Dinosaurs from an exciting exhibition at Newcastle’s award-winning Life Science Centre (Life) have visited Edinburgh to celebrate a new partnership between the attraction and rail operator Lumo.
Families travelling to Newcastle with Lumo can now claim 20% off entry to the hugely popular The Great Dinosaur Escape, which features the largest collection of moving dinosaurs in the north of England.
Visitors can see 25 dinosaurs, including towering four-metre-tall giants, mischievous hatchlings and flying prehistoric creatures. The spectacular collection of animatronic dinosaurs from Mexico are making their UK debut, creating a Jurassic adventure guaranteed to thrill dinosaur fans of all ages!
The discounted offer is available to customers travelling with Lumo to Newcastle from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk, Morpeth, Stevenage and London King’s Cross. Visitors simply need to show a valid Lumo ticket at Life and use the code LUMO20 to unlock the discount.
As schools are now breaking up for the summer, Newcastle is proving an increasingly popular destination for family days out, offering a mix of attractions, museums, parks, shopping and restaurants. The dinosaur collection is expected to be one of the city’s biggest family draws during the summer holiday period and is included in the entry ticket to Life.
Visitors can also enjoy full access to the science centre which has recently won Best Large Visitor Attraction in regional tourism awards and experience dinosaur-themed live shows, hands-on making activities and award-winning 360-degree immersive shows in the planetarium.
Paul Jackson, Head of Customer and Stakeholder Engagement at Lumo, said: “If you’re looking for a family day out that will keep children entertained this summer, Newcastle’s dinosaur exhibition is hard to beat. The dinosaurs are absolutely incredible and we’re delighted to help families save money on a fantastic attraction while also enjoying everything Newcastle has to offer.
“From giant dinosaurs to great food, shopping and family-friendly attractions, Newcastle is a brilliant destination for a summer break and Lumo makes getting there quick, comfortable and affordable.”
Linda Conlon, Life Chief Executive, said: “Dinosaurs have always been a firm favourite at Life and The Great Dinosaur Escape has already proved hugely popular with visitors.
“With the school holidays here, we’re looking forward to welcoming even more families travelling to Newcastle this summer.
“Visitors can also enjoy everything else in the centre while they are here from hands-on exhibits to live shows. So, whether you’re a dinosaur fanatic or just looking for a fun family day out, there’s something for everyone.”
The promotion comes as Lumo was recently named the UK’s best-value rail operator, while also ranking among the country’s top long-distance train companies for customer satisfaction.
This exclusive offer also coincides with the Governments Summer Saving scheme, which has slashed VAT for visitor attractions until 1 September. Life is passing this additional saving on to visitors.
The Great Dinosaur Escape runs throughout the summer holidays at Newcastle’s Life Science Centre. Families travelling with Lumo can find full details of the offer by visiting the operator’s website.
In addition to this fantastic offer, Lumo customers can also enjoy exclusive offers at Newcastle’s iconic Tyneside Cinema, including £5 children’s tickets on selected family screenings, half-price kids’ meals during the summer holidays, and 10% off adult cinema tickets.
Business and leisure travellers can also claim discounts on food, drink and cinema tickets for up to three days after arriving in the city.
The National Youth Choir of Scotland has launched a new youth British Sign Language (BSL) signing choir, believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland, at the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament on 27 June 2026
The new NYCOS BSL Youth Choir performed alongside singers from NYCOS Edinburgh Choir in a specially created performance of Sarah Quartel’s The Beat of a Different Drum
The initiative forms part of NYCOS’s 30th anniversary programme, marking three decades of work to open up singing to all young people across Scotland
The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) has launched a new BSL Youth Choir in a landmark performance at the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament on Saturday 27 June 2026, introducing what is believed to be the first ensemble of its kind in Scotland.
The performance formed part of the Opening Ceremony of the new parliamentary session, a nationally significant civic event bringing together political leaders, invited guests and representatives from across Scottish society in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III – who is the Patron of the National Deaf Association.
The ceremony underlined the Scottish Parliament’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, with BSL playing a central role in proceedings. The NYCOS Edinburgh Choir, conducted by Mark Evans, performed Sarah Quartel’s The Beat of a Different Drum, accompanied by guitar and bodhrán, while the newly formed NYCOS BSL Youth Choir delivered the work in British Sign Language.
The NYCOS BSL Youth Choir – formed of Scottish young people aged 14-18 who use BSL – was led by Paul Whittaker OBE, one of the UK’s leading figures in accessible music-making.
