AN IRVINE museum has launched a new exhibition to celebrate the centenary of its unique Loch Fyne Skiff.

The Scottish Maritime Museum opened the exhibition, GAFFER: Impressions from a Loch Fyne Skiff, on November 2.

The exhibition was curated by the Law family, a group of artists who have owned and sailed the skiff, named Kirsty, for the last 25 years.

Through their different art forms, the family explores the real and imagined stories of Kirsty.

The family includes Pat as lead artist, Mhairi as photographer, Kirsty as composer/musician, and Andy as technical producer.

Together, they have created a narrative using old and new photographs, salt and peat paintings, drawings, moving images, sound recordings, and objects.

The skiff, built in 1921, was designed as a family cruiser and follows the graceful lines of a Loch Fyne Skiff, a vessel commonly used for ring-net fishing across the west coast of Scotland in the late 19th century.

The exhibition will be open until February 2, 2025.

Eva Bukowska, exhibitions and events officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: "We are thrilled to welcome the Law family and host GAFFER: Impressions from a Loch Fyne Skiff.

"At the museum, as well as telling the history of our vessels, we always look to dive deeper to explore the rich stories of the people – the shipbuilders, engineers, inventors, and sailors – behind them.

"GAFFER with its exploration of Kirsty’s rich maritime and social history is a wonderful addition to our exhibition programme and will appeal to visitors of all ages and interests."

The Law family said they have gone beyond the 'treasure trove' of logbooks, photographs, letters, bills of sale, newspaper cuttings, and documents they inherited when they became custodians to uncover Kirsty's untold stories.

Artist Pat Law said: "The caretakers of traditional boats are both romantic and pragmatic.

"Adventures and sea tales abound but many stories lie untold in the timbers.

"Now, as Kirsty passes her centenary, it feels natural to present all we have uncovered along with the dreams and imaginings we needed to complete the picture.

"At the heart of GAFFER, Kirsty performs as storyteller; a symbol of connection and continuity merging the past with the present."

Admission to the exhibition is included in the museum's entry fee, with up to three children allowed free with each adult or concession ticket.