Early years centres and primary schools across Renfrewshire are being invited to apply for a travel subsidy of up to £300 to help fund visits to the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine.
The scheme, new for 2025, supports educational visits linked to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) outcomes. It now covers rail travel as well as coach and ferry, making it even easier for schools to take part.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so schools are encouraged to register their interest early.
A survey of visiting schools last year found that 100% of teachers said they would return with another class and that the visit supported their CfE STEM outcomes. Every teacher also agreed or strongly agreed that the museum offers an inclusive, welcoming environment that supports learners of all levels.
Claire Jones, Learning, Engagement and Volunteer Manager at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: “Our ‘Engage, Experiment, Engineer – Learning Anchored in Scotland’s Maritime Story’ education programme continues to grow year after year and the feedback from teachers has been outstanding.
“All visiting teachers last year felt the visit supported their CfE STEM outcomes and said they would return with other classes. They also praised our friendly, knowledgeable staff for bringing Scotland’s maritime history to life. They told us children asked questions during their visit which wouldn’t have come up in a classroom – which demonstrates the value of a visit.
“A visit to the museum brings the curriculum to life. Our storytelling sessions and outdoor learning activities spark creativity, curiosity and conversation. With the expanded travel subsidy, there’s never been a better time to plan a visit.”
The museum’s Engage, Experiment, Engineer education programme offers hands-on learning experiences that explore Scotland’s pioneering engineering and shipbuilding heritage and the lives of shipyard workers and their families.
Pupils can handle real artefacts and see STEM principles in action as they explore the Linthouse, a vast former 19th-century shipyard engine shed. They can also see historic vessels, engineering innovations and a triple expansion engine, before stepping inside a recreated 1920s shipyard worker’s home to hear stories from Scotland’s industrial past.
For more information or to apply for the travel subsidy, visit: www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org.