Ayrshire: Food and crafts fun at Irvine's Maritime Museum

A collaboration between the museum and the 'Ayrshire Food An' A' That' initiative, it allowed visitors to discover a wide range of crafts by over 40 artisans, from glasswares, woodcraft, jewellery, scented candles and beauty products to art, gifts, fashion and homeware.

There was the opportunity to sample and buy from some of Ayrshire’s finest food and drink producers as well as pick up some new cooking ideas in Saturday’s Food Demo Theatre.

There were demonstrations by chef Mark Hunter and the Ayrshire Regional Food Group and visitors enjoyed lots of baking and treats as well as savouries from the Reggaelicious Food Truck.

Free entertainment over both days included the chance to see a model railway layout in the Linthouse along with a display of model lifeboats. Irvine Model Boat Club were also

The Ayrshire Classic Car Club was there too with 10 classic cars on Saturday and, on Sunday, the Scottish Fire Brigades Heritage Trust brought along a vintage fire engine for everyone to see.

Entertainment in the Linthouse reception on Sunday included Junkman’s Choir at 1pm and the Garnock Valley Traditional Music Group at 2pm.

Visitors could join a Rum Tasting Tour on Saturday.

After a welcome drink of West Coast ginger wine, visitors on the ticketed tour could  explore the maritime history of the Ayrshire coast and find out about characters from the past – including Saltcoats-born Betsy Miller, who was the first registered female ship’s captain, and Aggie MacIntosh, who lived in a typical shipyard worker's tenement flat.

The tour culminated with a tasting of three types of Scottish Rum at the ‘Captain’s Table’.

The Museum said on their Facebook site: "It was a pleasure having you join us celebrating the unique and amazing heritage there is in this area, associated with local food, drink and craft products."