News
First Session: 1-3:30pm Wednesday 10 December with additional Wednesday afternoons scheduled from 14 January through to mid March.
On Saturday 6th December we can all celebrate local shops. Shopping locally also keeps money circulating within the community which can lead to new jobs and stronger, more resilient local areas.
A moving new short film capturing the emotional reunion between a fisherman and the lifeboat which saved him and his 14 crewmates in the treacherous Pentland Firth nearly 60 years ago, is now on show at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside.
Get into the festive spirit at this year’s free, three-day Winter Market, taking place from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th November, which will showcase over 80 stalls.
The Museum is on the lookout for lively, enthusiastic choirs to perform festive favourites against the backdrop of the beautiful Victorian, glass-roofed Linthouse on Sunday 30th November.
Organised by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) and sponsored by VisitScotland, the annual People Awards celebrate the remarkable individuals who make Scotland’s visitor attractions world-class, going above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences.
New for 2025, the subsidy for educational visits linked to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) outcomes, now covers rail travel as well as coach and ferry, making it even easier for schools to visit.
The Scottish Maritime Museum invites everyone to drop into the first Brew & Blether sessions which will take place in the Museum’s Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside from 1pm - 4pm on Wednesday 12 November and 10.30am - 12.30pm on Saturday 15 November.
The Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) invites everyone to drop into the next, free Brew & Blether session which will take place at Dumbarton Library from 11am – 12.30pm on Wednesday 19 November.
Brew and Blether Drop-in sessions hosted in our Irvine Museum and Dumbarton Library. Free to attend.
A powerful exhibition exploring Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition aboard the Endurance (1914-1917) opens at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside on Saturday 27 September.
Saturday 11th to Monday 20th October, the Museum will host free ‘make and take’ art drop-ins and a special children’s drama workshop with author Maura McRobbie.
Every Saturday from now until 1 November, young creators aged 5-12 can pop along to the Museum for free and let their imaginations run wild as they build the ship of their dreams.
This weekend, the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside celebrates 35 years since the iconic, Grade A Listed Linthouse building was relocated to Irvine to house Scotland’snational maritime collection.
The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside brings back the ever-popular Glass Workshops with Autumn sessions running from now until Saturday 31 October.
The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside presents an exhibition of artwork developed through a creative wellbeing project aimed at reducing isolation and strengthening connections among families of Submarine Service personnel.
Glasgow-based chemistry teacher and breakout star of Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, Whitney Choi will join 60 other talented artisans at the Scottish Maritime Museum’s largest ever, free Makers and Producers Market this weekend (Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August).
From hands-on crafts and a new Museum trail to family activities celebrating the new travelling exhibition Bound by the Sea, there’s plenty to keep the children entertained throughout the month.
The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside will welcome visitors to a free preview and meet the artist session on Saturday 15 August to mark the opening of Gu’un the fish n‘ that, a powerful immersive sound installation exploring the lives of Scotland’s ‘herring girls’.
Running from 11am to 4pm each day, the vibrant market, which has also been made possible by the support of the Great Harbour Community Fund, will feature 60 talented local artisans, crafters and food and drink producers from across Ayrshire.
Now on View. Unpaid carers from across North Ayrshire have transformed the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Courtyard on Irvine Harbourside with a colourful yarn bombing installation.
The National Year of Reading 2026 Campaign has inspired us to highlight our museum library. Mostly organised by museum volunteers, the library is currently having a bit of a makeover to allow the space to be used more often by staff and visitors
After spending time getting to know and speaking to the community around the old Denny's Shipyard in Dumbarton, it was clear they wanted to learn more and have access to the social stories that were told about life in the shipyard. This blog, written by Masters Student Jane Frances Ghiselli highlights some of those stories as told in the Denny "Arkivz".
The Scottish Maritime Museum invites visitors of all ages to celebrate the final day of the popular exhibition The Beach Today – A Year of Sea, Sky and Stone with a free family fun day and opportunity to meet exhibition artist and photographer Christina Riley
Join us for Heritage and Climate Engagement Days at the Scottish Maritime Museum, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful
A new exhibition celebrating the legendary yacht-building Fife family of Fairlie on the Clyde and featuring artwork by Alastair Houston opens at the Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) on Castle Street, Dumbarton, on Saturday 4th July.
The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside brings back the ever-popular Glass Workshops with a fresh programme of summer sessions. Designed to suit everyone, from absolute beginners keen to try a captivating new craft to seasoned glass artists looking for fresh inspiration
By emerging local artist Casey McCracken and opens on Saturday 6th June in the Museum’s Boatshop on Irvine Harbourside in advance of World Ocean Day. Featuring a collection of striking Cyan-blue artworks created using the 19th century Cyanotype process, a low environmental impact photographic technique.
Opening in the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre on Monday 1st June, explores how the Three Towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston each developed their own distinct identity whilst remaining closely tied through the Merchant Navy
The Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) in Dumbarton invites visitors to drop in to our free Brew and Blether sessions held on the third Wednesday of the month from 2:30-4pm
Visitors gathered at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside to celebrate the opening of a captivating new exhibition of seascapes by Polish photographer and sailor Mariusz Bartosik.
Visitors gathered at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside to celebrate the opening of a captivating new exhibition of seascapes by Polish photographer and sailor Mariusz Bartosik.
The exhibition celebrates the wonders to be found along Ayrshire’s coastline through photographs and beachcombed items collected during Lockdown, in Spring 2020.
As both a sailor and photographer, Bartosik’s work is rooted in a deep connection with the sea. Each year, he travels from Poland to Scotland to explore and photograph the Highlands and wild coastlines, capturing the raw beauty of the Scottish seascape.
Each informal session will explore a different theme. On Wednesday 6th May, from 2.30pm to 4pm, attendees can chat and discover more about daily life around the former William Denny & Brothers Shipyard which once occupied the site on Castle Street.
The Scottish Maritime Museum invites visitors to a special free afternoon of live Polish maritime music on Sunday 3rd May, in celebration of the opening of ‘Scottish Maritime Impressions’, a new seascape exhibition by Polish photographer and sailor Mariusz Bartosik.
Now on display in the Museum’s Boat Shop beside Puffers Café Bistro on Irvine Harbourside, explores Ayrshire’s coastal landscape through art.
This free exhibition will be on display in the Museum’s Boatshop, located alongside Puffers Café Bistro on Irvine Harbourside, from Saturday 21st March until Wednesday 22nd April.
The water sample was collected by Lorna Harkin, who helped create the Denny stained-glass panel for the Museum’s Denny Social exhibition last year.
Running from 11am to 4pm inside the Museum’s impressive, glass-roofed Linthouse and Courtyard on Irvine Harbourside, the free two-day event will also be the Museum’s largest market to date.
A special talk and book launch by engineering historian and former seafarer Dr Nina Baker OBE at 6pm on Saturday 7th March.
West coast creel fisherman Hans Unkles will share the remarkable story of designing, building and launching the first all-electric fishing vessel in the UK's fishing fleet at a free special evening talk and screening
Findings from a UK-wide pilot project show that museums and heritage organisations including the Scottish Maritime Museum can play a powerful role in improving community health and wellbeing through collaborative creative projects.
Findings from a UK-wide pilot project show that museums and heritage organisations including the Scottish Maritime Museum can play a powerful role in improving community health and wellbeing through collaborative creative projects.
The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside brings back the ever-popular Glassblowing Workshops with a fresh programme of Spring sessions running from March to May.
The local community are invited come along and take part in a series of workshops led by Keep Scotland Beautiful exploring local heritage and the climate and ideas for how to safeguard it for the future.
Families are invited to enjoy a relaxed and creative experience crafting artwork inspired by the artists and pieces featured in the exhibition. The fun, art-inspired sessions will run from 1pm to 3pm on Saturdays 7th, 14th and 21st in celebration of the Museum’s new Tides of Time exhibition which opens on Sunday (1 February).
A powerful new exhibition exploring the stark contrast between life in harbour and out on the open sea is now on show at the Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) in Dumbarton.
