A SHIP that saved hundreds of lives in the Second World War, sank twice, was rescued from a watery grave and made thousands of holidaymakers happy on Loch Lomond is to have a new purpose, and a new home near Glasgow.

Who remembers the Skylark IX?

Skylark IX at Portobello Beach. She also served as a pleasure boat on Loch Lomond.

Skylark IX at Portobello Beach. She also served as a pleasure boat on Loch Lomond.

Built as a pleasure boat in 1934, Skylark IX became one of the famous Dunkirk Little Ships in May 1940 when she served during Operation Dynamo, the mission to save 338,000 Allied soldiers from Dunkirk. (She is one of only two Operation Dynamo ships to survive today.)

The Skylark IX Recovery Trust announced ambitious plans this week, the 81st anniversary of Dunkirk, for a new £3m heritage experience and boatbuilding training centre in Dumbarton.

Veteran Hugh Spencer, Mary Burch of the Skylark IX Recovery Trust and James Currie from Alternatives Drug Recovery Service celebrate ambitious plans to secure a bright future for the much-loved Skylark IX ‘Dunkirk Little Ship’ at the heart of

Veteran Hugh Spencer, Mary Burch of the Skylark IX Recovery Trust and James Currie from Alternatives Drug Recovery Service celebrate ambitious plans to secure a bright future for the much-loved Skylark IX ‘Dunkirk Little Ship’ at the heart of

The Little Ship was rescued and is currently being restored, thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, by a specialist boatbuilding team working with people recovering from drug addiction and social isolation.

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The Spirit of Skylark Centre will sit in the grounds of the Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) on Castle Street.

Unveiling the plans, Mary Burch BEM, Chair of the Skylark IX Recovery Trust, said: “In her lifetime, Skylark has been battered by wartime service, storms and at least two sinkings.

Skylark IX afloat.

Skylark IX afloat.

“Although, following an in-depth condition survey and advice from marine surveyors and maritime heritage experts, we have had to sadly accept that she will never sail again, we have taken some of her indomitable spirit to go well beyond our original vision.”

Building work is expected to begin in 2025.