News

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Breugnathair elgolensis artist reconstruction. Image © Brennan Stokkermans

Fossil discovery reveals new species of fanged reptile that once roamed Scotland

A fossil discovered on the Isle of Skye has revealed a new species and family of Jurassic reptile linked to the origins of lizards and snakes.

Dr Alice Blackwell with the gravoir. Copyright Duncan McGlynn (2) cropped

Tha fianais air mar a bhathas a’ stoidhleadh falt sna meadhan-aoisean aig caisteal suaicheanta Eilean Donnain air nochdadh ann an cruinneachadh beairteach arc-eòlais a fhuaras airson na nàisein.

Chaidh inneal tearc bhon 13mh linn, a bhathas a’ cleachdadh airson falt a stoidhleadh, fhaighinn le Taighean-tasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba às dèidh dha a bhith air a lorg rè cladhach arc-eòlais aig aon de na caistealan as ainmeile san dùthaich.

Dr Alice Blackwell with the gravoir. Copyright Duncan McGlynn (2)

Evidence for medieval hair styling at the iconic Eilean Donan castle is revealed as rich archaeological assemblage is acquired for the nation

A rare 13th century tool used for styling hair has been acquired by National Museums Scotland after being discovered during archaeological excavations at one of the country's most famous castles. 

Caela Callander (7) examines geometric honeycomb ahead of Maths Week Scotland 2025. Photo © Paul Dodd 6

Scotland set to go wild for Maths Week 2025

mathsweek.scot 

 

The use of maths in solving wildlife crime, tracking bird migration and understanding the symmetry and patterns of the natural world are just some of the topics being explored as part of this year’s Maths Week Scotland (22 – 28 September 2025), which has a theme of Wild Maths. 

 

Dr Rachel Walcott, Principal Curator of Earth Systems at National Museums Scotland with the Abernethy Pearl. Image copyright Duncan McGlynn (2)

The Abernethy Pearl, one of the largest ever found in Scotland, is donated to the National Collection

The largest freshwater pearl to be found in Scotland in centuries has been donated to the National Collection. Perfectly round, 11mm in diameter and weighing 43.6 grains, the Abernethy Pearl went on permanent display in the Restless Earth gallery at the National Museum of Scotland today (Thursday 18 September). 

Dog&DuckDay9

National Museum of Rural Life hopes visitors go quackers for Dog and Duck Day

nms.ac.uk/dogandduckday

 

Wagging tails, waddling ducks and family fun are set take centre stage at the National Museum of Rural Life on Saturday 13 September as the East Kilbride attraction hosts its first Dog and Duck Day.

Kat Borrowdale from Think Circus at the National Museum of Flight. Photo © Andy Catlin (6)

Spin into September this weekend at the National Museum of Flight’s 360 Fest

nms.ac.uk/360Fest 

Visitors can spin into September at the National Museum of Flight’s family fun day this weekend. Celebrate all things circular with cycle stunts, circus displays and hands-on activities at 360 Fest, returning to East Lothian on Saturday 6 September. 

The Bronze Age Carnoustie Hoard. Photo © National Museums Scotland 3

Rare Bronze Age hoard saved for the nation, and will go on show next summer

A Bronze Age hoard discovered in Carnoustie has been acquired by National Museums Scotland and will go on display for the first time in a new exhibition opening next summer.

The hoard includes a rare spearhead decorated with gold and a bronze sword in a wooden scabbard, dating from around 1120-920 BC. Scotland’s First Warriors (27 Jun 2026 – 17 May 2027) will bring together over 250 objects spanning thousands of years, to explore the origins and impact of conflict and warfare in prehistoric Scotland. 

Iain Dall's Chanter

Gaelic stories behind National Museum collection objects revealed

Scotland’s oldest known bagpipe chanter, a horn spoon collected by an Austrian aristocrat and an exquisite medieval rock crystal charmstone are among the Gaelic stories behind 15 objects in the collections of National Museums Scotland which have been published in a new bilingual online resource.

Iain Dall's Chanter

Sgeulachdan Gàidhlig air am foillseachadh mu nithean ann an cruinneachadh an Taigh-tasgaidh Nàiseanta

Tha am feadan pìoba-mhòir as sine ann an Alba, spàin adharcach a chruinnich bean-uasal às an Ostair agus clach-sheuna criostail-creige àlainn às na meadhan-aoisean am measg nan sgeulachdan Gàidhlig air cùl 15 nithean ann an cruinneachaidhean Taighean-tasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba a chaidh fhoillseachadh ann an goireas ùr dà-chànanach air-loidhne.

Enabler David Cree kneels beside National Museums Scotland's new cargo bike, Museum in Motion.

Museum in Motion: National Museums Scotland's new cargo bike brings history and culture to local communities

A new bespoke cargo bike commissioned by National Museums Scotland will bring hands-on learning and cultural experiences directly to communities across Edinburgh.   

The National Museum of Scotland Tram launched this morning, 4 July. Photo (c) Duncan McGlynn (1)

Museum on the move: step aboard the National Museum of Scotland’s new tram

Edinburgh tram passengers will have the chance to climb aboard a ‘mobile museum’ from today [24 July] as a new tram launches with special National Museum of Scotland livery.