As a national collection, the Scottish Maritime Museum collects, preserves and presents vessels, engineering and maritime artefacts representing shipbuilding and seafaring at Irvine and DumbartonThe Scottish Maritime Museum plays an important role within the Ayrshire tourism industry. The Museum reopened in 2012 after a grant from the Scottish Government enabled major restoration work to sustain the Linthouse into the future and the installation of contemporary new interpretation. The interpretation has a compelling and vibrant focus on telling the stories of the inventors, craftsmen and sailors behind the fascinating exhibition pieces.We continue to find new and exciting initiatives to enhance the experience for our returning visitors and attract new audiences. These range from discovering and conserving new historic vessels, staging innovative events and activities through to the creation of our stunning new national art collection.As a national visitor attraction, we work hard with other public and private organisations to promote not just the Museum but the region as a whole as an increasingly world-class and engaging experience for visitors.Beyond tourism, the Scottish Maritime Museum plays a major role within the local community. As well as being an employer through Museum staffing and through the Boat Building School trainee scheme supported by Community Jobs Scotland, the Museum is committed to developing life-long learning and helping tackle the increasing isolation faced by many nowadays through a volunteering programme and, more recently, the launch of a new ‘Men's Shed. We also work with many local agencies offering placements across a wide range of roles to Ayrshire and Arran Occupational Health, Schools, and North Ayrshire Criminal Justice.