Edinburgh landmark The Royal Yacht Britannia has welcomed visitors for 27 years, recently receiving a captivating new visitor centre and immersive retail experience.
A new chapter for an iconic attraction
Built in 1953 and first sailing a year later, the historical yacht provided 44 years of royal service, supplying a ‘floating palace’, whilst also serving as a non-combatant Royal Navy ship.
Arriving in Leith, Edinburgh in 1998, the ship has since welcomed millions of visitors. The landmark continues to uphold a legacy and reputation as a top destination in the UK, voted Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction for the third time in 2025.
Thomson Gray was appointed by The Royal Yacht Britannia in January 2023 to support the delivery of an exceptional new visitor centre and shopping experience for customers.
We provided a multi-disciplinary team with project management, quantity surveying and principal designer duties.
The project involved a complete modernisation of the visitor journey, enhancing the experience by showcasing Britannia’s rich history through never-before-seen images and films.
Along with this, a new retail environment has been created, through a reimagined shop offering an array of memorabilia.
This latest project builds on a long-existing working relationship between Thomson Gray and The Royal Yacht Britannia, first established in 2007. We worked on the redevelopment of the Sun Deck on the yacht, which became the Royal Deck Tea Room.
The historical nature of this project reaffirms Thomson Gray’s commitment to excellence when project managing and consulting on high-profile heritage and visitor experience projects.
Collaborative approach
Thomson Gray partnered with The Royal Yacht Britannia to help develop the initial client brief and procure other members of the design team. We also obtained building warrant consent, appointing a main contractor for the fit-out works and coordinating the integration of client-direct suppliers to deliver the visitor centre experience.
Collaboration and communication were key in this project, working in close partnership with visitor experience designers, 442 Design, who prepared 3D visuals and fly throughs, essential to communicating the design to all project stakeholders. Helping to bring the client’s brief and aspirations to life were Harley Haddow (mechanical, electrical, and structural engineers) and Part B (fire safety engineers).
Extensive Service Offering
The project management and cost consultancy team at Thomson Gray co-ordinated the tender process, appointing Hugh Stirling as the main contractor for the fit-out works, guaranteeing that the quality of product delivered aligned with the high standards expected.
The project management team also ensured robust monitoring and reporting of works undertaken on site. Regular site and progress meetings meant issues were addressed in a proactive manner. Working in a live environment also made essential the need for regular communication with the landlord and adjacent tenants.
Full cost control service
The quantity surveying team ensured the control of costs from tender stage through to final account for the project. Due to various design changes and multiple extensions of time, it was imperative to regularly review and assess contract variations.
This proactive approach ensured value for money was maintained and cost increases were kept under control. By collaborating closely with the contractor and the wider design team, a fantastic, finished product within the final approved budget was delivered.
Successful reopening
The project was successfully completed on 5th May 2025, re-opening to the public and providing The Royal Yacht Britannia with a best-in-class visitor centre and shop. This refurbishment project marks a significant investment by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, showing a lasting dedication to visitor experience.
Credits
Designer 442 Design
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer Harley Haddow
Structural & Civil Engineer Harley Haddow
Fire Engineer PartB
Main Contractor Hugh Stirling Ltd
Project Manager Thomson Gray
Quantity Surveyor Thomson Gray
Principal Designer Thomson Gray
Images and Video Paul Zanre
