Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Gateway to Scotland's Maritime History
Founded in 1983, we are dedicated to preserving Scotlands maritime heritage through two historic sites: the Victorian Linthouse in Irvine and the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank in Dumbarton. Our mission is to connect communities with Scotlands maritime history through inclusive educational programs, exhibitions, and cultural experiences. We steward our collections with integrity, ensuring accessibility and sustainability for future generations. Our vision is to lead innovation in maritime heritage while championing wellbeing, inclusion, and environmental responsibility. We operate as a charity and company limited by guarantee, adhering to fair work practices and community-focused values.Our team combines expertise in curation, education, and boatbuilding to deliver engaging experiences that celebrate Scotlands global maritime impact. We collaborate with local and international partners to address contemporary issues like climate change through the lens of maritime history. Our commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in programs for schools, volunteers, and community groups. We prioritise transparency, ethical stewardship, and cultural confidence in all our operations. With over four decades of experience, we remain a trusted guardian of Scotlands maritime legacy.
Services
Museum Exhibits
Boat Building School
Educational Workshops
Community Programs
Exhibitions
Research Access
Virtual Tours
Membership Programs
Event Hosting
Oral History Archives
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We steward Scotlands national maritime collection with over 40 years of expertise.
- Our dual sites house unique historic engineering landmarks and global firsts.
- We offer accredited boatbuilding education combining traditional and modern techniques.
- Our community programs connect diverse audiences with cultural and environmental heritage.
- We champion accessibility, sustainability, and fair work practices as a registered charity.
Services
Boat Building School
Our Scottish Boat Building School provides accredited training in traditional and modern boatbuilding techniques. Students gain hands-on experience with historic vessels and contemporary materials. The program prepares learners for careers in maritime heritage conservation and shipbuilding industries.
Museum Exhibits
We showcase Scotlands maritime history through interactive exhibits at two historic sites. Displays include the worlds first commercial ship-testing tank and a Victorian engine shop relocated from Glasgow. Visitors explore Scotlands global maritime influence through artefacts, models, and digital reconstructions.
Community Programs
Our community initiatives co-create exhibitions with local groups addressing social and environmental issues. Recent projects focused on marine pollution and cultural integration for displaced communities. Programs combine heritage skills with contemporary storytelling to foster social connection.
Educational Workshops
We deliver curriculum-linked workshops for schools covering maritime history, engineering, and environmental science. Activities include ship model testing, traditional craft demonstrations, and climate change discussions using historical data.
Research Access
Our collections and archives support academic and independent research into maritime history and technology. Researchers access shipbuilding records, oral histories, and technical drawings. We facilitate studies connecting historical practices with modern engineering and sustainability challenges.
People
Matthew Bellhouse Moran
Executive Director
Leading the museum since 2021, Matthew brings 25 years of heritage sector experience. He champions innovative approaches to maritime storytelling and community engagement across Scotlands coastal regions.
James McLean
Senior Curator
James oversees collection care and exhibition development with 20 years of maritime archaeology expertise. He specialises in preserving industrial heritage and interpreting Scotlands shipbuilding legacy for modern audiences.
Kirsty Gilchrist
Assistant Curator
Kirsty manages digital collections and virtual engagement projects. Her work focuses on making maritime history accessible through 3D modelling and online platforms for global audiences.
Gavin Proctor
Boatbuilding Manager
Gavin leads practical training in traditional boatbuilding techniques. With a background in naval architecture, he teaches apprentices to restore historic vessels using both handcraft and modern conservation methods.
Jennifer Pless
Community Engagement Officer
Jennifer develops inclusive programs connecting diverse groups with maritime heritage. She has coordinated award-winning projects addressing social isolation and environmental awareness through cultural activities.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
Both sites open 10am-5pm daily (Irvine) and 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday (Dumbarton). Closed 25-26 December and 1 January.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, we provide wheelchair access, hearing loops, and sensory resources across both sites. Staff receive regular disability awareness training.
Does the museum offer educational programs for schools?
We provide curriculum-linked workshops for all key stages, including ship model testing, engineering heritage, and climate change history activities.
Can I access the museum's collections online?
Yes, our online portal offers 3D models, oral histories, and digitised archives. Virtual tours of both sites are available with expert commentary.
How does the museum support environmental sustainability?
We use heritage conservation practices to demonstrate sustainable approaches to climate challenges, including historic shipbuilding techniques that minimise material waste.
Are there volunteering opportunities available?
We offer roles in curation, education, and events management. Volunteers receive training in maritime heritage interpretation and collection care.
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