STAFF at Irvine’s Maritime Museum are busy getting the harbourside all set for its annual Doors Open Day next month.

The annual event, now in its 32nd year, is organised by the Scottish Civic Trust, and is part of European Heritage Days.

And this year the Maritime is hosting a Doors Re-open Day with some amazing installations created in the workshops of the museum during lockdown.

The Maritime was formerly the engine shop of the Alexander Stephen and Sons Shipyard in Govan before being salvaged and moved to Irvine 30 years ago.

You can pop into the 1920’s style recreation of a shipyard worker’s tenement flat and fitting shed.

And young visitors can enjoy a tour of the boatbuilding workshop and make their very own sail boat too.

The museum will also have it s 1950’s Triple Expansion Engine running.

Nicola Scott, Events and Exhibitions Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: “We are thrilled to host the launch of this year’s Doors Open Days and open up the Scottish Maritime Museum in both Irvine and Dumbarton for free in celebration of Scotland’s rich cultural and built heritage.”

“As well as exploring our nationally recognised collection of maritime heritage, which features historic vessels, artwork and engineering inventions which influenced shipbuilding across the world, visitors will enjoy a look behind the scenes at our Scottish Boat Building School.

“Everyone can also enjoy the built heritage of the buildings themselves; the vast, glass-roofed A-listed Linthouse was formerly a shipyard engine shop in Govan.”

The launch of the 2021 festival was marked by an afternoon reception on Thursday at the Scottish Maritime Museum to give people a sneak peek at what they can expect during the weekend of September 11 and 12.

And part of the launch saw young visitors create their very own Maritime Door that will now take pride of place at the Doors Open Day.

This year some venues will not be taking part but in Ayrshire there are some fantastic landmark buildings to go and see.

You can find the full list of venues at www.doorsopendays.org.uk and plan your tour of attractions.