THE Scottish Maritime Museum will kick off its summer events programme next week.

From cocktails, mocktails and ‘dream destinations’, the Titanic and pirates, mermaids and Vikings to crafting family fun, the Irvine museum's programme offers fun and fascination for everyone.

The fun packed family activities programme begins on Monday, July 3 and runs over the summer holidays.

As usual, there’s free entry for up to three children with each adult/concession ticket and sessions to suit different age groups.

On Mondays, it’s Crackin’ Creatives with tales and activities inspired by Scottish artists. On Tuesdays, it’s Mini Maritime Makers with crafts ranging from making fans, scrolls and friendship bracelets to woodwind instruments. On Fridays, families are invited to pop down for some fun with family board games.

Visitors can also walk the plank with a Pirate and Mermaid Day on Saturday, July 8 and a Pirate Day on Saturday, August 12.

Author Maura McRobbie will also entertain everyone with her book Vikings and Skylarks on Cumbrae and some creative activities on Thursday, July 13. Tickets are free but should be booked in advance.

The year-round 'Little Sea Monsters’ sessions for under fives on Wednesday and Thursday mornings also continue over the summer.

The museum’s major summer exhibition, ‘Dream Destinations’, celebrates the rise of Scotland’s seaside resorts and the golden age of ‘going doon the watter’. 

Complementary events for all ages run alongside the exhibition, which opens on Saturday, July 1.

These include ‘It was fine when it left us….’, a Titanic Discovery Family Session and White Star Line – The Beloved, the Damned and the Forgotten – an evening with cocktails/mocktails, a talk and an exhibition viewing. 

Both these events are led by local historian Bill Fitzpatrick and take place on Saturday, August 5. During the Titanic Discovery Family session, everyone will hear about RMS Titanic, her crew and that fateful night, before taking part in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) activities.  

In his talk on the White Star Line, Bill will shine a light on RMS Titanic, HMHS Britannic and RMS Olympic and explore their place in maritime history. 

On Thursday, August 17, visitors can enjoy A Sailors Log - From Square Rigged Ships to Submarines, an evening talk and exhibition viewing with the Scottish Maritime Museum chair of trustees, Laurie Sinclair. Laurie will recall his Stevenston grandfather's maritime career.

The Scottish Maritime Museum has also launched a new ‘My Fantastic Ship’ children’s art competition to celebrate the new exhibition.

Children aged 5 to 12 years are invited to design and build their own 3D ‘Fantastic Ship’ to transport them to a ‘dream destination’. Ten winning entries will go on show later this year, as part of the exhibition.

Claire Munro, learning and access manager at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: “This year’s summer programme features fabulous activities and events and there really is something for all ages and interests.

“With most of our children’s activities, no booking is required. Just turn up in good time to ensure your space. Most activities change weekly so also check our website or social media for what’s on throughout the holidays.

“Our exhibition talks and viewings are ticketed and folk can book their place now on our website.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to all our fantastic events, activities and exhibitions over the summer.”

More information about the Summer Events Programme and ‘My Fantastic Ship’ can be found at: www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org.