Auld Kirk Museum 2025
Dunbartonshire
An outside view of the Scottish Maritime Museum in Dunbarton.
The Denny Experiment Test Tank
A great place for learning.
Discover how William Denny & Brothers’ innovative and experimental approach to shipbuilding made waves in the shipbuilding industry from the 1800s to 1963, with the world’s first commercial ship model experiment tank, the length of a football pitch. Enter the world of the Victorian ship designer, William Denny’s drawing office and find out how to design your own ship. Learn about Denny Brothers, builders of the famous 'Cutty Sark' and inventors of the Denny helicopter, Denny hovercraft and Denny-Brown stabilisers.
Operator: Scottish Maritime Museum
Address: Castle Street Dumbarton Dunbartonshire G82 1QS
Mon-Sat 1000-1600. (Closed 25-26 Dec; 1-2 Jan 2026.) Visit website or facebook for more details and advance booking.
Enter the world of the Victorian ship designer, in William Denny’s drawing office, and find out how to design your own ship. Learn about Denny Brothers, builders of the famous Cutty Sark and inventors of the Denny helicopter, Denny hovercraft and Denny-Brown stabilisers.
Experience the working environment of the model makers, clay moulders and carpenters in 1882. Try your hand at smoothing and carving a real wax hull model. Test different hull designs in our own mini experiment tank.
The Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank was built in 1882. It is one of the last reminders of the shipyard of the innovative and famous Company William Denny and Brothers. The tank was built to test ship hull designs and retains many original features including a water tank as long as a football pitch.
Enjoy light refreshments in our café and purchase a souvenir from our well stocked gift shop. Dumbarton Castle, a retail park are close by and the town centre is just a few minutes walk away.