News

Two years after the announcement that the Peebles Hoard had been acquired for the nation, an extraordinary discovery made just 7 miles away by the same metal detectorist is shedding new light on the unique 3,000-year-old treasure. 

As Scotland's Climate Week gets underway, a 127 year-old hoverfly is among the first insect specimens to be digitised as part of a major new project led in Scotland by National Museums Scotland and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. 

Six Bronze Age shields have been brought together for the first time ahead of a new exhibition opening at the National Museum of Scotland this summer. Dating from 3300 to 3500 years ago, the shields include the only intact examples to survive from Scotland. 

Two spectacular stone altars from a Roman fort near Edinburgh have been acquired for the National Collection ahead of a major exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland. The rare carvings are among the finest examples of sculpture from Roman Britain and will go on display for the first time in Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire (14 November 2026 – 18 April 2027). 

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 7pm GMT, Wednesday 21st January 

A 410 million year-old fossil from Aberdeenshire in Scotland which scientists have identified as being a ‘new’ form of life, distinct from plants or fungi, has been added to the collections of National Museums 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.

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.

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. 

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.