Eyemouth Maritime Centre

Uncover the area’s fascinating smuggling industry at the Eyemouth Maritime Centre in the Scottish Borders.

The Eyemouth Maritime Centre is housed in an imaginative structure which has been reconfigured to give the outward impression to the casual eye of being an 18th century frigate, sitting alongside the Eyemouth Harbourside in what was formerly the town's Old Fish Market.

The current exhibition titled ‘The Smugglers’ outlines in graphic detail the activities of the UK's notorious coastal smuggling industry which was particularly prevalent from the late 18th to mid 19th centuries, and was the scourge of the Revenue officials. This is a fascinating insight into the world of the smuggler, at a time when commodities such as gin, brandy, wool, lace and tea became the 'meat and drink' of a clandestine world.

The exhibits are shown in authentic period settings - a smugglers' beach landing, a smugglers' cave and a typical pub scene of the age - and all supported by life-like models and boats of the type regularly used by the smuggling fraternity.

The same attention to detail extends to the interior of the structure. In keeping with the external vision of an 18th century frigate, the theme continues within, to create an atmospheric replica gun deck and living quarters of the period - complete with sound effects.

This permanent display allows the visitor the chance to savour something of what naval life must have been like for the officers and crew in those far-off times, as they went about their everyday duties - often in very difficult and treacherous conditions.