19
ARTS, CULTURE & TOURISM
SCOTTISH
MARITIME MUSEUM
Scotland has a rich maritime
heritage that extends back
thousands of years. For as
long as settlers have occupied
these shores – before Scotland
was even called Scotland – the
sea provided sustenance. The
Scottish Maritime Museum
is a national institution that
occupies two sites, at Irvine
and Dumbarton. Visitors to the
Irvine museum will encounter
an array of fascinating exhibits
that
recount
Scotland’s
maritime history better than
mere words ever could.
Occupying pride of place in
the museum is a Linthouse
engine shop, housed in
Scotland’s so-called Cathedral
of Engineering. The glass-
roofed building, constructed in
1872, is every bit as impressive
as the artefacts on display. A
collection of boats through the
ages includes Spartan, the
country’s last steam puffer and
a steam yacht what was built
in 1898. The museum offers
much more than time-served
exhibits however: visitors
also have the opportunity to
get hands on by building and
testing their own model boat or
operating a remote-controlled
craft on the outdoor boating
pond. The Maritime Museum
is full of little surprises. Take a
tour and immersive yourself in
Scotland’s nautical past.
The Linthouse Building,
Harbour Road, Irvine,
North Ayrshire, KA12 8QE
01294 278283
