News

As a recipient of National Lottery funding, the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune is inviting players to visit for free on 22 March.  

Objects recovered from a mysterious 250-year-old burial on Arnish Moor on the Isle of Lewis, star in a new exhibition, opening today. The exceptionally well-preserved knitted bonnet and personal belongings of a young man, on loan from National Museums Scotland, are displayed for the first time in a generation at Kinloch Historical Society. 

A new study led by researchers at National Museums Scotland describes the first comprehensive osteobiography of a zoo animal, a cutting-edge scientific method that involves the analysis of bones and tissue. These techniques have been applied to reveal the in-depth story of the life of Choppers, star of the 1970s PG Tips advertising campaign, illustrating the changing role of zoos over the past 50 years. 

A fossil first spotted in Skye over 50 years ago has finally been extracted from the base of the cliff where it was found and, following analysis, formally identified as a Jurassic dinosaur.

Powder horns from the 17th to 19th century, a road sign from Skye and a handmade crogan, or earthenware pot, are among 100 objects to be reappraised in a new project which aims to reveal the Gaelic stories and connections behind material held in the National Collection.

 Tha adhaircean pùdair bhon 17mh chun 19mh linn, soidhne-rathaid às an Eilean Sgitheanach agus crogan crèadha am measg 100 rud a thèid ath-mheasadh ann am pròiseact ùr a tha ag amas air na sgeulachdan agus na ceanglaichean Gàidhlig air cùl stuth a tha sa Chruinneachadh Nàiseanta fhoillseachadh.

At National Museum of Flight this half term, discover the Second World War history of East Fortune Airfield. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, families will uncover the intriguing story of code breaking through a weekend of themed activities from Friday 14 February until Sunday 16 February.  

On the eve of its unveiling in Adelaide on the first leg of an international tour, the first translation of a runic inscription on an arm ring from the Viking-age Galloway Hoard has cast fascinating new light on who might have owned the famous treasure. 

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh 
Until 27 April 2025 
Free admission 

nms.ac.uk/InjectingHope

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh 
28 June–30 November 2025 

The biggest exhibition of primate behaviour ever staged is returning to the National Museum of Scotland. From huge gorillas to tiny mouse lemurs, Monkeys: Our Primate Family (28 Jun - 30 Nov 2025) will explore the remarkable lives of our closest relatives.  
 

The National Museum of Rural Life has released a group of rare festive photographs from the Scottish Life Archive. The five historic photographs will be available to download for free for the first time, as a set of Christmas cards.

Celebrate the season with festive family fun at the National Museum of Rural Life this December. Visitors will enjoy a programme of activities from winter storytelling to nature-inspired craft activities. The Festive Weekend, which is supported with funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, takes place on Saturday 7 December and Sunday 8 December.