Scotland’s part in the Cold War to be told in new exhibition

Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War will be explored in a new exhibition.  Nearly 200 objects, many on display for the first time, will be brought together to tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict at the National Museum of Scotland. Scotland’s geography and topography…

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Skeletons discovered in 5,000-year-old tomb in Orkney

Archaeologists have discovered the ruins of an incredibly rare 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb in Orkney. Fourteen articulated skeletons of men, women and children – two positioned as if they were embracing – were found at the site at Holm, East Mainland. The three-week excavation has revealed traces of a stone cairn 15m in diameter, which had…

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‘Whisky Galore!’ bottle bought by maritime museum

A BOTTLE of Scotch salvaged from the ship that inspired Whisky Galore! has been bought by the Scottish Maritime Museum. The unlabeled bottle of blended whisky was salvaged from the SS Politician, which ran aground off the Isle of Eriskay in 1941. George Currie, a diver from Orkney, recovered the bottle from the wreck in…

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The memories of 57 Great War veterans preserved

From his interviews with 57 veterans of the Great War, mainly from the north east of Scotland, Jock Duncan has captured first-hand accounts of the horror and survival of one of the darkest periods in our history. A substantial glossary is useful for those less familiar with the north east dialect of the soldiers. In…

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Super silverwork to go on show at National Museum

Recently graduated and early career silversmiths have been boosted as their work is to go on display in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. National Museums Scotland is pleased to announce this year’s recipients for the P & O Makower Trust Silver Commission, an exciting opportunity that supports young people in the creation of…

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Last chance to see robots exhibition in Edinburgh

This week marks the last chance to see Robots at the National Museum of Scotland. The hugely popular exhibition explores 500 years of humanity’s quest to re-imagine ourselves as machines. Developed by the Science Museum, Robots features a unique collection of over 100 robots, from the earliest automata to those from science fiction and modern-day…

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Enjoy a combined spooky and learning time

Halloween’s coming – and families are invited to don their most frightful Halloween costumes this weekend. They are being urged to head to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday, 27 October, to experience a special Spooky Saturday at the Chambers Street attraction. The free event, which is supported by players of People’s…

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See Scotland’s most stunning stones at new exhibition

A new display at the National Museum of Scotland will explore the beauty and variety of the nation’s hidden gems. Scotland’s Agates will examine how agates form, their diversity of colour and texture and how their allure has captured the imagination of scientists and amateur enthusiasts alike. Sometimes called ‘Scotch pebbles’, agates are semi-precious gemstones…

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Modernist jewellery exhibition to launch next month

Articulated necklace, silver and enamel, designed by Grete Prytz Kittelsen (1917–2010) in 1952, for J Tolstrup, Norway copyright National Museums Scotland

A collection of modernist jewellery will go on display at the National Museum of Scotland on Friday 1 December until 29 April 2018. ‘Modernist Jewellery’ will feature pieces acquired by National Museums Scotland through the Art Fund New Collecting Award project, Northern Modernist Jewellery, which was awarded to Sarah Rothwell, curator of Modern & Contemporary…

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