CRAFTERS, artisans and small businesses from all over Ayrshire are set to put their wares on sale at a special Christmas market next weekend.

The Scottish Maritime Museum’s event returns on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, with a host of goodies and gifts by local crafters, artisans and small businesses on sale across the vast Linthouse site on Irvine's Harbourside.

Visitors will enjoy a wide selection of arts, crafts and goods from home décor, handmade bags and jewellery, art and photographs to children’s clothes, hampers, silk scarves, soaps, candles, Christmas decorations and cards, pet accessories, eco household alternatives and much more.

As well as the market, children’s ‘Make and Take’ festive crafting sessions will run throughout each day. Visitors can sign up for the free sessions, which are suitable for children aged six years and over, at the venue's reception.

Goods include stunning landscape and seascapes from 2artistans Paint & Pixels of Troon, original art by Julia Griffin Artist and handcarved wooden crafts made on the West Coast of Scotland by Glenwoodcraft.

Visitors will also find beautiful handcrafted jewellery by Caroles Fancies of Kilmarnock, Crazy for Ruthie Jewellery of Cumnock and unique and affordable pieces made in fluid acrylic paint by June Rorison Art. 

Eco gifts include gin-inspired natural cosmetic bars by Ayrshire’s Bathtub Gin Care.

Look out too for high quality baby and children's clothing and accessories from Kiddiewink Boutique of Dalry, Dalrymple Knits, who donate proceeds to Dalrymple Parish Church, and author Dane Love, who has written more than 30 books on Scottish subjects, with a particularly strong focus on Ayrshire. 

Saturday treats also include OffcutCraftCo with their festive wall hangings, bunting, advent calendars and decorations, handmade dog accessories from Poppy Monsters Collars, handcrafted handbags and homewares by Rags to Bags, gifts by Arty Party Crafts of Ardrossan and beach art by Just Dive of Paisley.

After all that shopping, visitors can refuel with delicious cakes by Little Birdhouse Bakes and refreshments in the ‘Linthouse Coffee Bar’.

Those wanting a fuller menu, can pop over to the Museum’s ‘Puffers Café’ overlooking Irvine Harbourside.

During the weekend, visitors can see the museum’s latest exhibition which explores Scotland’s forgotten history of industrial whaling, ‘All mortal greatness is but disease’. 

Exhibition artist Caroline Hack will also be chatting to visitors about her work in print, textile and handmade book formats and her research visits to whaling sites and museums across Britain, Europe, America and Canada.

Christopher Woodland, commercial manager at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: “We’re delighted to announce the return of the popular Christmas market and we’ve a fantastic display of goods for visitors to enjoy as well as crafting family fun for those coming along with children.

“With free entry and stands arranged across the vast Linthouse, the Christmas Market is perfect for stress-free Christmas shopping and a great opportunity to support local businesses and makers.”

The event takes place inside the Linthouse building on Harbour Road between 10am-4pm on both dates. Entry is free.