News

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Choppers the chimp. Photo Twycross zoo (2)

Celebrity chimp's life story revealed in pioneering study

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. 

Elgol Dinosaur artist impression credit Maija Karala

Jurassic dinosaur from the Isle of Skye revealed

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.

Curator Dr Sarah Laurenson with objects from the collection of National Museums Scotland to be studied as part of new Gaelic language project, Tha Sgeul Ri Innse [credit Duncan McGlynn]-9

New research project to reveal Gaelic stories behind museum objects

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.

Runic inscriptions on the Galloway Hoard © National Museums Scotland

New runic translation reveals community ownership of the Galloway Hoard

On the eve of its unveiling in Adelaide on the first leg of an international tour, the first translation of a runic inscription on an arm ring from the Viking-age Galloway Hoard has cast fascinating new light on who might have owned the famous treasure. 

07. A bronze rattle pendant from the Peebles Hoard. Web version. Image © National Museums Scotland

Unique Bronze Age Hoard acquired for the nation

One of the most significant hoards ever found in Scotland has been saved for the nation, having been acquired by National Museums Scotland. The Bronze Age Peebles Hoard was discovered in the Scottish Borders by a metal detectorist in 2020. It has since been painstakingly excavated, analysed and catalogued, revealing dozens of rare objects for the first time. Efforts are now underway to secure funding for the continued research and conservation of the hoard and to uncover the secrets of this one-of-a-kind discovery. 

Dr Fraser Hunter installs the Roman arm guard in the Early People gallery at the National Museum of Scoltand. Image copyright Duncan McGlynn (11)

Rare Roman armour goes on permanent display at the National Museum of Scotland

An exceptionally rare piece of Roman armour which was recently reconstructed from dozens of fragments has gone on display in its entirety for the first time in Scotland.

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. 

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.  

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. 

2. Curator Dr Meredith Greiling puts the finishing touches to Cold War Scotland, a new exhibition opening at the National Museum of (1) cropped

Scotland’s nuclear secrets revealed in new exhibition

Cold War Scotland 

13 July 2024 to 4 January 2026 
 

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh 

Admission: Free 

nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland 
 

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.  

WEB Conservator Bethan Bryan with the Roman arm guard. Photo (c) Duncan McGlynn (8)

Ancient jigsaw puzzle is solved as rare Roman armour is reconstructed ahead of major exhibition

An exceptionally rare piece of Roman armour from National Museums Scotland’s collection has been painstakingly reconstructed from dozens of fragments. Dating from the middle of the second century, the brass arm guard will be seen in its entirety for the first time in almost 2000 years when it goes on loan to the British Museum for the major exhibition Legion: life in the Roman army next month.