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Speaker's Chair from the former Royal High School being prepared for transport to the National Museums Collection Centre (credit Stewart Attwood)

Speaker’s Chair from the Parliament building that never was acquired by National Museums Scotland

The Presiding Officer’s chair from what would have become the Scottish Parliament building in the event of a vote for devolution in the 1979 referendum has been gifted to National Museums Scotland.

Short-finned pilot whale. Copyright Georg Hantke

First recorded stranding of a short-finned pilot whale in the UK reported

A new study of a whale which stranded off the Pembrokeshire coast in 2012 has revealed it to be the first short-finned pilot whale ever to be found in British waters.  

Life reconstruction of Scleromochlus taylori by Gabriel Ugueto © Gabriel Ugueto) WEB

Triassic specimen found to be early relative of pterosaurs a century after its discovery

A new study of a tiny Triassic fossil reptile first discovered over 100 years ago in the north east of Scotland has revealed it to be a close relative of the species that would become pterosaurs – iconic flying reptiles of the age of the dinosaurs. 

Principal Curator of Vertebrates Dr Andrew Kitchener with a specimen from the Eocene birds collection of National Museums Scotland. Photo © Stewart Attwood

Fossil bird collection of international importance bequeathed to National Museums Scotland

Press images available here.

A collection of over 700 bird fossils has been bequeathed to National Museums Scotland. The fossils date from 54-56 million years ago, the beginning of the Eocene period, and represent the early stages in the evolution of modern birds. The collection is believed to contain many species which are new to science. 

Helen Wyld, Senior Curator of Historic Textiles at National Museums Scotland, with the 17th century embroidery. Photo © Stewart Attwood WEB

National Museums Scotland acquires rare embroidery and launches new conservation internships

A rare embroidery dating from the early seventeenth century has been acquired by National Museums Scotland. The exquisite textile has been acquired with the support of textile collector and philanthropist Leslie B. Durst and coincides with the announcement of three Leslie B. Durst Textile Conservation Internships.

01. Silver casket. Image copyright National Museums Scotland WEB

Rare French silver casket believed to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots is acquired for the nation

A silver casket believed to have been owned by Mary, Queen of Scots has been acquired for the nation. An iconic piece of Scotland’s national heritage, it goes on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh from Thursday 19 May.