Thank you for your interest in joining the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Community Welcome Pass Scheme. This pilot scheme is designed to give local community groups, CICs and charities free access to the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine for their members and service users. Please read the eligibility criteria and terms & conditions below before applying.
To be eligible for a Welcome Pass you must be:
- A constituted community group, CIC or Charity with services operating in KA11, KA12, KA13, KA14, KA15, KA20, KA21, KA22, KA23, KA24, KA25, KA27, KA28, KA29 & KA30 postcode areas. National charities can apply if they provide services in the local area.
- Be providing non-statutory services that support mental health and/or wellbeing for adults or families.
- Individuals are not eligible to apply for this scheme.
Benefits include:
- Free pre-booked group visits for a year to the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine. A maximum of 25 people is allowed per group visit.
- Each organisation can have up to 3 named passholders. When visiting the Museum passholders must attend with their group.
- 10% discount in the Museum Shop and the Museum coffee bar (Linthouse Building) during the visit.
- An annual networking event with other Welcome Pass Holders.
To apply, organisations need to complete an online application form.
Passes will be issued in digital form and will have a unique membership number. In this pilot phase there will be passes available to 6 organisations per year which will be issued on first come served basis.
Named passholders are required and the passes are non-transferrable.
Passholders must attend with their group when visiting the Museum.
The Welcome Pass will be valid for 12 months from date of acceptance into the scheme.
Once members, organisations will be able to pre-book visits to the Museum which will give them free access for their chosen day. On the day of the visit, groups can come and go freely during Museum opening hours. Days with school visits or other activities will not be available to book for Welcome Pass holders.
If not in use, Welcome Pass holders will be able to use the education room as a social/quiet space. If using the education room, please fold the chairs and return to the side of the room and make sure all rubbish is in the bin before you depart. Report any spills or damages to visitor services immediately. There are no kitchen facilities in the education room.
Pre-booking can be done by either emailing communities@scotmaritime.org.uk or by phoning 01294 278 283. A maximum of 25 people is allowed per group visit.
Visual stories, other accessibility information and a site risk assessment will be provided to each Welcome Pass organisation.
Pre-booked visits include the main Museum only. If tours of the 1920s Flat and Fitting Shed are requested, there will be an additional charge of £2 per head.
When on site, Welcome Pass Scheme Passholders are responsible for the behaviour of their group and will be expected to adhere to all safety signage & follow the guidance of visitor services staff. A repeated failure to follow safety instructions may result in your Welcome Pass being revoked.
In this pilot phase, Welcome Pass Scheme members will be asked to complete a short evaluation survey in the first month of their membership and then during month six and month twelve. The information provided will help shape this initiative so that it works in the best way possible for the local community.