A profoundly deaf musician, inspirational speaker and performer, Whittaker has spent decades pioneering approaches that enable Deaf and hearing musicians to work together at the highest level.
His work has transformed perceptions of how music can be experienced and shared, particularly through the development of integrated signing choirs.
Paul Whittaker said: “It’s so exciting to see the formation of a new NYCOS BSL Youth Choir, and to have our first performance at the Opening of the Scottish Parliament is a huge privilege.
“Having worked with NYCOS for several years, I’m delighted that they want to set up this choir and promote inclusion and the beauty of sign language. I’m pretty certain this is the first such national BSL choir anywhere – hooray!”
The creation of the ensemble builds on NYCOS’s long-standing commitment to inclusion and participation, and reflects a broader ambition to remove barriers to singing for young people across Scotland.
As the organisation celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, the launch of the NYCOS BSL Youth Choir marks one of a number of initiatives designed to broaden access and ensure that choir singing is open to all.
Christopher Bell, Founder and Artistic Director of NYCOS, said: “We were delighted to provide both a singing choir and the first ever BSL Youth Choir to perform at the opening of the Scottish Parliament.
“For over 30 years NYCOS has explored ways to include as many of Scotland’s young people as possible in singing activities. Our open access education work, our publications and our excellent Regional and National Choirs have made NYCOS one of the leading singing groups across Europe.
“A NYCOS BSL Youth Choir shows that once again we are a leading force in youth music.”
Families in Scotland urged to remember EU’s Entry/Exit system ahead of school holidays.
Advised to always check with travel operators on when to arrive at a port or airport.
As schools in Scotland break up for the holidays, families heading to Europe are being advised to remember the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and check with travel operators.
EES replaces passport stamps, digitally recording each time a non-EU national enters or exits the Schengen area. This covers Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, as well as all EU countries except Cyprus and Ireland.
It works by verifying your biometrics and passport details at the border.
In most cases, EES border checks occur at passport control on arrival in your destination country (your entry) and when you leave (your exit).
However, if you are travelling from Eurostar – St Pancras, Le Shuttle – Eurotunnel at Folkestone or a ferry from the Port of Dover, entry checks take place before you leave the UK.
While EES checks should take a few minutes per person, queues may be longer at busy times – particularly during the peak summer months.
Travellers are therefore urged to follow advice from travel operators- including for your journey to your destination, onward connections, and when returning to the UK.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said:“As the school summer holidays begin in Scotland, it’s important that those heading abroad remember the EU’s Entry/Exit checks.
“We encourage all families to follow travel operator guidance to know when to arrive at airports and ports and what to expect.
“While this is an EU scheme, we continue working closely with European partners and the travel industry on keeping journeys smooth.”
The first time you complete EES checks, you’ll need to register. Your passport and fingerprints will be scanned, and your picture will be taken.
Once registered with EES, you only need a passport scan and one form of biometrics (a photo or fingerprints scan) on entry and exit, speeding up journeys.
EES registration lasts three years or when your passport expires, whichever is soonest.
Travel Aware also provides up‑to‑date country‑specific advice, including entry requirements like EES. Travellers can sign up for email alerts for a country.
· EES digitally records compliance with EU rules allowing visa‑exempt stays of up to 90 days in every 180 days.
· There are some exemptions with EES. You will not need to complete EES checks if you hold a valid EU passport, or if you are legally resident in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland – including those covered by the Withdrawal Agreement – as long as you present the correct documents at the border.
· Full details of exemptions and further details on EES are available on the EU’s Travel to Europe website.
· Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint scans; however, EU rules mean all children, including babies, require a photograph for a digital record.
· No EES checks are required for travel within the Schengen area (e.g. Spain to France), only when crossing the external borders.
· Travellers should allow for some additional time at the border when travelling to and from the EU, particularly when they have connections or onward journeys planned. It is always advised to check with your travel operator for the latest information.
· We also encourage travellers to continue to check the latest travel advice via Travel Aware and follow instructions from local authorities and border officials when travelling.
· For further information contact the Home Office Press Office on 0300 123 3535, or 07623 514 628 out of hours.
Today (29th June), homelessness charity Social Bite celebrated the re-opening of its Village at its new location on Granton Waterfront. This move serves as a clear proof-of-concept of the charity’s innovative model which encourages the implementation of modular housing and communities on unused, derelict land as an impactful and cost-effective solution to addressing the UK housing crisis.
The opening marks a re-location and expansion of the previous Edinburgh Social Bite Village, just five minutes away, to a local piece of land surrounded by greenery and a view of the Firth of Forth.
