Learning Gaelic? Want to practise with other learners?

Join this informal group of Gaelic learners for a relaxed morning working together on Gaelic Conversation.. They meet regularly on Fridays in the Museum Cafe. Fàilte bhlàth dhan a h-uile duine. // All levels of ability welcome.

Friday 31st October, 14th November, 28th November and 12th December 10:15am

Meet in the Merchants Room, WAVES Cafe

For further information, please contact Kayren Hall by e-mail: kayren@ btinternet.com.

This event is run by an external community group, not the Museum. If you have any questions or queries, please contact Kayren Hall via the email address above.

We are excited to be a part of East Neuk Knits, hosting a series of workshops and talks as part of this festival of woolen craft and creativity.

Saturday 29 November

11 am: St Monans 1875 Memorial Talk - why now?

2 pm: Curator’s Talk with Jen Gordon of The Scottish Fisheries Museum

3 pm: Artist’s Talk with Beverley Carruthers: Herring Girls and Gu’un the Fish an’ That

Sunday 30 November

11.30 am: Farmer’s Talk with Bowbridge Alpacas Scotland

2pm: Tunisian Crochet with Samira Hill

Full details of the programme at: https://www.eastneukknit.com/workshops

Direct link for tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/eastneukknits/1769039

Festive Gallery I-Spy

Our cheeky wee mascot Kipper the Cat is getting into the festive spirit and playing a game of hide and seek in the galleries - can you help us find him?

Saturday 29th November - Saturday 20th December During Opening Hours

Free with Museum Admission

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

The Museum is closed from Sunday the 21st of December for Christmas and New Year.

Best wishes for the festive season from all at the Scottish Fisheries Museum!

We look forward to seeing you again on Wednesday the 7th of January 2026

Our historic boat Reaper will be making an appearance at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy, Aberdeenshire.

27th - 29th June

Portsoy Harbour, all day

Be sure to say hello to the Boats Club volunteers if you’re there, and get a closer look on board.

Find out more about the Festival at: stbfportsoy.org.

The White Wing will be attending the Fisherrow Harbour Festival, on the 10th of May!

This is a fabulous opportunity to see this beautiful historic vessel up close and have a chat with our friendly volunteers!

More information about the Fisherrow Harbour Festival can be found here.

Annual Service of Remembrance for fishermen and lifeboatmen lost at sea.

Saturday 26th October

Scottish Fisheries Museum, Memorial Room

If you would like to attend to commemorate a family member or friend lost to the sea, please contact the museum on 01333 310628 or enquiries@scotfishmuseum.org for further details.

Join us for some fizzy family fun!

Most of us have big brand cleaning products in our homes, but have you ever thought about making your own? Come along and have some fun making some eco-friendly toilet bombs and take home some recipes to try yourself. We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly but if you have any queries please contact us. This workshop is part of Fife’s Climate Festival.

N.B. The toilet fizzers will need to harden overnight. They will be ready for collection on Saturday 18th October. You can bring your own ice cube tray with you so they can dry at home. If this isn’t possible, please let us know when booking so we can make arrangements.

All materials provided. Open to all ages and families welcome.

Friday 17th October 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Free but please book in advance.

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org to book your place.

Join the Museum for three days of festivities at Anstruther Harbour.

Visit our Model Boat Club displays in the former Sun Tavern, and climb aboard our historic Herring Drifter ‘Reaper’ in the Harbour.

Inside the Museum, we’ll have a pirate workshop and a programme of music and dance performances and sea shanty workshops on Saturday and Sunday.

Outside, we’ll have our annual Fisherlass and Lad Ceremony (Saturday 1pm) plus, across the weekend, there will be food, drink, craft and charity stalls lining the folly, yachts mustering in the water, children’s entertainers and live bands.

See the full programme at: https://www.anstrutherharbourfestival.org/

Grab a bag and join us for a beach clean!

We are partnering with Fife Communities Climate Action Network for the Museum’s annual beach clean at Castle Street Beach. We will have litter pickers, bags and clipboards but if you have your own please bring them as numbers will be limited.

Unlike other litter picks you might have done, we will be collecting a survey of the litter collected. These surveys are the most important part of the day other than having some fun on the beach with like minded people.

The survey data will be collated by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). MCS has been running beach cleans and their flagship event, Great British Beach Clean, for 25 years. Every year, staff and volunteers head to beaches up and down the coast to collect litter and record data about what they find, contributing to citizen science. So far, 319 tonnes of litter have been collected at Great British Beach Clean events. The litter data collected informs various projects MCS are involved with, and is shared with the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) contributing to a worldwide report on litter levels. All this data has helped inform new policies to tackle beach litter and plastic pollution in the UK such as the plastic bag charge, a ban on microplastics in personal care products and better wet wipe labelling.

Saturday 1st November 12:00 - 1:00pm

Meet at the museum

Feel free to bring a picnic blanket and lunch

What will I learn? An opportunity to learn about how citizen science projects like ‘Great British Beach Clean’ can be used to gather data and influence policy.

Where is the event taking place?: Meet at the Scottish Fisheries Museum until 12:00. If you arrive later, head straight to the beach at the end of Castle Street. There will be a large flag marking the start of the stretch where you can collect your equipment and litter survey sheet.

What to bring: We’d recommend you pack a rucksack with a few essentials like waterproofs, hand sanitiser, and perhaps some snacks and a drink (in a reusable bottle, of course).

What to wear: If you’re picking up litter with your hands, it’s worth wearing a strong pair of gloves - like gardening gloves - just to make sure you’re protected. Sturdy shoes are a must for protection too. As it is just after halloween you are welcome to come in costume but it may get a bit dirty.

Under 16s: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

Free October Half Term Activities

Join us and have some relaxing fun at the museum this half term!

WEAVE YOUR WASTE DROP-IN - Tuesday 14th October 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Upcycle your waste into a woven fabric coaster. This event is part of Fife’s Climate Festival.

EAST NEUK FAMILY LEARNING ROADSHOW - Wednesday 15th October, 1:00pm - 3:00pm, At Waid Academy

Join us and other groups for some family fun at the next roadshow.

ECO HOME FIZZ WORKSHOP - Friday 17th October 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Join us for some fizzy family fun. Making some eco-friendly toilet bombs. This workshop is part of Fife’s Climate Festival.

COASTAL CLAY WORKSHOP - Wednesday 22nd October 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Have a go at creating your own clay tile to take home using ‘found objects’ from our local beach to create patterns and textures.

ART DETECTIVE WORKSHOP - Friday 24th October 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Explore our art collection with a conservator’s hat on and then make decisions to create your own artwork to take home.

