FOR MORE than a century, Govan was the heart of the Clyde’s shipbuilding industry.

Very little is left but the former Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Offices is a proud reminder of the area’s rich past.

Voted one of Glasgow's most admired buildings, this iconic, A-listed building is now home to offices and a heritage centre, which is throwing open its doors this month for the annual Festival of Museums.

This year’s event, which takes place all over Scotland from May 18 to 20 is a celebration of history, culture, arts and science in which venues are encouraged to let their hair down, take risks and try something new.

Highlights of previous festivals have included a pirate themed treasure hunt for tots, a boozy late night 20s themed extravaganza, and an incredible vintage funfair.

Organised by national development body Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS), Festival of Museums has been around since 2006.

It has grown steadily over the past 12 years to include more than 150 events in 2017.

In Glasgow this year, as you might expect, there is a huge emphasis on Charles Rennie Mackintosh, tying in with the 150th anniversary celebrations of the famous architect and designer.

Highlights include the Unbuilt Mackintosh talk at the Hunterian Gallery; a Mackintosh at GSA tour, and Mackintosh’s Glasgow city Walking Tour.

But there are many other gems too – look out for Music Memories at Kelvin Hall on May 18, which showcases the iconic venue’s past as a concert hall with performances inspired by the many bands and artists that have played at Kelvin Hall, with songs performed by primary schools involved in Glasgow CREATE’s Music4All Initiative, plus choirs and ukulele bands; and From Ponies to Peru at the Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour on May 19 and 20, a collection of stories, games, crafts and pony rides inspired by its current exhibition based on cargo and the Clyde.

Fairfield Heritage has lined up a range of fascinating activities for the Festival, including family-friendly events and a rare opportunity to see parts of the buildings which are not normally open to visitors.

Fairfield's Heritage Development and Property Officer Abigail Morris explains: “Many of our visitors are on a quest to find out about relatives who worked in the yard and so we have decided to host a family history and local history themed event with guidance on research and access to a specialist from Glasgow City Archives.

“To celebrate its 30th anniversary the Govan Reminiscence Group will also be at the event for the weekend.”

She adds: “For three decades the group has been celebrating and recording Govan's rich social history. The group will be sharing some of their reminiscences recorded in past years, some of which recount memories from as far back as WW1; they will also be exhibiting old postcards and photographs of Govan from their archives.”

One such postcard (pictured) shows Govan Cross (posted 1905), St Mary's Church and tenements on Greenwell Place. There will also be photographs on display, from a collection taken in the 1950s and 60s, donated by Archie Sinclair in 1990. One of the fantastic images (also pictured) is taken from Pearce Lane looking north towards the river, with the Harland & Wolff plater’s shed to the left.

The GRG display will give visitors the chance to explore old photos, postcards and records from the archives, and enjoy some of the oral recordings and video footage. Members of the group will be on hand to discuss how they explore and record the social history of Govan.

Fairfield events over the weekend include a rare behind-the scenes tour by Abigail and maritime historian Ian Johnston and a fun-filled weekend for kids, involving LEGO building, a large scale ship puzzle, a quiz and dressing up.

Sarah Burry-Hayes, Marketing Manager at Museums Galleries Scotland, said: “The Festival of Museums programme is bursting with fun events to spark the imagination and celebrate culture in Scotland. Visitors to fantastic venues such as Fairfield Heritage will experience museums in interactive, unexpected and hands-on ways.”

For a full programme of events, please visit www.festivalofmuseums.com.

For further information about Fairfield, please contact Abigail Morris on 0141 445 5866 or amorris@govanworkspace.co.uk

Do you have memories of Fairfield? We’d love to hear about them – email ann.fotheringham@heraldandtimes.co.uk with your stories and photographs.