Scottish Maritime Museum- Dumbarton

The Scottish Maritime Museum in Dumbarton, Strathclyde is a fascinating and unique destination that offers a rich insight into Scotland's maritime heritage. Located in a former shipyard on the banks of the River Clyde, the museum is home to a collection of boats, ships, and other maritime artifacts that provide a glimpse into Scotland's seafaring past.

The museum is split into two sites, one in Dumbarton and the other in Irvine, which are both worth visiting. The Dumbarton site is located on the historic Denny Shipyard and boasts a stunning collection of historic boats and ships. The site is also home to the museum's workshop and conservation centre, where visitors can see skilled craftsmen and women at work restoring and maintaining the museum's collection.

The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of maritime history, from the early days of sail to the age of steam and beyond. One of the highlights of the museum is the Denny Tank, a huge water tank that was used for testing model ships in the early 20th century. Visitors can watch demonstrations of model boats being tested in the tank, providing a unique insight into the development of ship design.

The museum's collection of boats and ships is truly impressive, with examples from all periods of Scotland's maritime history. One of the most notable exhibits is the MV Spartan, a historic Clyde puffer that was used to transport goods along the river in the early 20th century. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about life on board, as well as the role of the Clyde puffers in Scotland's industrial past.

Another standout exhibit is the Comet, the world's first commercially successful steamship. Built in 1812 by Henry Bell, the Comet revolutionized transport on the River Clyde and paved the way for the development of steam-powered ships worldwide. Visitors to the museum can explore the Comet and learn about the history of steam power and its impact on maritime transport.

The museum also has a range of interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. Children will love the chance to climb aboard the model ships and play with the hands-on exhibits, while adults can attend talks and demonstrations on various aspects of maritime history.