STORYTIME WITH KIPPER - Sunday 2nd November

Join Kipper for a story, play and craft session in our atmospheric Zulu Gallery.

Free activities but donations towards materials are always welcome.

Free Halloween Activities

Join us for a spooky Halloween at the Museum!

• Take part in our Pumpkin Trail or Spooky Halloween Scavenger Hunt (Saturday 11th October - Sunday 2nd November)
• Crafty Fun on our Art Cart in the Zulu Gallery
• Spooky Storytime with Kipper - Sunday 2nd November

Free but donations towards materials always welcome.

We’re thrilled to be taking part in Maths Week Scotland 2025!

Have a go at our “Kipper the Cat’s Maths Trail” as you tour the museum galleries. Join Kipper as he embarks on his first fishing trip, solving puzzles along the way and explore the different ways in which fishermen use maths both in the past and today. Suitable for ages 8-12.

Saturday 20th - Sunday 28th September. During Opening Hours.

Included with Museum Admission

Calling all Teachers! We also have a schools version of the trail, so why not visit the museum with your class and find out how maths was important to the lives and livelyhoods of fishermen. To arrange your visit please contact Julia our Learning and Engagement Officer on 01333 310628 or email julia@scotfishmuseum.org.

This event is part of Maths Week Scotland. Find more ideas for family activities on the Maths Week website or follow the hashtag to inspire maths-themed curiosity!

Follow the Pumpkins!

Join us for a spooky Halloween at the Museum! Follow the pumpkins around the galleries to discover the stories and spirits lurking in the shadows of our historic buildings. Look out for hidden Halloween characters on the way!

7th October - 3rd November 2024

Free with Museum Admission

Free Storytelling Session

Join our friendly cat Kipper for some seasonal book readings for children with a salty twist from our atmospheric fishermans loft!

Sunday 17th December 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Free - ask at Reception for directions

Join us for our annual onlne Knit and Natter!

This is a chance for our Gansey Knit and Natter group - launched as part of our ‘Knitting the Herring’ Project during lockdowns of winters past - to get together for an annual catch-up to celebrate International Gansey Day on 23rd November.

Anyone is welcome to join this group. The meeting will be held over Zoom.

Thursday 28th November 7.00pm - 8.00pm

Anyone is welcome to join us

Please contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more information on how to take part.

Join us for this festive art workshop!

Let’s get festive and create your own wrapping paper! Have a go at block printing using our festive stamps or create your own. Design your own wrapping paper to take home. We will provide white craft paper, but if you would like to bring your own special or premium paper to use please do.

All materials provided. Aimed at children aged 5 years old and upwards.

Please Note: This workshop could be messy so old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are recommended.

Monday 11th December 3.20pm - 4.30pm

Free workshop but spaces are limited so please book in advance.

BOOK HERE

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Join us for some relaxed festive fun!

It’s never too early for festive crafts. Join us for some festive crafts at the Museum. Drop-In anytime between 1.30pm and 3.00pm and have some messy arts and crafts fun!

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Saturday 2nd December 1.30pm - 3.00pm

Free but donations towards materials are always welcome.

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Santa is coming to the Museum for one day only!

Come to the Waves Café on Friday 15th December and see Santa. He might even have a small gift just for you! Pop into the cafe between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm and maybe do some Christmas shopping in our shop, or follow our festive trail around the museum while you are here.

Friday 15th December 11.00am - 1.00pm

Let’s have some relaxed crafty fun this half-term!

Join us and have some fun gluing fabric on pegs to create your own peg person! Be inspired by traditional fishwife outfits you see in our current exhibition ‘Yellow Butterflies. Drop-In anytime between 2.00pm and 4.00pm and have some messy arts and crafts fun!

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Friday 16th February 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Free but donations towards materials are always welcome.

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Join us for some dressing up!

We have some great kid’s friendly costumes for the kids to dress up in! A selection of our school and family dressing-up box will be available for Museum visitors young and old to try on. Get into character as a fishwife, fisherlass or fisherman. Drop In anytime between 10.30am and 12.30.

Friday 4th July 10.30am - 12.30

Free with Museum Admission

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Join us for this fun musical event!

Pop into the Scottish Fisheries Museum and explore why working songs were an important part of life for Herring Lasses and fishing communities. Have a go at singing some songs and learn some Gaelic words while gutting our fabric fish! See how many you can gut in a minute.

The workshop is being led Meg Hyland who has researched the role of music in the lives of Scottish herring girls. This event is funded through Seachdain na Gàidhlig Small Grants Funding and is part of a wider series of events in Anstruther for World Gaelic Day 2024.

All materials provided. Everyone Welcome.

Saturday 24th February 1.30pm - 3.00pm

Free Family Friendly Workshop

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

The Scottish Fisheries Museum is grateful to Seachdain na Gàidhlig for supporting this event through their Small Grants Fund. This is one of a series of events happening in Anstruther celebrating Seachdain na Gàidhlig. Seachdain na Gàidhlig is organised by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative Scotland.

Air a mhaoineachadh le Seachdain na Gàidhlig tro Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag, le taic bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig // Funded by Seachdain na Gàidhlig’s Small Grants Fund with support from Bòrd an Gàidhlig

Free Storytelling Session

Join our friendly cat Kipper for some seasonal book readings for children with a salty twist from our atmospheric fishermans loft!

Sunday 18th February 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Free - ask at Reception for directions

Join us for Valentine themed crafts this half term!

We have left some Valentine crafts on our Art Cart. As part of your visit pull up a chair and have a go at making a Valentine Basket or Card for someone special. Baskets were an important piece of equipment for Fishwives to carry the catch when selling it. Have a go at weaving a mini heart basket. Instructions and materials will be provided. Stop off as part of your museum visit.

Saturday 10th - Wednesday 14th February during opening hours

Free with Museum Admission

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Join in the Family Wildlife Trail this Half Term!

Investigate the wonderful wildlife connected to our collections as part of a trail organised by Kids in Museums and Walker Books. The egg-citing national family trail celebrates the release of Feather, the latest book in the Twitchers Series from bestselling children’s author M. G. Leonard.

Join birdwatching detectives the Twitchers and explore the beautiful birds and amazing sea creatures at the Museum - it’s not just fish! Pick up a free activity sheet to join in and have a hoot with your family. Find all the feathered friends hidden in the collection and make your own family pledge to protect local wildlife. Complete the trail and get a free Twitchers sticker!

Families will also have the chance to enter a caw-some national prize draw competition to win one of five bundles of all four books in the Twitchers Series. Kids in Museums is inviting children to design their own bird or animal sidekick and share their drawing on Twitter/X or Instagram with the hashtag #TwitchersMuseumAdventure and tag @kidsinmuseums for a chance to win.

