Latest news

Assistant Curator Bethany Simpson with the Pathhead brooch. Image © National Museums Scotland 3

Unique Roman brooch discovered in Scotland to go on display for the first time

A one-of-a-kind Roman brooch discovered in Midlothian will go on display for the first time in a major new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire (14 November 2026 – 28 April 2027). Tickets for the exhibition – which will reshape our understanding of Scotland’s relationship with the Roman world - go on sale today, Friday 5th of June. 

University of Glasgow students Lily and Layla examine tartan samples. Photo © Duncan McGlynn (1)

Historic tartan archive gifted to the nation will transform understanding of Scotland’s textile heritage

An archive of almost 800 historic tartan samples has been donated to National Museums Scotland. The textiles were produced by J&D Paton, one of the largest tartan manufacturers of the 19th and 20th centuries, and have been gifted to the nation by Stuart Paton, the great great grandson of the firm’s founder.

Cammy Wilson in action at the National Museum of Rural Life.  Photo © Ruth Armstrong (1)

Families to flock to the National Museum of Scotland for Woolly Weekend

nms.ac.uk/woollyweekend 

 

Woolly Weekend will return to the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride this month. The popular family event celebrates the wonderful world of wool, running on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May.