The Inspiring History Teaching Awards, which are delivered with support from Associate Partner, the Historical Association and partners across the UK including the Scottish Maritime Museum, are open to teachers at any stage of their career and across all sectors.
In 2026, the Royal Scottish Academy will be 200 years old and the Scottish Maritime Museum will be joining the celebration with a special exhibition opening on 1st February. Over 100 museums, galleries, and other cultural partners coming together to celebrate this event.
It was a full house at the Scottish Maritime Museum last night (Thursday 11 September) as Doug Allan OBE, one of the world’s foremost wildlife cameramen and a passionate environmental advocate, delivered a special talk on climate change.
A fascinating new exhibition now open at the Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) in Dumbarton charts the legacy of one of the world’s most innovative shipbuilders - William Denny and Brothers - through the exquisite craft of ship model making.
In partnership with the Scottish Maritime Museum, Ayrshire-based artist, photographer, writer and founder of The Nature Library, Christina Riley, invites everyone to explore the hidden wonders of Irvine’s sand dunes at two free creative workshops on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September.
The Scottish Maritime Museum will welcome the Maritime Heritage Trust’s touring exhibition Heritage Harbours Transformed by War from Sunday 14 September.
Irvine locals hit the runway in style at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside as they put on a vibrant and thought-provoking ‘Trashion Show’.
The Makers and Producers Market, which took place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August, featured over 50 talented local artisans, crafters and food and drink producers from across Ayrshire
Taking place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August, the bustling, free market will feature over 50 talented local artisans, crafters and food and drink producers from across Ayrshire.
5.30pm – 7.30pm Thursday 21st August Maritime explorer Graeme Bruce will share the incredible story behind one of Scotland’s most significant recent underwater discoveries from a shipwreck just of Isle of Arran
This lively and creative fashion show will hit the runway at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside at 6pm on Wednesday 13 August.
An electrifying theatrical performance, street procession & book launch hosted at the Scottish Maritime Museum in partnership with The Nature Library on Saturday (12 July).
In partnership with The Nature Library, the Scottish Maritime Museum is delighted to host a free event bringing together an electrifying theatrical performance, street procession and a book launch, at 2pm on Saturday 12th July.
After another sell-out programme of glass workshops, the Scottish Maritime Museum has opened bookings for two new half-day sessions which will take place on Saturday 12 July.
‘ECHOES FROM THE DEEP’ The Scottish Maritime Museum is delighted to announce that ZAWISZA CZARNY, which is believed to be the largest male sea shanty choir and only crew of singing sailors in the world, and the all-female SOLO WAY UKRAINIAN CHOIR will join together for an international maritime concert at 7.30pm on Friday 27 June.
North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson officially opened the Scottish Maritime Museum's summer exhibition 'Beneath the Waves' on Friday 6 June, alongside museum executives and exhibition collaborators.
Recovered from the wreck of the 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Lamlash Bay, Arran, last year, and includes seven plates and a bowl, a teapot lid and two bottles which still hold 'sparkling water' in addition to a decanter and bell. All can be seen at the Scottish Maritime Museum’s new Summer exhibition
Free Event celebrating our oceans at the Scottish Maritime Museum
New Community Exhibition of "Fashion Art" at the Scottish Maritime Museum highlights the marine pollution emergency for World Ocean Day
Underwater photographer Lawson Wood will give talks at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine on June 7-8 at 6pm. His "60 Years Underwater" presentation covers marine conservation history and coincides with the opening of "Beneath the Waves," an exhibition featuring his underwater photography. Attendees receive a free signed print.
The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside will host a special VE Day talk by author Nick Hewitt at 7pm on Thursday 8 May.
Participants will learn how to create bold and narrative-led collages with flowing lines and intricate details. If you can cut and glue, you can delight in this expressive, fun and inclusive workshop!
The community created ‘Denny Social’ exhibition goes on show at the Museum which itself stands on the site of the former shipyard and features the shipyard’s innovative Denny Experiment Tank at its heart.
