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National Museums Scotland curators Dr Matthew Knight and Bethany Simpson examine archaeological human remains. Photo © Duncan McGlynn

New project to enhance care and curation of archaeological human remains in Scottish museum collections

The care and curation of archaeological human remains in Scottish museum collections is to be enhanced thanks to a major new project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Pip, Sweep, Tweed, Gem and Jura. Images (c) RHET

Collie dogs from Highland farms to teach maths to children across Scotland

Five border collies will take the lead in a series of online maths lessons created by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET). Collie Dog Maths Tales will introduce Scottish primary school children to real maths problems on farms across Scotland. These events are part of the Maths Week Scotland programme, which runs from 23 - 29 September 2024, coordinated by National Museums Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government.  

daguerreotype, depicting two girls (probably sisters) by an unknown photographer, 1840s - 1850s

Major collection of photography spanning a century is saved for the nation

An important collection of photography and photographic equipment has been saved for the nation and allocated to National Museums Scotland under the Acceptance in Lieu scheme. 

The lidded vessel from the Galloway Hoard. Image © National Museums Scotland only added width

Distant origin of star object from the Galloway Hoard revealed ahead of its first public display

On the 10th anniversary of its discovery, new research and conservation has revealed the West Asian origin of the lidded vessel which contained many of the unique treasures that comprise the Viking-age Galloway Hoard, and which will go on public display for the first time later this month. 

Grant Stott presents 7-year-old William Lunsden with his winning Mathscot design at the National Museum of Scotland. Photo (c) Duncan McGlynn (2)

Maths Week Scotland reveals winning “Mathscot” ahead of 2024 events

Maths Week Scotland: 23 - 29 September 2024 

mathsweek.scot 
#mathsweekscot 
@mathsweekscot 

Curators and conservators install a 4000-year-old Bronze Age necklace at The McManus in Dundee. Photo (c) Alan Richardson (1)

Bronze Age jewellery restored for the first time in thousands of years

An early Bronze Age necklace and bracelet have been painstakingly restored by experts at National Museums Scotland. The jewellery will be seen in its original form for the first time in over 4000 years when it goes on display at The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum this September, to coincide with Scottish Archaeology Month.  

Grand Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland. ©National Museums Scotland 02

Public appointment: Trustees appointed to the Board of National Museums Scotland

The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Ms Forbes, today announced the appointment of Hermione Cockburn, Judith Cruickshank, Alistair Hetherington, Sally Mackay and Niki McKenzie to the Board of Trustees of National Museums Scotland.

Krusatodon kirtlingtonesis artist impression credit Maija Karala

Fossil discovery reveals mammals grew more slowly in the Jurassic than they do today

Two unique Jurassic fossil discoveries from the Isle of Skye have shown that mammals in the time of the dinosaurs grew more slowly and lived longer than mammals today. 

National Museums Scotland conservator Bethan Bryan works on the Bronze Age Achmore Vessel, 1000 - 500 BC. Image © Duncan McGlynn

Rare artefacts go on display for first time in new exhibitions in Lewis

Rare objects representing thousands of years of island life, from the Neolithic to the Viking Age, go on display this week in Lewis. More than 40 artefacts on loan from National Museums Scotland, including some displayed for the first time, feature in new exhibitions at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis and the Kinloch Historical Society Museum. 

Conservator Diana de Bellaigue removes tarnish from the Mary, Queen of Scots casket. Copyright Duncan McGlynn (5)

Casket believed to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots to go on tour

A silver casket believed to have been owned by Mary, Queen of Scots and which was acquired by National Museums Scotland in 2022 has undergone fresh conservation work ahead of going on tour to Kirkcudbright and Stirling.  

Dinocephalosaurus orientalis. Image © national Museums Scotland CROP

Palaeontologists reveal a 240-million-year-old ‘Chinese Dragon’

An international team of scientists have described new fossils of Dinocephalosaurus orientalis - a five-metre-long aquatic reptile from the Triassic period of China, dating to around 240 million years old.  

Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin met children from Edinburgh's Bun Sgoil Taobh Na Pairce (Parkside Primary School) at the opening of the new exhibition, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, which opens on Saturday 20 January at the National Museum of Scotland. Image © Duncan McGlynn-5

Hamza Yassin attends opening of Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in Edinburgh

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 
20 January to 6 May 2024 

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh