The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside has unveiled a fun-filled programme of children’s activities for the upcoming October school break.

Running from Saturday 11 to Monday 20 October, the Museum will host free ‘make and take’ art drop-ins and a special children’s drama workshop with author Maura McRobbie.

The ‘Antarctica Artworks Make and Take’ drop in sessions are free and suit children of all ages. Inspired by the Museum’s upcoming Fortitudo exhibition, or their own imagination, children can create their own zine or drawing, imagining an exciting Antarctic adventure.

From 1pm – 2.30pm on Saturday 18 October, children aged 7 – 14 years can also take part in a unique drama experience – the ‘Smugglers’ Midnight Escape – Children’s Drama Workshop’.

Led by author Maura McRobbie, the workshop is inspired by her latest children’s novel Smugglers’ Midnight Escape, which is set on the Ayrshire coast.

Based on real events from the 1760s, the story delves into the hidden world of smuggling, when contraband was stashed in caves and coves along the coast.

During the workshop, children will handle objects linked to the smuggling trade and dress up as characters including smugglers, officers of the King and even the local Lord Commissioner from Customs House in Ayr who will decide the fate of the captured smugglers!

Author Maura McRobbie explains:

Since the book launch in April it’s been non-stop. There is such an interest in Scottish history told from a local perspective.

“We often hear smuggling tales from Penzance or Dorset, like in Poldark or Enid Blyton books, but I wanted to bring to life stories that feature Ayr, Culzean Castle and the coves and caves of the Ayrshire coast where there is such rich historical evidence of smuggling.

“I’m excited to bring this story to life through a drama workshop at the Scottish Maritime Museum. I can’t wait to see the kids re-enact the escape scenes from the book!”

Tickets for the drama workshop are £5 and can be booked through Eventbrite.

The art drop ins are free with Museum Admission and up to three children go free with each Adult/Concession ticket.

The Scottish Maritime Museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm.

For further information on Maura McRobbie, see: www.mauramcrobbie.com

www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org
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Issued on behalf of the Scottish Maritime Museum by
Joanna Harrison, Mobile: 07884 187404