PICTOU — A significant moment is approaching for the town of Pictou, Nova Scotia, as a restored replica of the square-rigged sailing ship Hector prepares for its much-anticipated side-launch into the harbour. This re-launch marks over 250 years since the original Hector arrived in Pictou, carrying Scottish immigrants in 1773, and signifies a revival of the heritage associated with this historic vessel.
The ship's restoration and the public fundraising campaign began in 2019, culminating in an event scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025. During this ceremony, the newly rebuilt hull of the Hector will be eased into the water using a traditional launch method, sliding down seven ramps known as launchways. Master shipbuilder Vern Shea, who has extensive experience with ship launches, emphasized the emotional intensity of the process, stating, "It's kind of nerve-wracking." He added that witnessing such moments invokes a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Vern Shea played a crucial role in constructing the initial replica of the Hector, which was installed next to the Hector Heritage Quay in the year 2000. Unfortunately, the vessel was not maintained properly over the years, leading to its deterioration. In 2010, the Ship Hector Society acquired the vessel for a nominal cost of a few dollars from the town of Pictou. Since then, the society has led a $4 million fundraising initiative aimed at thoroughly restoring the ship to a fully operational sailing vessel.
Shea expressed fulfillment at the progress, saying, "It was the vision to sail it, it's been my hope all this time.” The restoration involved extensive work, requiring all hull planking above the waterline to be replaced due to rot. The team chose Douglas fir for the planking, filled seams with pine, and added two layers of fiberglass for durability.
The interior of the vessel features two cramped compartments designed to reflect the conditions experienced in 1773 when 189 Scottish individuals made the fraught 11-week journey across the Atlantic, during which smallpox claimed 18 lives. Shea remarked on the dire conditions onboard, stating, "It would have been cramped and it would have been putrid and it would have been disgusting." The Hector Society acknowledges the contributions of those who arrived aboard the Hector and their descendants, emphasizing their significant cultural, political, and industrial impacts on Nova Scotia and Canada.
With the vessel's launch into the water, the next steps will involve the installation of electric motors, along with masts and sails, with aspirations for the newly refurbished Hector to start offering harbour tours by 2027. Society chair Wes Surett noted that over $2 million in public funds has been raised for the project, yet $1.8 million is still required to complete the ship.
The interpretive centre associated with the Hector recently underwent extensive renovations, funded by both federal and provincial governments. It aims to narrate the stories of the Scottish settlers and the local Mi’kmaq people who assisted them through various interactive displays, audio-visual aids, and a new panoramic theatre presentation. Surett highlighted the centre's success in intertwining the narratives of Celtic and Mi'kmaq cultures.
Future plans for the site also encompass developing a sailing program and a wooden shipbuilding school. However, Surett emphasizes that a sailing Hector will be crucial for financially sustaining the attraction in the long term, as it is expected to generate revenue and draw more visitors to Pictou.
This report highlights the dedication to restoring a symbol of immigration and cultural heritage, showcasing the resilience of the community and their ongoing efforts to revive this important piece of history.