David Mann retires after 12 years at the helm of the nationally recognised maritime heritage collection on Irvine Harbourside and Dumbarton following a particularly strong past year.
The Scottish Maritime Museum is hosting new glass workshops in April. These workshops will teach you how to create floral roundels and fused glass jewellery in the bright and inspiring Linthouse at Irvine Harbourside. They are suitable for both beginners and those with some experience
We are thrilled to announce that our renowned Glassblowing Experience Workshop is back after a winter break, just in time to celebrate the renewal and creativity of spring!
The collection of six detailed ‘builder’s models’, which are on long-term loan from South Ayrshire Council, were crafted by the Ailsa Shipbuilding Company’s model making department between 1909 and 1975
David Mann, Director of the Scottish Maritime Museum, is to retire after 12 years at the helm of the nationally recognised maritime heritage collection. He will be succeeded by Matthew Bellhouse Moran, current Executive Director of the Unicorn Preservation Society, Dundee, and Vice Chair of Museums Galleries Scotland.
Drawing on rare artefacts, original drawings and intricate models from the Mylne Archive and the G.L. Watson Archive, this exhibition brings to life the extraordinary designs of George Lennox Watson, Alfred Mylne I and II and William Fife I, II and III.
The Scottish Maritime Museum will be throwing open its doors again for free to National Lottery players during the week of Saturday 15th – Sunday 23rd March 2025
A moving exhibition capturing the pride, passion and heritage of Scotland’s fishing communities and their commitment to a sustainable future
After the ideas session, the Museum and Skylark IX team will lead a series of creative workshops in the new year
Leaving Cunninghame House 6pm on Friday 29th November to celebrate the start of the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Christmas Market, which returns bigger than ever this year.
The Christmas Market, which extends over three days for the first time this year, will run from Friday 29th November to Sunday 1st December.
The Scottish Maritime Museum is thrilled to announce the launch of their highly anticipated fused glass workshops this November and December. Led by the renowned glass artist Eilidh Mackenzie, with over 25 years of experience, these three-hour workshops will be held at the Museum’s Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside. Participants can look forward to learning glass cutting and assembly skills while creating vibrant fused glass sailboats
The Law family's multimedia exhibition 'GAFFER' celebrates their unique Loch Fyne Skiff, Kirsty, opening on November 2 at the Scottish Maritime Museum. Kirsty, built in 1921, will be showcased through various art forms to capture its spirit.
Also launched is a new Ocean Taskforce Workshop. This topical session offers schoolchildren the opportunity to investigate the challenges and impact of litter in our oceans.
The ‘Secret of Success’ exhibition, which has been created by members of the North Ayrshire Ukrainian Community, will open at the Museum on Thursday 3rd October and run until the end of the month.
The Scottish Maritime Museum will host the next session of the popular Book Club between 2pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday 9 October.
The Scottish Maritime Museum and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh hosted a free film screening of 'Orzeł: The Last Patrol'
The Scottish Maritime Museum will host the Ayrshire Federation of Historical Societies Conference on Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme is "To the Ayrshire Riviera! Historic Holiday Adventures" and will feature a series of talks throughout the day. Attendees can also visit the Museum and exhibitions and take guided tours during the lunch break.
Visitors can explore the Museum on Castle Street, Dumbarton, between 10am - 3pm and discover more about the world-famous Victorian shipbuilder William Denny whose shipyard once stood on the spot the Museum occupies today.
Highlights include three watercolour prints by John Ferguson Ross, a printmaker specialising in maritime and shipping scenes who also taught at Glasgow School of Art from 1925 to 1948.
There’ll be lots of swashbuckling fun for children of all ages and their families at the Museum between 11am – 4pm on Saturday 10th Auigust 2024
The free to enter Makers and Producers Market, which will take place at the Museum on Irvine Harbourside, is hosted in association with Ayrshire Food Group.
The extraordinary story of the world-famous Cunard Line will be the subject of the Scottish Maritime Museum’s August evening talk.