The opening is a landmark moment for the charity. Beyond providing new and refreshed quality homes for its residents, it underlines how uniquely agile, and adaptable, its Village Model concept truly is.
The Village will continue to be run in partnership with Cyrenians, and will benefit from six new pre-built houses, while the existing ten houses will receive a refresh.
The new Granton Waterfront location will become home to 15 people who have been affected by homelessness – whether that be in B&Bs, temporary accommodation, sofa surfing, living on the streets, or one of the many other ‘unseen’ forms of homelessness faced by so many.
The Village is a real-life example of a scalable and adaptable blueprint for making fast and impactful changes to people who are experiencing homelessness. By committing to investing in this concept with Social Bite, policy makers and councils can make great in-roads to improving the housing crisis in their areas and make effective change for the thousands of people who have found themselves struggling for safe and secure housing in the UK.
In the coming months, six new residents will join the welcoming, supportive community. They will each receive a key to their own fully equipped home, complete with a self-contained kitchenette, bathroom, and living space. The remaining ten houses, relocated from the previous Social Bite Village site, will be occupied by residents and volunteers transitioning from the original site.
Social Bite also recently opened Harriet Gardens in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and The Salvation Army, and has had great success so far with support from the local community and councillors, and 15 residents moving into the beautiful site.
The beneficial impact on residents who live in The Village is evident. Before moving location, the previous Edinburgh Village saw around 100 people enjoying life at the Village, with many moving on to their own homes, gaining employment and thriving within their own networks.
One of those residents was Jayne. Jayne lived in the Granton Village for two years and has since moved out to her own flat. Since leaving, she has kept in good contact with the friends she made during her time there.
She said: “My time at the Edinburgh Village was amazing. I was staying in homeless hostels and B&Bs after my mum died and it was stressful moving each week. There were rules and curfews with no visitors allowed, so it was lonely. I was glad to get a referral to the Village and I moved in quickly.
“I recently left the Village to go to my own flat after two years of bidding for one. It’s been great and I got a cat the same day! The Village helped me in loads of ways – from one-on-ones with a key worker to learning to ride a bike.
“I built a friend group which knows me well and I can count on to support me. The community aspect of the Village is the thing I loved the most.”
Founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to open our brand-new Village site, in this stunning waterfront location. The Village model is about more than putting a roof over people’s heads – it’s about building a beautiful, supportive community that restores hope and dignity.
“Our new Granton Waterfront Village is a real flagship for this model, and I think it sets an example of how homelessness accommodation can be done differently. Thanks so much to all of the brilliant partners who helped bring the project to life. Looking ahead, we look forward to working with other councils to create Social Bite Village projects throughout the UK.”
Fellow homelessness charity, Cyrenians, will continue to manage the day-to-day running of the Village, providing on-site, wraparound support for all residents. Cyrenians operates a unique model of residential support where people who have either experienced or have been at risk of homelessness live alongside peer volunteers with support from an experienced professional staff team.
Kate Wallace, Chief Executive at Cyrenians, said: “Today marks a new chapter for Edinburgh’s Social Bite Village as we move to a brand new location, with new buildings and space to help even more people.
“Over the last eight years, Cyrenians has worked with Social Bite to provide support for the residents of the Village – a unique model that doesn’t just house people, but supports them to thrive.
“Taking over from Ewan Aitken as the new Chief Executive of Cyrenians, I am excited to continue our successful partnership, working together to create a world where supported housing like this is available to all those who need it.”
The build of the Granton Waterfront Village was carried out by construction partners including Advance and GSS Developments, whose generosity, expertise and commitment to the movement to end homelessness will ensure residents enjoy a top-quality Village site for years to come.
M&G generously supported the new community hub building through their Empty Spaces coalition with Habitat for Humanity.
Work on the community garden at the bottom of the site will begin with the help of residents once they have moved in. Social Bite is seeking funding to help make this possible. If you would like to donate please visit,Social-Bite.co.uk/donate.
If you are a council member considering a Social Bite Village for your local authority, please get in contact via Social Bite’s website.
National Bereaved Parents Day (3 July) helps us highlight financial support that could make a difference during such a difficult time.
We offer two payments which can help ease some of the money worries for bereaved parents.
Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment is available for eligible parents whose baby was stillborn or died within six months of birth. Parents can apply from the end of the 24th week of pregnancy up to six months after their baby’s birth date. If the baby was born before 24 weeks, parents can apply from the date their baby was born up to six months later.
Families eligible for free school meals may also receive support to access food during school holidays through their local authority.
Free and low-cost activities – including football, rugby, swimming, cycling and athletics are also available throughout Scotland.
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 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.
