A Cold War midget submarine forms the centrepiece of Scotland’s newest museum, which opened its doors this weekend.
The Scottish Submarine Centre in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, was five years in the making.
The centrepiece of the new facility is a Cold War midget submarine X51 – or HMS Stickleback – which was manoeuvred carefully into the centre in October 2016 after a long journey north from the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, Hampshire.
Though the submarine itself is too small for visitors to get into, the use of innovative digital technology will enable people to experience the inside of the claustrophobic vessel for themselves.
HMS Stickleback was launched in 1954 but only served until 1957. Her mission was to creep into enemy harbours and place her two detachable side charges, each containing two tonnes of explosives, under enemy ships.
The town’s MP, Brendan O’Hara, said: “Helensburgh is rapidly putting itself back on the tourism map so this is great news.”
The centre will be promoted to locals and tourists alike.
HMS Stickleback has previously been displayed at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridgeshire.
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