A NEW history tour following the Irvine Carter’s trail, where goods were taken from the port, takes place this week to promote Ayrshire’s pubs and restaurants.

The Scottish Maritime Museum is set to co-host the new tour following in the footsteps of Irvine’s Carters and exploring the town’s fascinating history as a top Scottish trading port.

The new tour, titled Carters and Coastal Culture – Ayrshire’s Food Journey – takes place on Saturday, February 12 with two tours available – 10am and 2pm.

Tours participants will walk alongside a Carter in period costume from Tasting History Scotland as they tour Irvine Harbour, which was once a major trading port.

Participants will enjoy hearing how the Carters used their Clydesdale horses and carts to transport food, drink, spices, and exotic foodstuff all over Ayrshire, the West Coast and to Glasgow, even before the Clyde was dredged and the trade centre shifted to Glasgow.

The Carters and Coastal Culture tour will also pass the Ship Inn, the oldest pub in Irvine.

Other highlights before arriving at the Scottish Maritime Museum will include the Carters statue and a look at ‘auld Scots wurds’ such as those etched into paving stones along the Harbourside.

The tour will conclude at the Scottish Maritime Museum where everyone can explore Scotland’s ‘Cathedral of Engineering’ and learn more about Scotland’s importance to maritime history and the people that built and sailed Scottish ships around the world.

Tour tickets, which include Museum Admission are priced £10 per Adult with up to two children (under 12 years of age) joining for free. to buy tickets, visit www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org