The Scottish Maritime Museum’s base in Irvine, Ayrshire, is hosting a special family fun day – with a focus on James Watt – on Saturday, March 16.

The Museum says: “Hear our engines roar, meet James Watt and take part in fun family activities to see how the Industrial Revolution changed Scotland forever.”

This special event is included in the normal admission price for the Museum. Full details are listed below.

Name of event: Full Steam Ahead! Family Fun Day

Summary: This one-day event at the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Irvine Museum will explore Scotland’s Energy Journey to celebrate British Science Week 2019.

It has been 250 years since James Watt patented the condensed steam engine.

At this special event, families can:

  • meet James Watt, as he explains the inner workings of a triple expansion engine;
  • take part in a special “energy trail” around the Museum and Harbourside;
  • discover how boats have evolved from human power to solar power;
  • make your own windmill to take home and step aboard the Museum’s diesel-powered boat, the MV Kyles**; and
  • hear the Chip chase engine roar in the Museum’s Fitting Shed.

There will also be “fossil fuel object handling” – coinciding with the Museum’s Age of Oil exhibition – including dressing up.

Date of event: Saturday, March 16, 2019.

Admission times:  The Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities will be available on March 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Museum says: “A full schedule of activities will be finalised nearer to the event.”

Location: Scottish Maritime Museum, The Linthouse, Irvine, KA12 8BT

Admission/Tickets: All activities are included in the admission prices. Current entry charges are £8.50 for adults (anyone aged 17 or over) and £6.50 for concessions (visitors aged 60 plus, registered disabled and full-time students aged 17 and over). Up to three children (aged 16 & under) are admitted FREE with every full paying adult or concession. Extra children are charged at £4 each. For a full list of prices and other admission information, visit the Museum website.

** Please note MV Kyles tours are weather dependent.

Email for enquiries: visitorservices@scotmaritime.org.uk

Telephone number for enquiries: 01294 277 177

Access to venue (parking/transport links/access for people with disabilities): The Irvine museum is five minutes’ walk from Irvine Railway Station and well served by local buses. The site also offers free parking. More on the museum website.

The main areas of the museum are on the flat. Assistance dogs are welcome. A wheelchair is also available; please pre-book emailing
visitorservices@scotmaritime.org.uk.

Accessible toilets are available, along with a disabled toilet and baby changing facility.
Tables and chairs in the café are free-standing.

Any additional relevant information: Visit the Museum’s website here

Top picture: The Linthouse Engine Building at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine. Picture by Rosser. See more here.

Published by Editor