Scottish Maritime Museum: Dumbarton

A great place to learn about the history of shipbuilding on the Clyde, the museum is home to a variety of exhibits, including ship models and historic objects. There are also interactive displays and activities for all ages.

Explore the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank

The William Denny Shipyard was home to the world’s first commercial ship testing facility. Measuring the length of a football pitch, the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank tested numerous vessels, explored propulsion methods and held experiments on the Denny-Brown hovercraft.

Learn about the Denny brothers

Discover how the Denny Brothers, builders of the Cutty Sark, made waves in the shipbuilding industry through ship models, photographs and historic artefacts. You can also set foot in the world of the bygone ship designer by visiting William Denny’s drawing office and finding out how to design your own ship.

Exhibitions and activities

Other highlights include four exhibitions a year, an interactive STEM play area and the chance to experience the working environment of the traditional model makers, clay moulders and carpenters of the 1880s. You can even try your hand at smoothing and carving a real wax hull model.

You can also visit the museum’s other site, the Scottish Maritime Museum: Irvine, a Victorian shipyard building, that showcases Scotland's contribution to maritime history.