Dave Watson will describe Jimmy Reid’s rise to international prominence during the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders (UCS) Work-in, between June 1971 and October 1973
From pirates, RMS Titanic and shipwrecks to creative crafting and model making, the Scottish Maritime Museum’s family events programme promises lots of fun and learning for everyone over the summer holidays.
Attendance at Any Questions? is free and booking is essential. Places can be booked on the Museum’s website.
The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside brings back the popular RMS Titanic Family Discovery Session on Saturday 13 July.
The second ‘Brew & Blether’ will take place between 11.30am – 1pm on Thursday 25 July at the Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) on Castle Street, Dumbarton.
Come along to Dumbarton Library on Thursday 20th June to explore the Museum’s collection of photos from the William Denny & Brothers Shipyard & share any memories you have of the shipyard over a cup of tea or coffee
The Scottish Maritime Museum dives below the grit and grind of shipbuilding to reveal the social life which helped maintain morale in the shipyards in the Summer Exhibition which opens on Saturday 8 June.
The Scottish Maritime Museum is hosting a summer-long glassblowing experience starting on June 12. Participants can create flameworked glass art, such as beads, pendants, marbles, or solid sculptures. The workshops are open to adults and will take place every Wednesday and Saturday at the museum.
Recognised by the United Nations since 2008, World Ocean Day aims to bring everyone together to create a better future with a healthy ocean and stable climate.
You will hear about the techniques used to create intricate models and the remarkable changes in the craft since he began model making in Glasgow in 1988.
A stunning and painstakingly crafted 5.4 metres long scale model of one of the most iconic ships in the world, RMS Queen Elizabeth.
The brand-new library, which has toured across Scotland since inception, will open with a launch weekend: 10am – 4pm Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th May.
A bumper programme of family fun at Irvine and Dumbarton over the Easter school holiday
Join us for a fun and educational weekly numeracy workshop to brush up on maths skills and explore how play can help their child learn about numbers
For those living in the local area, enjoy free entry and fun activities at the Museum’s first ever Community Ideas event on Saturday 23rd March.
Celebrates the Remarkable History of Lighthouses & The Life of Their Keepers
Have you got any stories to share about life in and around Scottish shipyards? We want to hear from you to help us create a memory wall for our summer '24 "Shipyards and its People" exhibition.
Despite snowy conditions, over 2,000 adults and children enjoyed the Scottish Maritime Museum’s third Christmas Market
After the Annual General Meeting, which took place on Friday 27 (October), guests were invited to enjoy an afternoon of ‘Fusing Science and Art’, an event of workshops and demonstrations alongside an exhibition talk and tour. The event continued into Saturday.
The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside is turning the vast, glass-roofed Linthouse red once again each evening in support of the Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Bronwyn Close was recognised in the ‘Volunteers for Museum Learning’ Awards, which are run by the British Museum and the Marsh Charitable Trust
The Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine has announced a free weekend for local settled Ukrainians on Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 September.
An innovative, immersive exhibition of ‘audio paintings’ capturing the sights and sounds of Scotland’s wild landscape opens at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Saturday 14 October.
Opening Sunday 17 September this exhibition, 'All mortal greatness is but disease’ delves deep into Scotland's forgotten history of industrial whaling.
One of the largest, regularly performing sea shanty choirs in the world are a storming success last night (Monday 31 July 2023).
The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside gets set for a bumper week of events
Visitors to the Market, which was free to enter and a collaboration with ‘Ayrshire Food An’ A’ That’, shopped from a wide selection of crafts by over 40 artisans, ranging from glasswares, woodcraft, jewellery, scented candles and beauty products to art, gifts, fashion and homewares.
The Market, which is free to enter and a collaboration with ‘Ayrshire Food An’ A’ That’, will be open from 10am and 4pm on both Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July 2023
The Scottish Maritime Museum celebrates the rise of Scotland’s seaside resorts and the golden era of steamboat travel ‘doon the watter’ in this year’s Summer exhibition
Calling young creatives to fire their imagination & take part in a new ‘My Fantastic Ship’ children’s art competition.
The Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) in Dumbarton has launched a new Stem LEGO Challenge to entertain children over the summer holidays
From cocktails, mocktails & ‘dream destinations’, the Titanic to pirates, mermaids & Vikings plus crafting the Scottish Maritime Museum’s summer events programme promises family fun & fascination for everyone!
Featuring seven meticulously built model ships including ships built by Clyde shipbuilders William Denny and Brothers.
Grand Opening of The ‘Perfect Blend’ & Skylark IX Vintage Tea Party at The Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) 11am – 2pm Saturday 13 May
Over 900 people flocked to the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside Saturday 22nd April for Scotland’s annual maritime heritage event
The Wild Escape, the largest ever collaboration between the UK’s museums.
Ship Ahoy! Scotland’s major and FREE annual maritime heritage event, returns to the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside on Saturday 22 April.
The two positions – Visitor Services Volunteer and Museum Stores Volunteer – are ideal for those with a passion for history or looking for museum experience.
A fascinating exhibition celebrating the fantastical and mythical sea creatures of Scottish legend enters the last month of its run at the Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) in Dumbarton.
The new Tapestry celebrates the life of the ‘Dunkirk Little Ship’ Skylark IX, from her construction as a pleasure boat in 1934 up to her new role today
The National Transport Trust has recognised the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Dumbarton with a ‘Red Wheel
The Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank, Dumbarton) promises visitors a cracking good time over the upcoming Easter school holidays.
In Irvine we will join The Wild Escape, a major new project uniting museums and families to discover nature in museums.
SOLD OUT Hot Chocolate, Lego and Crafting…. Booking is essential as places are limited.
Do you have a special connection with Irvine Harbourside and love a good blether? If you do, join us for one of our reminiscence sessions
Striking maritime and coastal images celebrate the national maritime charity
Meet the artist: Caroline Hack Dec 3-4
Striking maritime and coastal images celebrate the national maritime charity
The exterior of the A Listed, Victorian Linthouse, which is home to Scotland’s nationally recognised collection of maritime heritage, will turn red from now, through the build up to Armistice Day and Poppy Saturday up to Remembrance Sunday on 13 November.
Guest Blog: Dr. Shelby Judge on sea monster myths and folklore from Scotland to Greece
3pm – 4pm Saturday 27th August Scottish Maritime Museum, Harbour Road, Irvine
It’s ‘lights, cameras, sea monsters, action!’
11am – 4pm Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 July Scottish Maritime Museum, Harbour Road, Irvine
A staggering 2,400 visitors of all ages popped along to the opening weekend celebrations for the Scottish Maritime Museum’s summer exhibition Sea Monsters!
Designed for children of all ages with ‘Little Sea Monsters’ sessions for under fives, Sea Monsters Make and Takes and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sessions for all ages and Art Workshops and a week-long Sea Monster Theatre Workshop for over tens.
Opening Saturday 2 July Scottish Maritime Museum Harbour Road, Irvine
LITTLE GUPPIES’ Saturday 2 July & Weekly Wednesdays
11am – 4pm Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd July Scottish Maritime Museum Harbour Road, Irvine
The Dumbarton-based Skylark IX Recovery Project welcomed a host of visitors at a free, family event in the grounds of, and inside, the Scottish Maritime Museum, Dumbarton on Saturday 4 June.
‘LITTLE GUPPIES’ a new weekly song and play group for toddlers will open on Wednesday 8 June.
An exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of Scotland’s first major sea kayaking expedition is now open at the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank
The first festival event will take place on Saturday 2 July, the opening day of ‘Sea Monsters!’ and include sea monster surprises and traditional funfair stalls across the Museum Courtyard.
The two day project to stabilise the flaking paint and timbers and preserve the name
The Saturday event was part of a bumper weekend that also included the Pedal for Scotland Pedal Irvine event on Sunday.
The True Story by Alan Platt and Robert T. Sexton charts the fascinating story of the shipbuilding firm Scott & Linton, which designed and began construction of the Cutty Sark.
Curated by the Skylark IX Recovery Project, the story culminates with the vessels new role inspiring and changing the lives of people recovering from addictions across West Dunbartonshire.
The Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine is pleased to be hosting this event and making cycling accessible to more people across Scotland
The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside will host the first Tastes of Ayrshire Food and Drink Festival on Saturday 7 May and, to celebrate, entry to the day-long event will be free.
The ‘Make and Take’ sessions are part of the events programme for the Museum’s Spring exhibition Solitude at Sea.
As we move into the Scottish Government’s new period of ‘Living Safely with Covid’, we would be grateful for your support helping keep visitors and staff safe.
After a programme of vital welding work, the Scottish Maritime Museum is on track to complete essential repairs
Glass artist and researcher Dr Ayako Tani will reveal the magic and fast disappearing craft behind glass ships in bottles, exquisite designs highly sought-after last century, at two one-off tours of her exhibition at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Dumbarton on Saturday 14 May.
Budding artists are in for a treat at the Scottish Maritime Museum’s new Solitude at Sea: Sunday Sketching Sessions led in collaboration with Impact Arts.
Museum’s Education Team has launched an online climate change education programme for schools across Ayrshire.
Up to three children go FREE with each Adult/Concession
Limited Availability – Apply Now
Reflects on life at sea, on oil platforms, lighthouses and islands and the parallels between isolation at sea and Lockdown
‘City of Adelaide’, a stunning glass ship in a bottle acquired by the Scottish Maritime Museum, has gone on display
To promote Ayrshire’s food and drink, the Scottish Maritime Museum is set to co-host an exciting new tour
A new exhibition revealing the twisting story of Skylark IX
Confusing Shadow with Substance Tour arrives at the Scottish Maritime Museum Saturday 22 January - Sunday 20 February 2022
10am – 5pm Saturday 29 January & 10am – 4pm Sunday 30 January
Christmas Stained Glass Pictures and Ornament Workshops
Halloween event raises £812 for charity
Saturday 16 October, Saturday 13 November & Saturday 27 November
Visitors are invited to a bumper weekend Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th September
Saturday 11 September Last chance to see Woven Waves Exhibition
Waterways Community Clean Up Saturday 4 September
The exhibition is the result of an international eco-poster design collaboration engaging 17 – 25 year old design students from 35 academies and universities representing all five continents
Sharon Barnett and Neil Davis made the trip up from South Gloucestershire and Yorkshire to pass the handmade model of the Duchess of Fife built by their father Gordon Davis into the Museum’s care
A great opportunity for students to explore the links between science and art, design and climate change activism
Each artwork powerfully portrays Scottish shipbuilders at work
A special evening with expedition leader Jim Breen - 5.45pm– 7.15pm on Thursday 26 August
Irvine Sea Cadets and community members joined the Scottish Maritime Museum and Irvine Clean Up Crew
MV Kyles, which is part of National Historic Ships UK’s National Historic Fleet, has now been transformed.
The trail is part of the Museum experience and up to three children can visit for FREE with each paying adult admission.
Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine Harbourside 6pm Thursday 26 August
Community Summer Clean Up Community Summer Clean Up Saturday 7 August & Saturday 4 September
Open as usual whilst the refurbishments and improvements continue
An exhibition of exquisite glass ships tells a remarkable story of ingenuity
Men’s Shed are opening their doors to volunteers and new members once again
The Skylark IX Recovery Trust has announced ambitious plans to secure a bright future for the much-loved Skylark IX ‘Dunkirk Little Ship’
Into the Maelstrom’ with Jim Breen The Scottish Kayak Expedition to North West Norway 1980 Exhibition Tour 5.45pm – 7.15pm Thursday 10 June
The Scottish Maritime Museum will be throwing open its doors again for free to National Lottery players during the week of Saturday 9th – Sunday 17th March 2024
Into the Maelstrom: The Scottish Kayak Expedition to North West Norway 1980 Scottish Maritime Museum Irvine, Harbourside. Open now until 30 August 2021
Scottish Maritime Museum in Dumbarton reopens with Woven Waves: The Jutland Tapestries by award-winning artist Katie Russell. Open now until 19 September
We are blown away by the support for our campaign to get MV Kyles shipshape for its 150th anniversary in 2022
Added to all the other donations received so far, this makes possible essential repairs to MV Kyles
Renowned Scottish artist, author and broadcaster Lachlan Goudie has gifted a large painting from his acclaimed ‘Shipyard’ exhibition
The Scottish Maritime Museum has launched a crowdfunding campaign
Temporarily change opening times at both Museums
To raise awareness of the Scottish Poppy Appeal the Linthouse will be glowing red from Sunday 1st to Wednesday 11th November
Halloween at the Scottish Maritime Museum
The rare find will become part of the Scottish Maritime Museum’s nationally recognised collection
New Autumn Trail for Families opens at the Scottish Maritime Museum
five additional free places for the first primary schools across Scotland to book onto the new ‘Ship to Shore Online Learning Workshops’.