Saturday 10th - Thursday 25th February During Opening Hours

Free with Museum Admission

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Join us for this talk and musical event!

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fisherfolk from all over Scotland came through Fife as they were following the herring. Women who worked as herring gutters sang in Gaelic as they worked in ports along the east coast. At this event, Meg Hyland will share examples of Gaelic songs sung by herring gutters of this era and discuss the linguistic and musical exchange that happened between speakers of Gaelic, Scots and English in the fishing industry. The audience will learn some songs and are welcome to join in the singing (but this is not compulsory).

The Scottish Fisheries Museum is grateful to Seachdain na Gàidhlig for supporting this event through their Small Grants Fund. This is one of a series of events happening in Anstruther celebrating Seachdain na Gàidhlig. Seachdain na Gàidhlig is organised by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative Scotland.

Saturday 24th February 4.00pm - 5.30pm

Venue: Dreel Halls, Anstruther

Free Event but please book in advance BOOK HERE

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Air a mhaoineachadh le Seachdain na Gàidhlig tro Mhaoin nan Tabhartas Beag, le taic bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig // Funded by Seachdain na Gàidhlig’s Small Grants Fund with support from Bòrd an Gàidhlig

The East Neuk Festival is coming to the Museum!

In the dramatic setting of our Zulu Gallery, harpist and composer Esther Swift will create an atmospheric evocation of the story of the Zulu fishing fleets, once ubiquitous in East Scotland.

The Zulu was invented in 1879 (also the year of the Anglo-Zulu War, hence…) and swiftly became the vessel of choice for fishermen all around Scotland’s coasts. Its dominance was ended by World War I, and by the development of steam, then diesel powered boats. Many of these graceful craft were simply left to rot on the shores – some can still be found.

Esther Swift is creating a piece bringing together community and professional musicians to evoke the boats and the communities that depended on them, the storms they weathered and the lives they led at sea and on land.

Friday 28th June 5.00pm

Tickets £5. Book via the East Neuk Festival Website

BOOK HERE

See the East Neuk Festival Website for more information.

Image Credit: East Neuk Festival

Join Margaret Ritchie and delve into the image and identities of Scotland’s fishwives.

Based on her oral history research with retired Fisherrow fishwives, Margaret will share how important their clothes, both working and dress outfits, were in creating their occupational identities. She will also share stories of the working lives of these independent businesswomen. This is also a final opportunity to see our exhibition ‘Yellow Butterflies’ before it closes on the 18th March. This event is a chance to hear snippets from Margaret’s interviews with Scottish fishwives and a chance to ask any questions you have.

A relaxed event to which anyone is welcome and refreshments will be available.

Friday 15th March 7.00pm - 8.30pm

BOOK HERE

Book in advance but some tickets will be available on the day

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Free Activities this Easter

Join us and have some relaxing family fun at the museum this Easter break!

EASTER CHICK HUNT Friday 29th March - Sunday 14th April (during opening hours)

Some naughty Spring chickens have escaped the nest and are roaming the museum galleries! Help us track them down in this fun free trail over the school holidays. How many Easter chicks you can find?

EASTER CRAFTS DROP-IN - Friday 29th and Saturday 30th March, 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Let’s get crafty this Easter! Join us for some fun Easter themed crafts.

STORYTIME WITH KIPPER - Sunday 31st March, 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Join Kipper for storytime in our atmospheric Fisherman’s Cottage Attic

EAST NEUK FAMILY LEARNING ROADSHOW - Wednesday 3rd April at The Waid Academy

Join us and other groups for some family fun at the next roadshow.

Free activities but donations are always welcome.

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

How many Easter chicks can you find?

Some naughty Spring chickens have escaped the nest and are roaming the museum galleries! Help us track them down in this fun free trail over the school holidays. Running during museum opening hours.

Friday 29th March - Sunday 14th April

Free with museum admission.

Free Storytelling Session

Join our friendly cat Kipper for some seasonal book readings for children with a salty twist from our atmospheric fishermans loft!

Sunday 31st March 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Free event - ask at Reception for directions

Free Family Easter Crafts

Let’s get crafty this Easter! Join us for some fun Easter themed crafts over the Easter Holidays. Free fun activities for all the family.

Friday 29th & Saturday 30th, 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Free event but donations towards materials always welcome.

Free Storytelling Session

Join our friendly cat Kipper for some seasonal book readings for children with a salty twist from our atmospheric fisherman’s loft!

Sunday 14th April 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Free event - ask at Reception for directions

Free Family Crafts Drop-In

Let’s get crafty! Join us for some fun crafts inspired by the 100 Species Exhibition. Free fun activities for all the family.

Saturday 27th April, 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Free event but donations towards materials are always welcome.

Free Storytelling Session

Join our friendly cat Kipper for a story, song and activity for children with a salty twist from our activity zone in the atmospheric Zulu Gallery! .

Sunday 21st July 2.00pm - 2.30pm

Free event - ask at Reception for directions

Come for a blether and share your memories of Fife fishing communities

We are really excited to be guest hosting St Andrews Memories group here in May with the R & A World Golf Museum and St Andrews Heritage Museum focussing on the fishing communities of Anstruther and St Andrews but sharing general memories of life on the coast in East Fife - you don’t have to be “born and bred” and you don’t have to be old!! It’s a very relaxed and friendly group sharing stories of life in the area over a cup of tea with archive photos and newspaper cuttings to help recall events and reminiscences – feel free to bring your own pictures or clippings! This event is free and starts at 2pm.

Tuesday 7th May, 2.00pm - 3.30pm

For more information click here or please feel free to drop me, Jen, a line or give me a call for more information on jen@scotfishmuseum.org or 01333 310628

A fun, friendly introduction to Gaelic learning

Join Kirsty Strachan for this FREE 6 weeks Gaelic beginners class at the Scottish Fisheries Museum. This class will be ideal for those who have been studying on Duolingo or are brand new to the language and want to dip their toe into the water before moving to Community Use Classes. Spaces are limited so please email Kirsty.Strachan@fife.gov.uk to secure your place or call 03451 555 555 (Extension Number 460574).

Starts Friday 3rd May, 1.00pm - 2.30pm

Fàilte gu Gàidhlig//Welcome to Gaelic

Join us for arty fun!

Come to the museum for some arts and crafts. Be inspired by the creatures in our current exhibition 100 Species and create something to take home. We provide the art materials for you just have fun and be creative. What will you make?

