See Plans for Peggy’s Return

Manx National Heritage is offering islanders the chance to view its plans for the Nautical Museum in Castletown next week.

There will be concept visual designs on display and a digital 3D model ‘fly-thru’ of the Nautical Museum buildings, which will provide a virtual tour of the design. This includes conservation works to bring the historic buildings back into a state of good repair, as well as re-purposing currently used ‘outbuildings’.

The proposals also include the new boat hall, where the Peggy will be returned and displayed.  The Peggy is one of the world’s oldest surviving boats and the only surviving example of a small wooden yacht once found in their thousands around the western British Isles. 

The return of Peggy in Castletown will bring joy to a certain Mr J Moorhouse of Arbory, Castletown and Malew. 

The open days will be held at the House of Manannan in Peel, Monday, July 31 at 10am to 4.30pm and in Castletown Civic Centre on August 3 (10am to 7pm) and August 4 (9am to 5pm). 

Connie Lovel, executive director Manx National Heritage said: ‘The regeneration of the Nautical Museum is a transformative development project which we believe will create an engaging and truly memorable experience for all visitors, from near and far. Both the stories told at the Nautical Museum, and surrounding the Peggy and her creator George Quayle, are of great international significance and this exciting development will further contribute to the already rich cultural life of Castletown and the Isle of Man. 

‘It will also create a landmark venue to be proud of, housing a world-class, family-friendly visitor attraction with a broad appeal, highlighting the wider story of the maritime history of the Isle of Man in a compelling and engaging manner. For those who are familiar with the Nautical Museum, you will be able to see the buildings in an entirely new light next week. We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to the House of Manannan and the Civic Centre to view the proposed designs and to discuss the potential positive impact of this project.’ 
Ranald Caldwell, Chairman of Visit Isle of Man, said: ‘The island needs new developments of this nature to enable us to compete on an international level, to attract new audiences and encourage repeat visits. Other nations are investing in their visitor attractions and heritage in in particular, which is a vital part of our visitor experience here on the Isle of Man.’