An exhibition of ship models depicting vessels built by Ailsa Shipbuilding Company (Troon and Ayr) in the 19th and 20thcenturies opens at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine Harbourside on 21 February.

The collection of six detailed ‘builder’s models’, which are on long-term loan from South Ayrshire Council, were crafted by the Ailsa Shipbuilding Company’s model making department between 1909 and 1975. The vessels depicted include a 10 gun brig built to seize illegal slaver ships in the 19th century, steamers destined for Brazil, a Mexican Navy patrol vessel, a ferry commissioned by the company which pioneered the roll-on roll-off ferry after World War II and an anti-submarine frigate built in 1943.

The models, which are on display in the Museum’s Linthouse alongside new interpretation created by the curatorial team, were delivered by the previous stewards, Troon Community Council.

James McLean, Senior Curator at the Scottish Maritime Museum, says: “We are delighted to create a new home for this supberb collection of Ailsa Shipbuilding Company builder’s models and ensure they remain on display for everyone to enjoy. Together, they will give visitors a rich insight into shipbuilding in Ayrshire, in particular, of course, the hugely varied range of vessel that the Troon and Ayr yards of Ailsa Shipbuilding Company built for clients at home and across the world over two centuries. 

“The collection also complements the historic vessels, engineering and maritime artefacts and artwork within our nationally recognised maritime heritage collection, which visitors can see year round across our Museum.”

BRIEF BACKGROUND TO THE MODELS

Model of HMS Pantaloon, 1914 – Launched in 1831, this 10-gun brig became part of the British ‘Preventative Squadron’ seizing illegal slaver ships along the west coast of Africa.

Models of Twin Screw Steamer Itapura, 1912 – This model is one of two representing the seven twin screw steamers built for the Brazilian Companhia Nacional de Navega Çáo Costeira shipping company.

Model of HMS Loch Tarbert, 1944 – Launched in 1943, this Loch Class Anti-Submarine Frigate was the largest built by the company up to that point.

Doric Ferry – This steel twin screw motor vessel was built in 1962 for the Atlantic Steam Navigation Company which pioneered the roll-on roll-off ferry service after World War II.

Model of Azteca Class Fishery Protection Vessel  – Of the thirty one Azteca-class patrol vessels built for the Mexican Navy by British and Mexican shipbuilders, eleven were constructed at the Ailsa yard in Troon between 1974 and 1975.

 

The Linthouse, Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine Harbourside

The Ailsa Shipbuilding Company Model Collection is included in Museum Admission. 

The Museum is open daily 10am – 5pm. 

Up to three children go FREE with each Adult/Concession ticket.

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