If you find yourself visiting Scotland, do not pass up the Scottish Maritime Museum, found in the various locations of Braehead, Dumbard, and Irvine. The museums collection of ships, sea faring artifacts, and art galleries provides the curious observer with not only larger than life stories of historically well known ships, but also the heroic if not enchanting lives of the crews and captains that made their place in Scottish maritime lore.

There are different things to do at each location, but the collection as a whole is composed of Scottish naval, coastal, and commercial vessels. Ships that are featured include:

The MS Kyles

A coastal cargo vessel built by John Fullarton & Co in 1872, the Kyles performed numerous roles during its time in service. The Kyles was a fishing tender, trade vessel, and sand dredger, before being converted from steam to diesel propulsion serving as a sludge tanker in 1953. Its last occupation was a coaster vessel before being donated to the museum where guided tours allow visitors to explore its decks.

The Puffer Spartan

The ship was launched by Hay’s of Kirkintilloch in 1942 to render its services with the admiralty, until it met its post war use as a steam powered trade ship. The term puffer originated from its steam fueled engine, where the funnels would release its exhaust making a distinctive puffing noise. It has since switched to more modern mechanics but its historical reference stayed with the ship’s characteristics.

The ASR-10

A rare find from the museum’s collection, the ASR-10 was an air and sea rescue ship built during World War II in 1942. The vessel was constructed by Carrier Engineering, its purpose being used as a refugee craft when airman of the Royal Flying Corps found themselves shot down over the British coast. The ASR-10 was equipped with radios and bunk beds, making an airman’s stay as comfortable as possible before being retrieved.

There are many other ships to visit; the ones listed above can be found at the museum’s maritime Irvine site. Ships are not the only exhibits the museum has to offer. Other attractions include virtual trips recreating harbor voyages, stocked gift shops, mini-ship building activities where you get to test your boat in indoor ponds, and multi media presentations of Scotland’s shipbuilding known for its award winning audio/visual documentaries.