From Monday 16 November, the Scottish Maritime Museum will temporarily change opening times at both Museums to:

IRVINE: 10am – 5pm Friday to Monday inclusive. (Closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.)

 DUMBARTON: 10am – 5pm Thursday to Saturday inclusive. (Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.)

The temporary new opening hours will be reviewed regularly in line with changing Scottish Government Covid-19 restrictions and guidance but are expected to be in place until the end of December.

David Mann, Director of the Scottish Maritime Museum, explains:

Whilst we have been welcoming visitors back safely with Covid-19 restrictions in place, the travel restrictions imposed by the Scottish Government’s new local protection (tier) levels and more general advice to reduce contact with others, means visitors numbers are reducing significantly.

“As we have already lost vital income from the Spring and Summer seasons which, like most museums and attractions, enables us to open throughout the year, we have no choice but to temporarily reduce our opening hours.

“This is vital if the Museum is to continue to contribute economically, culturally and socially both at a national and regional level but also within the communities in which we operate.

“We urge our local visitors to put the Museum at the top of their list for a great day out over the coming weeks in particular. As well as enjoying their visit, they will help sustain Scotland’s national maritime heritage and help the Museum play a growing role in supporting local communities.

“As well as our Scottish Boat Building School, which trains local people to become our boatbuilders of the future, and our education programme, the Museum supports local initiatives such as the Men’s Shed and crafting group, Maritime Makers, in Irvine and Alternatives Community-based Recovery in Dumbarton.

“Although our opening hours are changing temporarily, up to three children will still enjoy free entry with each adult admission and there’s lots to see and do at each Museum.”

In Irvine, where the collection is housed inside a former Victorian shipyard engine shed, attractions include stepping inside the hull of the 100 ton, 66 feet long MV Spartan, the last surviving Scottish-built puffer in Scotland.

In Dumbarton, where the Museum stands on the spot of the former famous William Denny Shipyard, highlights include watching the world’s longest surviving ship hull model experiment tank, run the length of a football pitch!

Visitors are asked to check the website for opening times and book their visit in advance.