National Museum of Rural Life to celebrate 25th anniversary

Nms.ac.uk/rural 

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The National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride will celebrate a quarter century with a day of special activities on Saturday 4 July. 

To mark the milestone, 25 new and vintage tractors will parade the grounds of the Museum in a special anniversary tractor run. Visitors can also enjoy a programme of tours, demonstrations and hands-on crafts around the Museum, historic working farm and 1950s farmhouse. 

In the farmyard, visitors can vote for best in show as the Clydesdale horses, sheep and cows are dressed for competition. They can also meet the Museum’s newest arrivals, Eigg and Muck, the eight-week-old Highland calves, alongside rare breed Tamworth pigs, hens and the Ayrshire dairy herd, which is milked every afternoon.  

Behind the scenes tours will showcase the Museum’s galleries and stores, exploring the land, people and ways of working that have shaped Scotland's rural history. On display is Scotland's largest collection of tractors, combine harvesters and farming machinery. 

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

“In July 2001, the museum opened on 170 acres of farmland just outside Glasgow. Now, 25 years and nearly two million visits later, the site has become a truly beloved attraction, offering an escape from urban life and a way to connect to Scotland’s rural heritage. We hope visitors of all ages will join us to celebrate this exciting milestone!” 

National Museum of Rural Life’s 25th Anniversary Day takes place from 10:00-17:00 on Saturday 4 July. The event is free with museum admission and Annual Pass Entry and visitors can enjoy delicious food and drink options from the Shielings café or grab a tasty bite and drink from the Really Awesome Coffee food van and cool down with a treat from Thorntonhall Ice Cream – both located in the picnic field.