An award-winning museum in Dumbarton is hoping to welcome more youngsters through its doors thanks to a free travel offer.

The Scottish Maritime Museum is offering subsidies of up to £250 towards private coach hire so that more primary school kids can be inspired by its wide range of exhibits.

The scheme is designed in particular for children studying STEM subjects - science, technology, engineering and maths.

It is hoped that schools in areas of deprivation or rural isolation or without access to public transport will take part take advantage of the subsidy.

The STEM programme at the museum, housed on the site of the former innovative William Denny Shipyard, is aimed all ages.

Schools can choose from a range of bookable activities, for nurseries to S3, and bespoke staff-led guided tours and hands-on workshops or self-led teacher trails.

Jamie Menzies, the museum's learning and access officer, said: “With a nationally recognised collection of maritime heritage and engineering, the Scottish Maritime Museum is an exciting and directly relatable place for schoolchildren to embrace STEM learning, in particular engineering and mathematics.

“We have great trails, workshops and a flexible programme which means schools can choose between activities led by trained staff or self-guided experiences.

“Our education team is also happy to develop bespoke sessions catered to an individual school’s needs.

“We’re excited to offer this travel subsidy and welcome more schoolchildren to the Museum, particularly those who have been unable to visit before due to prohibitive transport costs.”

The museum is accepting bookings for now until the summer but, as the funding is a fixed amount and therefore offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, schools are urged to get in touch as soon as they can.

Teachers should call the museum on 01294 278283 or register their interest easily via an online form on the museum website at

www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org/schools-school-booking-request/

Further information on the education programme can be found online at scottishmaritimemuseum.org