THE Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside has announced a bumper summer programme of events and exhibitions for all the family.

One of the programme highlights is the museum’s popular drop in make and take family sessions which will run through the Summer holidays, between 11am and 3pm every Tuesday and Thursday from now until Thursday, August 15.

The Summer Fun drop in sessions, which are ideal for children five years and older, are great value for money with up to three children taking part for free with each adult admission.

Make and take activities range from robotic art and paddle steamers to photography, scientific toys and dioramas.

Activities last for around 30 minutes after which visitors can enjoy all the museum has to offer across the Linthouse and on the Harbourside.

Other summer highlights include two new exhibitions – the David Livingstone Birthplace Project and Window on the Clyde. The current Age of Oil exhibition closes on Sunday, July 7.

Upcoming events include a panel discussion exploring the events and legacy of the Piper Alpha disaster (Saturday, July 6), a Living History Re-enactment (Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14) and a Pirate Takeover (Saturday, July 20 and Sunday 21).

Summer Fun Drop In – Weekly Programme Tuesday, July 2 & Thursday, July 4 - Savannah Dioramas What’s your favourite safari animal? Make your own African savannah scene with the David Livingstone Trust which has a new, free exhibition opening in the Museum boatshop.

Tuesday, July 9 & Thursday, July 11 - Robotic Art Can robots make art? Test the artistic ability of your own scribbling robot.

Tuesday, July 16 & Thursday, July 18 - Steamer Dreamer Paddle Steamers Make and sail your own paddle steamer ‘doon the watter’ on the Clyde.

Tuesday, July 23 & Thursday, July 25 - Camera Obscura Test your photography skills as you make an early version of the camera.

Tuesday, July 30 & Thursday, August 1 - Victorian Thaumatropes Design and make your own Thaumatrope, a scientific toy popular in the Victorian era.

Tuesday, August 6 & Thursday, August 8 - Cyanotype Photography Make some beautiful cyanotype art as we investigate a photographic technique.

Tuesday, August 13 & Thursday, August 15 - Windows on the Clyde To coincide with our summer photography exhibition, come and use art to explore what you can see from your window.