Saturday 18th May 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Free with Museum Admission

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Free Storytelling Session

Join our friendly cat Kipper for some stories and songs with a salty twist fortnightly on Monday afternoons every fortnight. Enjoy a story or two and sing some songs for all ages.

2.00pm - 2.30pm Monday 8th July, 22nd July, 5th August and 12th August

Free event - ask at Reception for directions

Join us for some dressing up!

We have some great kid’s friendly costumes for the kids to dress up in this in-service day! A selection of our school and family dressing-up box will be available for Museum visitors young and old to try on. Get into character as a fishwife, fisherlass or fisherman. Drop-In anytime between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Thursday 9th May 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Free with Museum Admission

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Hear the Newhaven Community Choir at the Museum!

We are delighted to be welcoming the Newhaven Community Choir to the Museum for two special performances in our Zulu Gallery. Inspired by our current exhibition 100 Species the Choir will perform a short concert from our Zulu beach. The choir is a community that sings together ‘connecting people and place through the joy of song’.

The Choir was founded in Spring 2014 with funds raised by Duncan Bremner of Citizen Curator. His inspiration was to re-start a choir in Newhaven which was once known for both the singing of both the Newhaven Fishwives Choir and the Fisher Lassies. The choir was started under Jed Milroy’s musical direction and travelled around several locations in Newhaven, combining song, art and spectacle. Newhaven Community Choir is a friendly and informal group and welcome anyone who would like to sing with them. The choir has performed at various events and venues including The National Portrait Gallery, Newhaven Gala Day, and Anstruther’s Dreel Halls.

Sunday 19th May at 1.45pm and 3.15pm

Free Event

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Learn how to applique by hand at this workshop!

Hand applique is a hand sewing technique that is creative, fun, and can be a relaxing hobby. During this workshop, you will create your own applique design inspired by our current exhibition 100 Species, learn a new skill, and have some fun along the way. This workshop is suitable for anyone aged over 13 years old.

Refreshments will be provided and all materials will be supplied.

Friday 7th June 4.00pm – 5.30pm

Tickets £5 to cover material costs

EVENT CANCELLED

Contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org.

Join Kipper the Cat’s Summer Club at the Museum!

This summer join us for our second year of ‘Kipper’s Summer Club’. Come to our summer activities and receive your own Club Member Card to collect stamps every time you participate. Collect enough stamps and get a special Kipper prize! Activities on every week of the summer holidays on either a Tuesday or Thursday.

Benefits include:

• Free to join
• Attend as many summer events as you like
• Get your own Club Card
• ‘At Home’ activity packs to take away at some events

Most of our summer events are free but please see individual event listings for details.

Free to Join

Summer Club Activities run from Saturday 5th July till Sunday 17th August

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Summer Activities and Events

Have some fun at the Museum this summer at our weekly activities and events. Events vary from crafts, storytelling to a little bit of science. Our Art Cart will be in the Zulu Gallery all summer with crafts and games to enhance your visit.

Live locally? Why not join Kipper’s Summer Club and support the Museum while collecting stamps towards a special prize! Find out more here.

June - August 2024

Free with Museum Admission or £2.50 Event Only

We need your help to shape one of the biggest untold stories in Scottish history!

We’re looking for ex-whalers, their families and the wider communities to help us create the Whalers’ Memory Bank - a digital time capsule telling the stories of whaling industry veterans in their own words.

To do this we’re hosting a workshop to hear your stories and see your photos:

Sunday 23 June, 11:00am - 12:30pm

To book onto the workshop email: memorybank@sght.org

Supported by: Heritage Fund UK & Heritage Fund Scotland

We need your help to shape one of the biggest untold stories in Scottish history!

We’re looking for ex-whalers, their families and the wider communities to help us create the Whalers’ Memory Bank - a digital time capsule telling the stories of whaling industry veterans in their own words.

Drop in and see us - those with no direct whaling connections are also welcome!

Sunday 23 June, 1.30 - 3:30pm

For more information email: memorybank@sght.org

Supported by: Heritage Fund UK & Heritage Fund Scotland

Join us for this arty drop-in!

Have some fun ink printing at this ASN-friendly drop-in session. Design and print a cover for your won holiday journal to keep track of your summer adventures. Design your own stamp or use ours.

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Thursday 4th July 1.30pm - 3.30pm

£2.50 per child or Free with Museum Admission or Kipper Club Membership

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Have a go at weaving!

We have lots of woven baskets in the Museum. Join us at this ASN-friendly drop-in session and try weaving your own mini-basket from paper and yarn or do some paper weaving. Don’t have time to finish it? No problem you can take everything away to finish it at home.

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Saturday 20th July 2.00pm - 3.30pm

£2.50 per child or Free with Museum Admission or Kipper Club Membership

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Seize the power of the wind!

Wind was important in powering sail boats like the Reaper. Join us and make your own kite to catch the wind. Then head to the beach to see how it will fly. Don’t have time to finish it? No problem you can take everything away to finish it at home.

All materials provided. ASN Friendly and open to all ages. Booking is Advised

Thursday 18th July 1.30pm - 3.30pm

£2.50 per child or Free with Museum Admission or Kipper Club Membership

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information or to reserve your place.

Image Source: 1001FreeDownloads.com

Join us for this family friendly workshop!

Explore our art collection with a conservator’s hat! Discover how conservators make decisions by looking at museum artworks. Then join us in our Education centre and make your own decisions to create your own artwork to take home or just have some arty fun. We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly but if you have any queries please contact us.

All materials provided. Open to all ages and families welcome.

Friday 24th October 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Free but donations welcome

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information

Join us for this yarntastic drop-in!

Have some fun with yarn and create a pom-pom crab at this ASN-friendly drop-in session. Don’t have time to finish it? Not a problem you can take all the materials away with you to finish at home.

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Thursday 1st August 1.30pm - 3.30pm

£2.50 per child or Free with Museum Admission or Kipper Club Membership

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Explore our collection up close!

Join our Assistant Curator to explore our collection up close! Get hands-on with museum objects and have a go at some of the activities our curators do to care for and record them.

All materials provided. ASN-Friendly and open to all ages.

Thursday 8th August 1.30pm - 3.30pm

£2.50 per child or Free with Museum Admission or Kipper Club Membership

Please contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Seize the power of the wind!

Wind was important in powering sail boats like the Reaper. Join us and make your own wind spinner to catch the wind. This activity is ASN-Friendly.

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Wednesday 14th August 1.30pm - 3.30pm

£2.50 per child or Free with Museum Admission or Kipper Club Membership

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information or to reserve your place.

The Reaper, the Scottish Fisheries Museum’s historic Fifie herring drifter, will be open to visitors in Anstruther Harbour over the summer.

