Irvine’s
harbour moved to its current location in 1677 after its previous site at
the Low Green became unsuitable due to silting. The harbour then grew to
become the main port for Glasgow and it is appropriate that much of Scotland's
nautical heritage is housed here. 
The Scottish Maritime Museum houses an important collection of ships and nautical artifacts relating to the history of shipping in Scotland and Clyde shipbuilding. On show is the S.V. Carrick the
world's
oldest colonial clipper ship built in 1864. The Engine Shop is a massive
iron-framed building originally standing at the Linthouse yard at Govan.
There is a restored shipworker's flat in Montgomerie Street. Floating exhibits
include a traditional 'puffer' and early coastal vessels.