About Scottish Maritime Museum
About Scottish Maritime Museum
We are the Scottish Maritime Museum—two family-friendly attractions dedicated to sharing Scotland’s maritime past, present, and future. Our exhibits feature incredible ships, industrial machinery, and nautical-inspired artwork.
At our museum in Irvine Harbourside, visitors can explore the Linthouse—a vast space known as the ‘Cathedral of Engineering’—housing our permanent collection under a striking glass roof. Alongside an evolving programme of temporary exhibitions, guests can enjoy children’s trails, guided tours of the 1920s Ship Workers Flat and Fitting Shed, virtual tours of historic vessels, and an immersive experience in a 1800s tenement flat. We also host a variety of art activities and talks for all ages, welcoming school groups for workshops and interactive learning.
In Dumbarton, the museum is home to the world’s first ship model experiment tank—the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank. This unique site and its original machinery provide insight into the Clyde’s shipbuilding legacy. The first floor showcases touring exhibitions, interactive displays, and fun maritime-themed games.
Statement of Purpose
We are committed to caring for, managing, and developing the Museum collection while ensuring intellectual and physical access through exhibitions and activities at our sites and beyond. Our ongoing research strengthens our knowledge of the collection, allowing us to share and retain historical insights.
Vision & Mission
Vision: To be a dynamic, world-class national maritime museum that informs, educates, and inspires.
Mission: We collect, preserve, interpret, and share Scotland’s maritime heritage, reflecting its local, national, and international significance.
History
Founded in 1983, the Scottish Maritime Museum operates from two sites in Irvine and Dumbarton, holding a nationally recognised collection. From historic vessels and artefacts to shipbuilding tools and machinery, our museum preserves Scotland’s rich maritime heritage.
The Irvine site, housed in the vast Victorian Linthouse, was once the Engine Shop of Alexander Stephen and Sons Shipyard before being relocated in 1991. The Dumbarton site sits on the former grounds of the renowned William Denny Shipyard and features the pioneering Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank, which revolutionized ship testing upon its 1883 opening.
Fair Working Practices
The Scottish Maritime Museum Trust upholds the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First policy, fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. We champion fair employment practices, provide equal opportunities, support mental health and wellbeing, and advocate for fair wages. Through our partnerships and investment in workforce training, we encourage diversity and professional development within the museum and beyond.
Find Us
To change the find us section please go to the theme settings.
Contact Details
The Linthouse
Harbour Road
Irvine
Ayrshire
KA12 8BT
Visitor Services desk opening times: 10am-4.30pm Monday-Friday
Tel: 01294 277177
Email: visitorservices@scotmaritime.org.uk
Dumbarton Museum Address
Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank
Castle Street
Dumbarton
Dunbartonshire
G82 1QS
Visitor Services desk opening times: 10am-3.30pm Monday-Friday
Tel: 1294 278 283
Email: denny@scotmaritime.org.uk