Climb aboard to see how the herring, the mainstay of the Scottish fishing industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries, were caught and brought to shore..

Come below decks to visit the cabin, galley and engine room, and the fish-hold exhibition where we tell the story of the industry and the part the Reaper played.

Meet the volunteer crew and hear how they sail the Reaper today

Open 3 August 2024

11 am - 2 pm

Entry by donation

Open selected Thursdays ans Saturdays - check the Scottish Fisheries Museum website and social media for details.

Family Museum Trail on this August!

Join us for a brilliantly bonkers museum trail, part of the national Grimwood Museum Adventure with Kids in Museums and Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. The trail celebrates the release of the latest book in the Grimwood series: Party Animals, written and illustrated by Nadia Shireen. Spot as many animals as you can find, complete puzzles and build a barmy bird’s nest from objects you can spot in the museum! Complete the trail and get a free Grimwood sticker. There is also a competition to enter!

Saturday 3rd August to Monday 30 September During Opening Hours

Free with Museum Admission

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

The Grimwood Book Series: Fox cub siblings, Ted and Nancy escape urban life and find themselves in Grimwood, the forest where anything can happen. Along with their new friends, Willow the Rabbit, Sharon the Party Crow, Titus the Stag, and more squirrels than they know what to do with, they face the toughest challenges, embark on the maddest adventures, learn the biggest life lessons and have the most fun two fox cubs can have.

Join us for Kids Aloud!

This summer holiday we’re taking part in Art Fund’s Kids Aloud campaign - when noisy kids are allowed to be loud! Join us every Thursday in August from 10am-3pm for our Kids Aloud timeslot, when children can be energetic and noisy whilst exploring our galleries. We’ll have a special Art Detective Trail around the galleries, our art cart will be out with fun activities and games and don’t forget our hands-on Kipper the Cat activities in the galleries. There’s no need to book, just turn up and have some noisy fun!

Every Thursday in August 10.00am - 3.00pm

Free with Museum Admission

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Join our Model Boat Club Volunteers for this drop-in!

Have a question about your model boat? Have a model that needs mending but don’t know how? Come and ask one of our volunteers at our ‘Bring Your Model Boat’ event. Drop in to our workshop anytime between 10am and 12 noon and ask our volunteers for their advice or any questions model related you may have.

Monday 26th August 10.00am - 12.00

Free Event

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

The Reaper, the Scottish Fisheries Museum’s historic Fifie herring drifter, will be open to visitors in Anstruther Harbour over the summer.

Climb aboard to see how the herring, the mainstay of the Scottish fishing industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries, were caught and brought to shore..

Come below decks to visit the cabin, galley and engine room, and the fish-hold exhibition where we tell the story of the industry and the part the Reaper played.

Meet the volunteer crew and hear how they sail the Reaper today

Open 8 August 2024

11 am - 2 pm

Entry by donation

Open selected Thursdays and Saturdays - check the Scottish Fisheries Museum website and social media for details.

The Reaper, the Scottish Fisheries Museum’s historic Fifie herring drifter, will be open to visitors in Anstruther Harbour this Easter weekend.

Climb aboard to see how the herring, the mainstay of the Scottish fishing industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries, were caught and brought to shore..

Come below decks to visit the cabin, galley and engine room, and the fish-hold exhibition where we tell the story of the industry and the part the Reaper played.

Meet the volunteer crew and hear how they sail the Reaper today

Open 18 - 19 April 2025

11 am - 3 pm

Entry by donation

Join artist and seaweed enthusiast Cally Nurse to make your own artwork and find out how to use seaweed in the kitchen, in the garden and even in the bath!

Sunday 25 August, 2pm-4pm

£25 - Adults. £15 - 12-18 years. Includes £5 donation to the Scottish Fisheries Museum.

Please book on Eventbrite or via www.arty-cal.com

Seaweed is the inspiration behind Cally’s exhibition ‘Entanglement’ which opens at the Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther on 4 August 2024. On show in the Merchant’s Room unitl 2 September - admission free.

Drop in after nursery or school for relaxed crafts and stories for kids

Fortnightly to 24th March

3.15pm - 4.30pm

Join Jen or Julia and Kipper the Cat and share a book or two in an atmospheric neuk of the museum with some fun activities to ease us into the week..

No booking required but let us know if you are planning to come along if you can - it helps us plan!

A suggested donation of £1 towards cost of materials etc. always appreciated.

All ages of child welcome but those aged 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Contact Jen on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more info.

Drop in after nursery or school for relaxed crafts and stories for kids

Fortnightly from 16th September

3.15pm - 4.30pm

Join Jen or Julia and Kipper the Cat and share a book or two in an atmospheric neuk of the museum with some not-too-tricky activities to ease us into the week as the days get shorter and chillier.

No booking required but let us know if you are planning to come along if you can - it helps us plan!

A suggested donation of £1 towards cost of materials etc. always appreciated.

All ages of child welcome but those aged 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Contact Jen on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more info.

Drop in after nursery or school for relaxed crafts and stories for kids

Fortnightly from 16th September

3.15pm - 4.30pm

Join Jen or Julia and Kipper the Cat and share a book or two in an atmospheric neuk of the museum with some not-too-tricky activities to ease us into the week as the days get shorter and chillier.

No booking required but let us know if you are planning to come along if you can - it helps us plan!

A suggested donation of £1 towards cost of materials etc. always appreciated.

All ages of child welcome but those aged 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Contact Jen on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more info.

Halloween at the Museum!

Join Kipper the Cat for some spooky stories in our fishermen’s loft

Monday 7th October, 2 - 3 pm

Suitable for children aged 5 - 10.

Free but donations always welcome.

Stories and Craft Session

(Ever-so-slightly!) Spooky Stories for Samhain and the start of winter with Jen and her trusty sidekick, museum mascot, Kipper the Cat.

The atmosphere in the museum becomes even more magical at this time of year, so pull up a floor cushion as we enjoy reading some family-friendly seasonal stories and have a post-Halloween chilled-out colouring and craft session together.

Sunday 2nd November, Drop-in between 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Free. No booking required but donations always welcome

Please contact Jen for more information by emailing jen@scotfishmuseum.org.

Join us for some October Holiday fun with Kipper the Cat!

Kipper will be on hand to help with a range of autumnal arty and crafty activities in the museum

Monday 1th October, 2 - 4 pm

Suitable for children aged 5 - 10.

Drop in and make something great to take home!

Free but donations towards materials always welcome.

Find us at the Autumn Family Learning Roadshow!

Lots of family-friendly activities for all ages: scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, fun, games, stories and more!

