H.M. Frigate Unicorn was originally built to go to war. A fine example of a frigate ship with 46 guns, the Unicorn is perfectly intact and ready for battle. She is one of the oldest wooden ships in the world still afloat today. The ship was launched in 1824 but, sadly, the ship has never been in use and was towed to Dundee in 1854 where she has remained ever since. Stripped of her masts and laid to rest, the Unicorn has lacked funding, attention and appreciation since then.

Dawn Campbell BA (Hons) and Lee Sharp BA (Hons), have created several sound design pieces including sensors on the ship as part of their MSc Sound Design course at Edinburgh University.

Beginning on the gun deck, you will find yourself amidst a battle at sea. The ship is equipped with motion sensors and you become part of the exhibit by physically moving around the guns to trigger the sounds of explosions and cannons in surround sound. Allow yourself to be swept away by the sound, which in turn will allow the ship to house the battle it never had.

Step up to the upper deck where you will feel the sea breeze, smell the sea air and feel the ship rocking. By exploring this deck you will also be able to hear the masts that once stood majestically on the deck. Immerse yourself in the sound, close your eyes and allow the Unicorn to take you on a voyage.

Investigate and explore other parts of the ship and you may just come across the officer’s diary, or the sailors singing sea shanties as they drink their daily ration of rum. Perhaps you will be able to pick out characters and stories from the sounds.

The main theme of this exhibition is to bring the Unicorn to life through sound design. By using sound, we encourage your imagination to create stories using conjured up scenes and memories, which will guide you through the unique ship.

The sound design on the ship is giving the Unicorn the life she never had: sailors will fill the decks, the ship will sail, and a battle will commence.