Environment Correspondent Linda McKee explores the flurry of excitement that followed SS Nomadic’s rescue from the scrapyard, as the next stage of her restoration is launched

It was the sheer emotion of the comments in the visitors book that convinced Dennis Rooney that Titanic’s little sister had a real future as a visitor attraction.

The chairman of Nomadic Charitable Trust said visitors who flocked to visit the SS Nomadic when she was open in spring and summer of 2007 were amazed to find just how big she was inside.

More than 18,000 visitors crossed the gangplank to explore the tender, which once carried passengers onto the Titanic on her ill-fated maiden voyage. In recent months, the activity has died down during the long process of tendering for a company to draw up a conservation plan, but it’s just been announced that engineering consultancy Frazer-Nash will take on the job and the blueprint for Nomadic's restoration should be complete within six months.

Mr Rooney says the importance of the Nomadic restoration project was first realised in 2007 when her doors were opened to the public following months of preparation by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Over just six months, more than 18,000 visitors crossed the gangplank to explore the vessel, and view a cache of Titanic memorabilia loaned to the Trust, including the dress worn by Kate Winslet in the Titanic blockbuster movie.

“That was done with no major marketing campaign,” Mr Rooney pointed out.

“The one thing that gave us immense encouragement was the type of feedback we received — there was unanimously positive feedback.

“But it was the nature of the feedback and the impact it had on the visitors. A lot of people were very moved by their visit to Nomadic — it touched an emotion which other visitor attractions don't.

“It was a combination of the fact that she was part of our local heritage and the link with Titanic. The combination of these factors made it a particularly significant visit for a lot of people.

“People were surprised, even because it looked smaller from the dockside and when they got on board it’s a lot bigger than people think and there’s a lot more to see — and that’s enhanced with the displays which had so many original themes.

“With a very limited budget we were able to put on a very interesting display of the heritage of Titanic, Nomadic and other White Star line heritage and that was of great interest to people.”

Meanwhile, a small army of volunteers had been battling to have the vessel cleaned up in time for her opening.

Among the workers were volunteers supplied by local businesses, members of the public and former shipyard workers.

“They cleared out the rubbish and stuff that will be of no future use. We also cleared partitions in the bow and stern and did some internal maintenance,” Mr Rooney said.

Since then, the Trust has been working behind the scenes to progress the business case for Nomadic as a visitor attraction that celebrates the people, skills and communities behind Belfast’s maritime and industrial heritage.

That included appointing a fundraising consultant, applications for heritage recognition and the search for a suitable home.

More than £900,000 has been raised by a host of organisations and Nomadic has secured Core Collection status on the National Register of Historic Vessels.

Ships in this niche group are higher priority for longterm preservation, meaning Nomadic has a better chance of winning funding, including Heritage Lottery Funding.

In 2007, a permanent berth was secured for Nomadic at Hamilton Graving Dock in Titanic Quarter, where she was originally fitted out nearly 100 years ago.

Nomadic is expected to move there in the next seven months, once the dock has been refurbished.

To help raise vital funds for her restoration, Nomadic Charitable Trust is appealing to Belfast Telegraph readers to support the project by sponsoring a rivet or porthole of the ship for as little as £10.

To pledge donations, please log on to www.nomadicbelfast.com