Cambo Gardens, Kinsbarns, Wednesday 16th October

Free Cafe Inc lunch 12 - 1 pm

Free activities 1 - 3 pm

Drop by our stall and get stuck in with our potato-printing activity

Drop in after nursery or school for relaxed crafts and stories for kids

Fortnightly to 24th March

3.15pm - 4.30pm

Join Jen or Julia and Kipper the Cat and share a book or two in an atmospheric neuk of the museum with some fun activities to ease us into the week..

No booking required but let us know if you are planning to come along if you can - it helps us plan!

A suggested donation of £1 towards cost of materials etc. always appreciated.

All ages of child welcome but those aged 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Contact Jen on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more info.

Drop in after nursery or school for relaxed crafts and stories for kids

Fortnightly to 24th March

3.15pm - 4.30pm

Join Jen or Julia and Kipper the Cat and share a book or two in an atmospheric neuk of the museum with some fun activities to ease us into the week..

No booking required but let us know if you are planning to come along if you can - it helps us plan!

A suggested donation of £1 towards cost of materials etc. always appreciated.

All ages of child welcome but those aged 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Contact Jen on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more info.

Pop in for for a Hot Chocolate and listen to a wintry tale or two while you make your own Christmas cards, decorations or wrapping paper.

Sunday 8th December

Drop in between 2pm and 3pm

Booking not essential but it’s helpful to know if you’re planning to come.

Children aged 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Free but donations towards refreshments and materials always welcome

Contact Jen on jen@scotfishmuseum.org or 01333 310628 more more info.

Join us at the Dreel Halls for this fun family event!

Pop into the Dreel Halls this World Gaelic Week for some fun fishy activities. Learn more about Scotland’s herring girls in our Herring History Corner. Dress up as a fisherlass or fisherlad, listen to some Gaelic songs and learn some Gaelic words for sea-related things while gutting our fabric fish! See how many you can gut in a minute. This event is perfect for families looking for a fun relaxing time with a sprinkling of Gaelic.

This is one of a series of events happening in Anstruther celebrating Seachdain na Gàidhlig

Saturday 1st March 2.30pm - 4.00pm

Free Family Friendly Workshop.

Drop-In and find us at the Dreel Halls ahead of the afternoon’s talk. Tickets for the talk are free and should be booked via Eventbrite

For more information contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org.

Come join us for this talk at the Dreel Halls!

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fisherfolk from all over Scotland came through Fife as they were following the herring. Women who worked as herring gutters sang in Gaelic as they worked in ports along the east coast. At this event, Meg Hyland will share examples of Gaelic songs sung by herring gutters of this era and discuss the linguistic and musical exchange that happened between speakers of Gaelic, Scots and English in the fishing industry. The audience will learn some songs and are welcome to join in the singing (but this is not compulsory).

Refreshments available by donation.

This event was organised in partnership with Fife Council and the Scottish Fisheries Museum to celebrate Seachdain na Gàidhlig. It is one of a series of events happening in Anstruther.

Saturday 1st March 4.00pm - 5.30pm

Tickets are Free but must be booked in advance. Book Now

Join us for fun family trail this half term!

From Wednesday 12th – Sunday 23rd February join us for the Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels Trail, organised by Kids in Museums and Little Tiger. The national trail for families is inspired by Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels by Ruth Lauren – a fun, feminist adventure series for children aged 9 – 12.

Tourmaline’s strange new magical powers are causing chaos and she desperately wants to know how to control them. When she receives a mysterious postcard promising her answers, she sets off on an unforgettable adventure to the Museum of Marvels.

Pick up a free activity sheet to join in at the Scottish Fisheries Museum. Search for Tourmaline, her friends and an assortment of magical objects hiding in the museum. Complete the spotter trail and get a free Tourmaline sticker!

Children can also design their very own Museum of Marvels. Three winning designs will win a signed Tourmaline book bundle and a National Art Pass (plus kids) courtesy of Art Fund – giving one adult plus children under 16 free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK as well as 50% off major exhibitions! Full competition terms and conditions: https://bit.ly/tourmalinetrail

Wednesday 12th – Sunday 23rd February

Free Trail with Museum Admission

For more information contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org.

Come join us for this fun workshop!

Join award winning poet Garry MacKenzie for this workshop to create poetry and play with language through collage poetry!

Collage poetry is creating new works by using already written phrases and building something new. This playful form helps explore how to construct writing and how the collage form can affect how it is read. We will take inspiration from our temporary exhibition ‘Buckhaven’s Hidden Harbour’ and use phrases about the fishing industry and what life was like for those who have jobs at sea and onshore.

Family friendly but recommended for children over 8 years old.

Friday 14th February 11:00am - 12:30

Book Workshop in Advance Here

Pay What You Can. All Materials Provided.

For more information contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org. We are grateful to The Scottish Book Trust for funding this workshop through Live Literature Funding.

Come join us for some family fun this half term!

Drop into Kipper’s Kids’ Zone where you’ll find a welcoming space to relax this Half Term break. Have a go at some simple arts and crafts, read some books, try some puzzles, play with some toys and see what awesome things you can spot in the museum on the way!

No booking required but let us know if you are planning to come along if you can - it helps us plan!

Wednesday 12th February 2:00pm - 3:15pm

Free Family Friendly Drop-In. Donations are always welcome.

For more information contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org.

Come join us for some family fun this half term!

Drop into Kipper’s Kids’ Zone where you’ll find a welcoming space to relax this Half Term break. Have a go at some simple arts and crafts, read some books, try some puzzles, play with some toys and see what awesome things you can spot in the museum on the way!

No booking required but let us know if you are planning to come along if you can - it helps us plan!

Sunday 16th February 2:00pm - 3:15pm

Free Family Friendly Drop-In. Donations are always welcome.

For more information contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org.

Come join us for this fun workshop!

Join award-winning poet Garry MacKenzie for this workshop to play with language through collage poetry!

Collage poetry is creating new works by using already written phrases and building something new. This playful form helps explore how to construct writing and how the collage form can affect how it is read. We will take inspiration from our temporary exhibition ‘Buckhaven’s Hidden Harbour’ and use phrases about the fishing industry and what life was like for those who have jobs at sea and on shore.

Everyone welcome. Family friendly. Recommended for children 8 years and older.

Friday 14th February 11:00am – 12:30pm

Creative Workshop. Book in Advance Here or Come Along on the Day

Pay What You Can. All Materials Provided

For more information contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org. We are grateful to The Scottish Book Trust for funding this workshop through Live Literature Funding.

