Britannia returns to its moorings

THE Royal Yacht Britannia has returned to its mooring at Ocean Terminal in Leith, Edinburgh, after being in dry dock for maintenance and repainting.

Backers of a new national flagship – envisaged as being used for trade events and for training youngsters – are to launch a public appeal for funds after it was decided not to seek government money.

The charity behind the £80 million initiative, Future Ship Project 21st Century, has said it will seek public subscriptions and corporate sponsors.

Earlier this week, a Downing Street spokesman said no state funding would be provided for the project.