It's a right royal knees-up

Published on Wednesday 23 January 2008 09:39

FOR years it was used as the venue for countless cocktail parties featuring some of the richest and most powerful people from across the globe.

As a favourite retreat for members of the Royal Family as they voyaged through the world's most sun-drenched oceans, the deck of the Royal Yacht Britannia became one of the most prestigious venues during official state visits.

Having lain unused since the famous ship was decommissioned, the deck is now set to be restored and used once again for dinners and parties.

The Britannia Trust, which cares for and maintains the yacht, has announced it will invest 1.2 million in upgrading and restoring the Royal Deck – which has been out of bounds to the public since the ship was moored in Leith in 1998.

The Trust's chief executive, Bob Downie said: "This is a major and very exciting development for Britannia and the opportunities it presents are endless.

"It is important that this project embraces Britannia's past in order to preserve a future for others to enjoy and a lot of care and attention has therefore gone into planning this project.

"We look forward to many spectacular events being held on our Royal Deck."

He added that the plans would "enhance the range and size of evening corporate events" that can be hosted on board the vessel.

Under the move, the deck will be restored to replicate how it would have looked when the Royal Family were using the vessel – with an awning roof, glass walls and original teak deck.

It will bring the Britannia's dining capacity up to 176, while up to 380 people will be able to be accommodated for receptions when the deck is used with the State Apartments. Bosses also envisage the area being used for jazz and swing bands or ceilidhs.

It is hoped that the extra money raised by opening the deck to corporate guests will be used to fund its future upkeep.

The revamped Royal Deck is due to be opened in October, the same month that Britannia celebrates its ten year anniversary in Leith.

A spokesman for the Royal Yacht Britannia said: "We want to enable future visitors to enjoy this important part of British maritime heritage. There is 1.2m being spent on upgrading this facility so it is a major project for the attraction.

"At this stage, the deck is planned as a corporate venue, but we envisage it being opened to the public for tours in the future."

Traditionally, the Royal Deck would be covered with an awning and used by the Royal Family for cocktail parties, receptions and deck games.

Buckingham Palace refused to comment on the restoration plans for the yacht.