The Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside has created two exciting new volunteering opportunities.

The museum says the two positions – visitor services volunteer and museum stores volunteer – are ideal for those with a passion for history or looking for museum experience.

The visitor services volunteer position is ongoing, whilst the museum stores volunteer will support the museum on a fixed-term project until July 26 - though there may be the possibility of an extension beyond that.

Announcing the volunteering opportunities, James McLean, curator and volunteer co-ordinator at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming new volunteers to our museums in Irvine and Dumbarton.

“At the Scottish Maritime Museum, we are always keen to understand the time our volunteers want to commit.

"We then plan that time carefully so that all our volunteers feel their efforts are genuinely helping support and promote our charity and the rich national maritime heritage within the collections. 

“In return, we want all our volunteers to have some fun and enjoy their time with us.

"For some, they’ll learn great new skills that they can take forward into employment. For those who are retired, time spent at the Museum can spark exciting new interests. 

“Both positions also offer quite different day to day experiences. 

"The visitor services volunteer role is perfect for those who would like to improve their public speaking and knowledge of history.

"Activities include guiding tours to our working triple expansion steam engine and 1920s shipyard worker's tenement flat, helping bring our exhibits and exhibitions to life for our visitors and supporting our year-round events programme which includes Pirate Days, Halloween and much more.

“The museum stores volunteer will work closely with our curators, carrying out light conservation work, inventory management, condition reporting and other vital curatorial activities in the collection stores. 

“We can also support young volunteers, between the ages of 16 and 24 years, who wish to sign up for, and be recognised by, the Saltire Awards for their volunteering hours.”

For more information, please contact James by emailing James@scotmaritime.org.uk or calling 01294 278283.