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Scottish Maritime Museum to Host Ayrshire Federation of Historical Societies Conference

12th October 2024

AYRSHIRE FEDERATION OF HISTORICAL SOCIETIES CONFERENCE

‘TO THE AYRSHIRE RIVIERA! HISTORIC HOLIDAY ADVENTURES’

Open to the Public

10am – 4pm Saturday 12 October

Scottish Maritime Museum

Irvine Harbourside

The Scottish Maritime Museum gets set to host the Ayrshire Federation of Historical Societies Conference between 10am – 4pm on Saturday 12 October.

The theme of this year’s Conference, which will take place in the Museum’s Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside, is ‘To the Ayrshire Riviera! Historic Holiday Adventures’. Attendees will enjoy a host of talks throughout the day.

The Conference will begin with ‘Forty Years of Maritime History’, a talk by David Mann, Director of the Scottish Maritime Museum, followed by ‘Pom Poms and Trick Dogs: How the Pierrots Captured Ayrshire’ with Professor Elaine McFarland, Chair of the Ayrshire Federation of Historical Societies Conference and research volunteer at the Museum.

The morning session will then conclude with Professor Fiona Skillen and Lauren Beatty (Glasgow Caledonian University), who will explore ‘Holiday Golf in Scotland c.1890-1945’.In the afternoon, Rob Close will reflect on ‘Vital Statistics – The Rise and Fall of the Prestwick Bathing Beauty Contest’ and Ian Quinn will dive into ‘Clyde Steamers and the Ayrshire Connection, 1954 until 2024’.

During the lunch break, delegates will be able to take in the Museum and exhibitions and join guided tours of the 1920s Shipyard Worker’s Flat and Boatbuilding Workshop.

Christopher Woodland, Commercial Manager at the Scottish Maritime Museum, says:

“We are delighted to host the Ayrshire Federation of Historical Societies Conference this year.

“The Ayrshire coast has been a popular holiday destination from as far back as the golden age of steam and days of ‘going doon the watter’ so ‘To the Ayrshire Riviera’ is a great theme.

“The Federation has put together a fun, fascinating and educational collection of talks making the Conference a great day out for people of all ages and interests.”

Professor Elaine McFarland, Chair of the Ayrshire Federation of Historical Societies Conference, adds:

“We hope that our Conference has something for everyone who remembers sparkling days out on ‘The Ayrshire Riviera’. Those attending will also be able to sample the unique maritime heritage collections of the Scottish Maritime Museum.”