Conversations with artist Katie Russell and nautical archaeologist and historian Dr. Innes J. McCartney go live in October
Water Speed Record Holding Electric Super Yacht Tender Goes on Display
Named as a 2020 Travellers’ Choice Winner for both its Museums.
The funding has also enabled the Museum to create two audio guides for mobile phones, to purchase four large display screens
Included are primary schools in the local authority areas of Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, Stirling and West Dunbartonshire.
The permanent exhibition, created through the Museum’s 'Spartan: Inside Out' project was made possible by a grant from Museum Galleries Scotland and charts the evolution of the puffer.
While the Museum doors are closed, our incredible collection and the inspiring stories can be viewed for free online
We are continuing to work behind the scenes to care for Scotland's maritime heritage
Through an innovative open access initiative everyone, from artists, filmmakers and teachers through to hobbyists and students, can download, manipulate and use for free!
The ‘make and take’ crafting workshops take place at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside between 11am - 3pm on Friday 7 through to Tuesday 11 February.
Museum open for free to National Lottery players
Reflecting on life around local shipyards in the last century
By Iain Quinn on Paddle Steamer PS Waverley and the Clyde Steamers
Bring to life a new understanding of the Battle of Jutland
Paintings by Norman Wilkinson CBE RI (1878 - 1971), a celebrated maritime painter and poster artist who is also known for creating ‘Dazzle’ camouflage to shield British ships during World War 1.
Travel subsidy of up to £250 for primary schools taking part in STEM activities at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine
One of Britain’s most important historic vessels, which is preserved at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine, has been reunited with its original bell thanks to a kind donation.
Scotland’s evolving offshore energy industry captured in new exhibition ‘Age of Oil’ by Sue Jane Taylor
Scottish Maritime Museum is pleased as punch to announce Seaside Festival!
Window on the Clyde: Family Photos of the River’s Golden Age, showcasing the golden era of the River Clyde
Edel McCarthy from Paisley will learn traditional and modern boat building skills at the Scottish Boat Building School
Visual artist Sue Jane Taylor’s vibrant, touring exhibition exploring Scotland’s elemental and evolving offshore energy industry
Hear our engines roar! Eventful season begins at the Scottish Maritime Museum.
Wednesday 20th February - Tuesday 19th March 2019
February Family Fun Announced Friday 8th – Tuesday 11th February
Travel subsidy of *up to £250 for private hire transport available for schools taking part in STEM activities at the Museum
Scottish Maritime Museum Calls for Local Residents to Get Involved with Exciting Oral History Project
HMS Carrick Ship's Wheel Unveiling
Helen Bellany, the artist’s partner and muse, unveiled ‘The Boat Builders’ at the painting’s new home at the Scottish Maritime Museum
A new seating spot gifted in memory of two of the Museum’s longest serving volunteers, Bob and Jenny Stables.
Garnock Connections secures Heritage Lottery Fund award
Over 18,000 people flocked to see Irvine Harbourside shimmer and shine.
National Award for Capturing Milestone Move of Spartan and Carola
Another award for our illumination : Harbour Festival of Light as we scoop Cultural Event of the Year at the Scottish Event Awards 2017.
Scottish Maritime Museum helps raise funds for restoration of extraordinary Dunkirk rescue boat 'Skylark IX'.