A new immersive virtual reality (VR) experience is allowing members of the public to step back in time and explore the legendary Cutty Sark ship.

The iconic 19^th century vessel has been recreated by at University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and Smartify, the arts and heritage app, on behalf of Royal Museums Greenwich.

The VR tour was developed using state-of-the-art 360 photos, 3D scanning, and drone photography, to accurately replicate the ship digitally in 3D while sections of the boat undergo repair. The tour can be accessed both from home, and at Cutty Sark in London via a QR code.

As well as providing digital access to the iconic tea clipper ship, the new VR tour includes items from the wider Cutty Sark collection which are not typically on view to the public.

Dr Marco Gilardi, lead of the UWS Creative Computing Technologies Research Group in the School of Computing Engineering and Physical Sciences, and PI for the project, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been able to apply our research and expertise to bring Cutty Sark to life through VR and state of the art ‘immersive web’ technologies, allowing members of the public to explore this world-famous ship in a unique way.”

Cutty Sark, the fastest sailing ship of its time, was built in Dumbarton in 1869, and was one of the final clippers – ships designed for seasonal trade such as tea – to be built.

Recommended reading

• Hospital simulation centre opens at UWS to develop healthcare learning
• Scottish tech company recreates lost JFK speech
• National Trust for Scotland cashes in on contactless revolution

Emma Massoud, general manager of Cutty Sark added: “The VR experience has been an incredible addition to our visitor experience, not only has this allowed our visitors to digitally access an area currently undergoing conservation but it also improves our access offer, with this area now being available for all to view.”

Thanos Kokkiniotis, Smartify CEO and head of product, said: ” Bringing part of Cutty Sark to life in virtual reality has been a truly gratifying journey. Witnessing the overwhelmingly positive response reaffirms our commitment to making heritage accessible worldwide. We’re thrilled that people, regardless of their location, can now embark on an immersive voyage through history.”