Dry docked beside the Caledonian Canal at Clachnaharry is the Titanic Inverness, a remarkable relic of one man’s passion is slowly fading from view. Once a beacon of creativity and tribute to maritime history, Ship Space, created by the late Stan Fraser, remains one of Inverness’s most eccentric and heartwarming attractions. Though nature is now reclaiming the exhibits, the story of this garden-built Titanic replica and its creator deserves renewed attention—and preservation.
Stan Fraser’s Titanic Dream in Inverness
Stan Fraser, a lighting engineer turned visionary, began constructing a scaled model of the RMS Titanic around the year 2000. Using everyday materials, including caravans, pallets, and household bins, Stan created an 88-foot-long tribute to the iconic ship—almost exactly a tenth the length of the original vessel.
Ingenious Construction Details
- Base: Three static caravans formed the hull.
- Funnels: Created from painted plastic dustbins.
- Superstructure: Constructed with recycled wood and pallets.
- Rooms: Included a Cafe Parisien, an engine room, and a radio operator’s station.
- Effects: Smoke billowed from the funnels, and a foghorn would occasionally sound—just as it might have in 1912.
Stan’s Inverness Titanic was no lifeless model. It was interactive, theatrical, and deeply personal. Even the Harland & Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was originally built had a miniature version in Stan’s collection.
A Unique Maritime Museum: Ship Space
In 2012, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking, Stan officially opened Ship Space at his home—The Old Toll House. Entry was by donation, with proceeds going to the RNLI. But it was more than just a Titanic replica. Over time, the garden grew to include:
- A Watson-class RNLI lifeboat
- A replica Buckie herring drifter
- A West Coast creel boat
- A replica of the yellow submersible Nautile
- The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine (lookalike)
Despite its small footprint, Ship Space was bursting with life, colour, and an infectious enthusiasm for maritime history.
Community Support vs Bureaucracy
In 2006, Highland Council threatened to have the Inverness Titanic replica dismantled, citing a lack of planning permission. Public support, however, was overwhelming. Locals rallied behind Stan. The council eventually stepped back, ruling that no enforcement would be pursued due to the age and location of the model.
Stan remarked, “People in Inverness love it.”
Stan Fraser: The Man Behind the Vision
Stan’s nautical inspiration was likely seeded by his mother, Jessie, a member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) during World War II. From childhood sea fishing trips in Wester Ross to building lifeboats out of repurposed garden sheds, Stan embodied the spirit of ingenuity and reverence for the sea.
- Budget: Less than £100 over six years.
- Materials: Gifted sheds, spare nails, donated wood.
- Approach: Sustainable, community-led, and full of charm.
His Titanic Inverness model wasn’t just a scale replica—it was a love letter to history, engineering, and those lost aboard the RMS Titanic.
Ship Space Today: A Fading Masterpiece
Since Stan’s passing in 2018, Ship Space has gradually succumbed to the elements. Moss, weeds, and time are slowly eroding the once-majestic replicas. Visitors walking the Caledonian Canal towpath can still glimpse the Titanic’s iconic bow peeking from the undergrowth—but it’s a shadow of its former self.
Why Ship Space Matters to Inverness
While the Highlands are rich in castles, landscapes, and battlefields, Ship Space offers a rare, quirky, and deeply human story—one driven by passion, creativity, and community. It’s a reminder that heritage isn’t just found in grand museums but in back gardens, humble projects, and the minds of everyday visionaries.
Cultural and Tourism Potential
- Educational tours on maritime history.
- Interactive workshops on upcycling and model-building.
- Memorial space honouring Titanic passengers and seafarers.
Preserving Ship Space could reinvigorate local tourism, create educational opportunities, and honour the legacy of someone who gave so much with so little.
Call to Action: Restore and Reimagine Ship Space
We urge local authorities, community leaders, and maritime heritage groups to step in. Stan Fraser’s creation is more than a collection of models—it’s an Inverness icon and an inspirational tale of DIY dedication. With restoration and support, Ship Space could once again become a beloved destination.
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