National Museum of Rural Life springs into new season

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the Museum’s Spring Explorers event runs from 3-6 April and features sustainable craft activities for families plus fun-filled story-telling sessions including the chance to learn some Gaelic songs and to discover the power of plants. The event is free with Museum admission.

Families can discover some facts about Scotland’s most famous sheep as part of a new Dolly the Sheep trail running from 1 April–4 June and the woolly fun will continue on 20 and 21 May when the Museum hosts its Woolly Weekend featuring sheep-shearing demonstrations and a host of wool-themed activities.

At the attraction’s historic working farm, a short walk or tractor-ride away, dozens of new lambs are expected to join the flock in the coming days, with cows due to calve shortly and two litters of Tamworth pigs expected in April. The farm’s five chickens have started to lay eggs and visitors can see Anna and Gina, the Museum’s two magnificent Clydesdale horses, as well as the milking of the Ayrshire dairy herd at 15:15 each afternoon.  Later this month, another giant new addition is expected when Lewis, a new Highland Bull, arrives on-site.

Other attractions for families at the National Museum of Rural Life include the beautiful handmade animals sculpted from willow branches that feature on the Willow Sculpture Trail. Visitors can also explore the modern Museum building, which features impressive galleries displaying objects that tell the fascinating story of Scotland’s rural past.

The National Museum of Rural Life is open seven days a week and tickets are valid for unlimited visits for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Vicky McLean, General Manager, National Museum of Rural Life, said:

“Spring is a wonderful time here at the Museum, with the fields and farmyard bursting into life with dozens of gorgeous new arrivals. A visit is a fabulous way for families to connect with the countryside and to learn about farming and Scotland’s rural past. Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we’re delighted that we can also offer some fantastic family activities and events for everyone to enjoy. We’re greatly looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to the Museum this season.”

The National Museum of Rural Life is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm.

Tickets can be booked online at nms.ac.uk/rural-life

Annual Pass – pay once, visit all year

Annual Pass prices

Adult (16+) £10, Concession* £9, Child (5-15) £7, (under 5’s free**).

15% family discount when up to three Child (5-15) tickets alongside up to two Adult or Concession tickets (max 5 tickets total) purchased***

National Museums Scotland members free.

Discounts available for groups of 10 or more.

School visits free; some workshop charges apply.

* Concessions: Over 60s, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot. Valid ID required

**Additional charge for some events

***Cannot be used with member tickets or any other discount or offer.

Further information and images from: Karen Finlay, Artisan PR on 07803 945043 or karen@artisanpr.co.uk