The Scottish Maritime Museum invites suitably qualified conservation consultants and specialist contractors to tender for the conservation and/or replacement of the two large timber doors on the west elevation of the Linthouse Engine Shop at our Irvine site.

These doors are of considerable scale and form part of an important industrial heritage building originally constructed in 1872 for Alexander Stephen & Sons and re-erected at Irvine in 1991. They now require urgent intervention to ensure safety, security, weather-tightness, and long-term preservation.

2. Background

The Engine Shop is recognised by Historic Environment Scotland as one of the earliest and most refined cast-iron framed marine engine works in Scotland, an exceptionally rare example of its type.

The northern (seaward) pair of doors are in very poor condition, with severe wet rot, glazing failure, and failed joints. The southern pair of doors show similar vulnerabilities and are expected to require comparable intervention in due course. Both doors have been affected by storm damage, poorly executed past repairs, and inappropriate materials.

Due to the scale of the doors (approx. 3 tonnes and 2 tonnes respectively), restricted interior access (clearance as little as 1.25m in some areas), and their exposed coastal location, the project presents significant technical challenges requiring highly specialised expertise.

3. Scope of Works

The Museum seeks a comprehensive Conservation Report and Specification to guide implementation. Tenderers should propose either:

• In-situ conservation and repair (as per the consultant’s methodology), or
• Complete replacement to original pattern (as per the architect’s recommendations), using more durable and appropriate materials.

The chosen approach must be justified with evidence and costings.

The scope should include:

1. Condition survey and measured drawings of the doors
2. Assessment of conservation vs replacement, referencing heritage value, cost, and long-term durability
3. Specification of works, including materials (e.g. durable slow-grown pine, Douglas Fir, or sustainable hardwood) and glazing details
4. Methodology for in-situ works, including scaffold, temporary security, and support systems
5. Repair/replacement methodology, including replication of timber sections, appropriate jointing, end-grain sealing, and glazing detailing
6. Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS)
7. Cost estimates for both repair and replacement options
8. Programme and phasing, noting access restrictions
9. Cost estimates and planning for supervision and quality assurance during the subsequent delivery phase of the works

4. Requirements

Tenderers must demonstrate:

• Proven track record in large-scale heritage joinery and timber conservation
• Experience working with heavy structures and restricted-access sites
• Familiarity with conservation best practice (BS 7913) and use of appropriate durable materials

5. Deliverables

The consultant will provide a draft Conservation Report including survey findings, outline methodology, and indicative costings by 1 November 2025. Draft findings and costings at this date would be acceptable pending the completion of the full report. This draft will allow the Museum to progress funding applications. The final report and specification should follow thereafter in line with the agreed programme.

• Conservation Report & Specification including survey findings, methodology, and drawings
• Cost plan comparing in-situ repair and full replacement
• Implementation tender documents to allow the Museum to seek works contractors

6. Budget

The Scottish Maritime Museum anticipates consultancy and specification costs in the region of £8,000 (excluding VAT). This contract covers the preparation of a Conservation Report and Specification, including survey, drawings, methodology, RAMS, and costings.

Supervision of implementation is not part of this commission. The Museum intends to procure supervision separately as a follow-on contract once funding and scope for works have been confirmed.

Tenderers are required to provide indicative cost estimates for both in-situ conservation and full replacement options for the Engine Shop doors, to inform planning and funding applications.

7. Submission of Tenders

Interested parties should provide:

• Company profile and relevant experience
• Proposed project team and CVs
• Methodology and approach (repair, replacement, or both)
• Programme and key milestones
• Detailed fee proposal, with clear breakdowns

8. Timetable

Invitation to Tender issued: Monday 22^nd September
Tender return deadline: Monday 29^th September
Evaluation and selection: Friday 4^th October
Project commencement: Monday 6^th October

Indicative costings available: Friday 31^st October

Final report and specification: Friday 12^th  December

 9. Evaluation Criteria

Tenders will be assessed on:

• Technical quality of methodology (30%)
• Relevant experience and track record (30%)
• Understanding of conservation context (20%)
• Cost and value for money (20%)

10.  Further Information & Contact

An architect’s report on the doors and their existing condition is available for consultation.

250416 Linthouse Doors – Architects report

20250918 SMM Invitation to Tender – doors

For further information and to submit tenders, please contact:

Scottish Maritime Museum
Matthew Bellhouse Moran

01294278283

applications@scotmaritime.org.uk