Drop in after nursery or school for relaxed crafts and stories for kids

24th March

3.15pm - 4.30pm

Join Jen or Julia and Kipper the Cat and share a book or two in an atmospheric neuk of the museum with some fun activities to ease us into the week..

No booking required but let us know if you are planning to come along if you can - it helps us plan!

A suggested donation of £1 towards cost of materials etc. always appreciated.

All ages of child welcome but those aged 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Contact Jen on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more info.

Come for a blether and share your memories of St Monans

We are pleased to be partnering with St Monans Heritage Collection to host a relaxed and informal Memories Café where anyone with past or present links to St Monans is welcome to share living memories or passed-down family stories about this fascinating old fishing village with so many tales to tell! There will be photographs and books to spark conversation.

Tuesday 18th March 10:30am – 12:00 noon

Free Event. Refreshments available by donation.

Merchant’s Room at The Scottish Fisheries Museum

Booking not essential but it is helpful to have an idea of numbers so let us know if you are planning to come. For more information contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org.

Join us for this fascinating talk where we uncover The History and Symbolism of a Ship Figurehead

For decades an enigmatic figurehead has been displayed in the Fisheries Museum known as ‘The Fairy Queen’. But where did it come from, and what does it symbolise? In this talk Ellie Hyland shares the findings of her research into The Fairy Queen, a journey which explores the broader history of figureheads, from the people who made them to their legacy in maritime communities.

Our speaker Ellie Hyland is an Art History student at the University of St Andrews. She started volunteering at the Fisheries Museum in 2013, and currently resides in Anstruther. After graduation this summer she hopes to pursue a career in illustration.

Sunday 23rd March, 2 pm

Pay on the Door – Pay What you Can - Suggested Ticket Price of £3.50 (including refreshments).

There will be an opportunity to view the figurehead after the talk.

email jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more information or to reserve a seat.

Join the Spring Chicken Search Party!

Saturday 5th April - Monday 21st April

Running during museum opening hours

Some naughty little chicks have escaped the nest and are roaming the museum galleries! Help us track them down in this free, fun trail over the school holidays.

Contact Jen on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more info.

Welcome back the brighter days and warmer weather with some seasonal sea stories in an atmospheric neuk of the museum buildings

Sunday 6th April

Drop-in anytime between 2pm and 3pm

Free - all welcome - children age 9 and under should be accompanied by an adult

For more information contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org

We will be joining other community groups and charities for young people in the area to provide some fun, relaxing activities at our Spring get-together to which all East Neuk families are welcome to attend for free with lunches for children available beforehand.

Wednesday 9th April

1.00pm - 3.00pm

at Waid Community Campus

Contact Jen on 01333 310628 or by email jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more info.

Join Jen and her trusty sidekick Kipper the Cat in a relaxed Kids’ Zone of the museum during the Easter holidays.

Monday 14th April

Drop-in between 2pm and 3.30pm

With stories, crafts, colouring, cuddly toys, building blocks, oodles of arty stuff, puzzles and more plus awesome things to spot in the museum on the way to our Learning Room - our Easter Fun Drop-ins are sure to put a ‘Spring’ in your step!

Free with General Museum Admission or Drop-in Only by Donation

Booking not essential but it’s always helpful to know if you are coming!

Contact Jen on 01333 310628 or by email jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more info.

Join Jen and her trusty sidekick Kipper the Cat in a relaxed Kids’ Zone of the museum during the Easter holidays.

Thursday 17th April

Drop-in between 2pm and 3.30pm

With stories, crafts, colouring, cuddly toys, building blocks, oodles of arty stuff, puzzles and more plus awesome things to spot in the museum on the way to our Learning Room - our Easter Fun Drop-ins are sure to put a ‘Spring’ in your step!

Free with General Museum Admission or Drop-in Only by Donation

Booking not essential but it’s always helpful to know if you are coming!

Contact Jen on 01333 310628 or by email jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more info.

Become Weather Wise!

The weather has an impact on when fishermen can go to sea. Explore some superstitions and weather folklore and make your own weather themed craft to take home. We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly but if you have any queries please contact us.

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Tuesday 15th July 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Free but donations welcome

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Don’t forget to bring your Kipper Club Card

Fabric Fish Fun!

Join us for this family fun drop-in inspired by our current exhibition Forthlines. There are a variety of fish species in the Firth of Forth. Join us and create your own fish to take home. Have a go at stitching or sticking to make your fish. We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly but if you have any queries please contact us.

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Friday 22nd August 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Free but donations welcome

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Messy Art Fun!

Join us as we get the paints out for this family fun drop-in. Be inspired by our current exhibition Forthlines and paint your own rock to take home. We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly but if you have any queries please contact us.

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Thursday 24th July 11:00am - 1:00pm

Free but donations welcome

Please contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Don’t forget to bring your Kipper Club Card

What will you keep in your mini Kist?

While away from home fishermen and fisherlasses would keep their belongings in a chest called a ‘kist’ which they would decorate on the inside of the lid. Join us and decorate your own mini kist to take home. Will you decorate the inside, the outside or both? Be inspired by examples from our collection. We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly but if you have any queries please contact us.

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Tuesday 29th July 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Free but donations welcome

Please contact Jen Gordon on 01333 310628 or jen@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Don’t forget to bring your Kipper Club Card

Join us for this arty drop-in!

Have some fun ink printing on fabric at this family-friendly session. Drop in any time between 11am and 1pm. Print a lovely pattern on a fabric bag to keep your summer gear in. Design your own stamp or use ours. Will you choose a summer or sea life pattern? We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly but if you have any queries please contact us.

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Thursday 7th August 11:00am - 1:00pm

Free but donations welcome

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Don’t forget to bring your Kipper Club Card

Join us for this fishy themed drop-in!

We have lots of boat name boards in the Museum. Have a look at some of these to get inspiration then create your own fishy hanging sign to take home. We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly but if you have any queries please contact us.

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Tuesday 12th August 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Free but donations welcome

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Don’t forget to bring your Kipper Club Card

An Introduction to the Art of Needle Felting

Inspired by our exhibition ‘Forthlines’ join artist Jennie Loudon and have a go at needle felting. Using barbed needles you will learn how to “paint” with wool creating your own felted sea creature to take home. You will learn how to needle felt and add embellishments. The workshop is suitable for all ages and abilities. Children under 8 years of age must be supervised by an adult as sharp tools will be used. The workshop will occur four times during on the dates advertised.

Sunday 29th June and Tuesday 22nd July at 11:30am, 12:30, 1:30pm and 2:30pm

Tickets £4 per person (£2 for additional family members). Book in advance but some tickets will be available on the day.

BOOK HERE

All materials provided. Open to all ages. Under 8’s must have an accompanying adult.

