 

“As well as her wartime service, the name ‘Skylark’ and that famous rallying call ‘All Aboard the Skylark’ resonates with so many people.

"It brings to life that period when the train network expanded, we fell in love with trips ‘doon the watter’ and shiny new seaside resorts sprang up across the country. 

“We’re grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting us and enabling us to reach this point and begin work on Skylark IX.”

The group currently runs a boatbuilding workshop delivering skills training for people recovering from addictions. 

It also offers heritage, textile, and arts programmes to support those in need across the community. 

The Skylark IX Recovery project hopes to begin fundraising for the proposed Spirit of Skylark Centre later this year. 

For more information visit the project's website HERE.