Between workshops join Jennie in the exhibition space and add to our ‘Underwater Seascape Panel’. Once complete this will go on display as part of the exhibition. For more information please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Join us for the launch of a new pop-up exhibition exploring the hidden history and complex legacies of colonial-era fisheries in Lake Malawi.

The exhibition examines how two distinct fisheries management systems developed in parallel during the mid-twentieth century—one led by the colonial government and another by Senior Chief Makanjira at Mbenji Island.

This special evening will feature a roundtable discussion and reception with members of the research team.

5.30pm - 7.00 pm, 14 August 2025

At the Scottish Fisheries Museum and on Zoom

Admission Free

Book Online with Scotland Malawi Partnership Events

Join marine biologist Sean Flinn for a free, hands-on workshop exploring the ocean and how we can protect it!

Dive into the fascinating world of marine life in the Firth of Forth and learn about the impacts of plastic pollution and climate change on our local seas. Discover how waste affects coastal wildlife, hear about inspiring local efforts to protect our marine environment, and find out how you and your family can get involved.

Perfect for curious minds of all ages – no prior knowledge needed, just a love for nature and a willingness to learn!

Sean is Community Development Officer at Fife Communities Climate Action Network (FCCAN). The Museum is happy to welcome him back to deliver this engaging workshop.

All materials provided. Open to all ages and families welcome.

Saturday 30th August 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Free Workshop but please book in advance

To book please contact Julia at the Museum on 01333 310628 or email julia@scotfishmuseum.org. For more information please contact Sean at sean.flinn@fccan.org.uk.

Colourful Beads and Thread Fun!

Join us for this relaxed family fun drop-in. Grab some beads and some thread and have some colourful fun. We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly but if you have any queries please contact us.

All materials provided. Open to all ages.

Tuesday 26th August 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Free but donations welcome

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Keeping it Real

The Scottish Fisheries Museum and Scottish Maritime Museum invite you to explore Maritime Heritage in a Contemporary Context

We are partnering with the Scottish Maritime Museum who will host our second Shipshape Hub event at the Linthouse Building, Irvine. During the day there will be a programme of talks and presentations with tea/coffee and lunch, provided, followed by tours of the museum displays, boatbuilding school and vessels, and the option to join us for an evening meal.

Saturday 4th October 2025

10 am - 5 pm

Scottish Maritime Museum

Conference Fee: £16 (plus fees) covers all presentations, lunch, refreshments, and tours.

Optional evening meal at The Ship, Irvine (https://www.theshipayrshire.com/)

Under the umbrella of National Historic Ships UK, Shipshape Scotland brings together traditional skills, services and facilities across the nation’s 32 council areas. The Scottish Fisheries Museum is the Shipshape Scotland Hub and offers a range of activities and services available to local historic vessel owners, skilled craftsmen, businesses, heritage organisations, training bodies and maritime enthusiasts

See the Event Programme for details of speakers and topics. Book your place via Eventbrite.

https://www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org/

Join us for some family fun!

Drop-in to the Museum between 1:30pm - 3:30pm and explore some of the dangers facing our coastlines due to climate change. Have a go at some climate-related experiments (you may get wet) or get crafty at our craft station with some recyclable materials. We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly but if you have any queries please contact us. This drop-in is part of Fife’s Climate Festival.

All materials provided. Open to all ages and families welcome.

Saturday 27th September 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Free but donations welcome

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Image by Rosy / Bad Homburg / Germany from Pixabay

Join us for clay creative family workshop!

At this workshop we will get creative with clay using ‘found objects’ from our local beach to create patterns and textures. You are welcome to bring some ‘found objects’ with you or join us for a little walk down to Castle Street beach to see what we can discover. Then, back in the Museum we will get the clay out and see what patterns we can make. We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly, but if you have any queries, please contact us. This event is part of Fife’s Climate Festival.

All materials provided. Open to all ages and families welcome.

Wednesday 22nd October 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Free but donations welcome. Get in touch to reserve your spot.

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Join us for some wacky weaving!

Join us at this drop-in session and learn how to upcycle fabric waste into a woven pattern or fabric coaster. Don’t have time to finish it? No problem, you can take everything away to finish it at home.We plan our activities to be ASN-Friendly but if you have any queries please contact us. This drop-in is part of Fife’s Climate Festival.

All materials provided. Open to all ages and families welcome.

Tuesday 14th October 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Free but donations welcome

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

Join us for some stories and tales from the sea!

Join Finnish-born storyteller Riikka Palonen, who will bring us watery stories from the seven seas of the world – and from the 65,000 lakes of Finland! Riikka has always loved the sounds and scents of water, so much so that when she had her first job as a teenage girl, she saved up, bought herself a wooden rowboat and spent many happy days out on the lake.

This event coincides with an exhibition of Riikka’s paintings in the museum’s café gallery, so why not take a moment to take some refreshment in the café and see her work. Even in her artwork, the spirit of the storyteller shines through, and every one of her creations has its own story to tell. You can find Riikka’s story profile on https://tracscotland.org/storytellers/rikka-palonen/.

Monday 13th October 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Free Storytelling Event. Suitable for children aged 10 years and above. Donations Welcome

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information.

This event has been made possible due to the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s Big Scottish Story Ripple initiative. The Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) is organised by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) and the Big Scottish Story Ripple is supported by The Scottish Storytelling Forum.

Join us for a brew, biscuits and a blether about the past.

Do you remember a railway station that has disappeared? Do you know a lot about Fife’s railways or just want to have a chat? Come along to this drop-in session at the museum and share stories and memories of Fife’s railways. Meet new people, look at photos from our collection and chat about all things steam related.

This event is free, and anyone is welcome. Suitable for anyone who wants to chat about local history over a brew. The event is being held in the Museum Education Centre which is accessible via ramps in the Zulu Gallery.

Thursday 30th October 10:30am - 12:00noon

Free Event but donations welcome

Please contact Julia Branch on 01333 310628 or julia@scotfishmuseum.org for more information or to register your interest.

Learning Gaelic? Want to practise with other learners?

Join this informal group of Gaelic learners for a relaxed morning working together on Gaelic Conversation.. They meet regularly on Fridays in the Museum Cafe. Fàilte bhlàth dhan a h-uile duine. // All levels of ability welcome.

Friday 31st October, 14th November, 28th November and 12th December 10:15am

Meet in the Merchants Room, WAVES Cafe

For further information, please contact Kayren Hall by e-mail: kayren@ btinternet.com.

This event is run by an external community group, not the Museum. If you have any questions or queries, please contact Kayren Hall via the email address above.