Over the last four decades, we’ve had the privilege of being part of so many families’ journeys. Some people joined us for a few weeks, others for much longer, but every family has helped shape who we are today.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’d love to hear from you.
Maybe there was a group that made you feel welcome, a member of staff who made a difference, a friendship that started here, or simply a happy memory you’d like to share.
If Stepping Stones has been part of your story, we’d love to hear about it in the comments or send us a message.
Thank you for being part of the last 40 years. Here’s to the next chapter.
Landmark new report evidences the profound impacts of the Edinburgh Festivals, confirming them as one of the most remarkable demonstrations of cultural power in the world.
In the latest of a long line of internationally acclaimed impact studies, the Edinburgh Festivals are now publishing their most recent research across a series of cultural, social and economic indicators – which shows that at a fundamental level the festivals make life better – for residents, artists, visitors, and businesses.
The research identifies the Edinburgh Festivals as a unique civic asset that enhances wellbeing through creative and community engagement, an unrivalled international springboard for Scottish artists and companies, and a major attraction for those choosing to live, work, visit and invest in Edinburgh.
The findings clearly indicate that the Festivals define Scotland’s cultural identity on the global stage.
Introducing the latest Impact Study, Professor Daisy Fancourt, Director of WHO Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health and UNESCO Chair in Arts & Global Health as well as author of Art Cure: How the Arts Can Transform Your Health and Help You Live Longer said: “The Edinburgh Festivals have long stood as one of the world’s most remarkable demonstrations of the power of arts and culture.
“Shared cultural experiences create opportunities for dialogue, build understanding and challenge ideas. They bring people together across generations, backgrounds and perspectives, helping to build trust and social cohesion.
“At a time when many communities are grappling with social fragmentation and unrest, cultural participation offers powerful opportunities to strengthen civic life and nurture a sense of common purpose.
“The Festivals show what is possible when culture is placed at the heart of civic life, and this report provides a powerful case for the importance ofsustaining and investing in their future for generations to come.”
The research affirms that while the individual festivals are powerful brands in their respective fields, collectively they are both a unique national asset and a global phenomenon. They are an integral part of the cultural and social fabric of the country and provide an opportunity to showcase a 21st century nation.
The headline findings in this publication show the Edinburgh Festivals as:
cultural adventurers, with 90% of audiences acclaiming the festivals as unique places of cultural discovery
civic drivers, that enhance community well-being with 79% of local audiences stating that the festivals make Edinburgh a special place to live
national investors, spending more than £10m annually with event production companies and creative talent based in Scotland
economic powerhouses, calculated to have a gross economic impact of £4.26 billion over the next five years in Scotland.
Commenting on the publication of the Impact Study, the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan MSP said: “The Edinburgh Festivals are truly world class — and this research confirms their extraordinary cultural, social and economic value to Scotland.
“A projected national economic impact of £4.26 billion over the coming five years, 90% of audiences describing them as unique places of cultural discovery, and 79% of Edinburgh residents saying they make the city a special place to live — these are remarkable findings.
“As we approach the 80th anniversary of Edinburgh’s status as a festival city, the Scottish Government is proud to champion the festivals and committed to ensuring they continue to thrive for the benefit of people across Scotland and on the global stage.“
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are at the heart of what makes our city so special, bringing together residents and visitors to enjoy thousands of shows and events throughout the year.
“This research highlights that these celebrations deliver significant cultural, social, and economic benefits, supporting local communities and businesses while enhancing the city’s global reputation.
“As we approach the 80th anniversary of our festivals, we remain committed to supporting their future while balancing the needs of residents, visitors, and business, ensuring Edinburgh continues to thrive as a world-leading festival city.”
Vicki Miller, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Edinburgh’s festivals are world renowned, and a key part of what makes Scotland a must-visit destination, drawing thousands of international visitors to the country each year.
“Cultural events like these provide authentic and immersive experiences for people across Scotland and from around the world and are vital in strengthening our international profile and supporting local businesses, artists, and performers.”
Lori Anderson, Director of Festivals Edinburgh stated:‘We are facing challenging times which call for boldness, direction, and vision – and the Edinburgh Festivals, through their pioneering collaborative work, focused strategic thinking, and hugely praised programmes, have these qualities in abundance.
“They have a powerful role to play in increasing the creative capacity, economic strength, and international reputation of Scotland. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the birth of our world leading festival city, now is the time to champion and invest in the Festivals’ success.”
Further findings in the Impact Study include:
The Edinburgh Festivals have seen a major expansion in their community reach
Alongside its global scale, the report identifies a major expansion in the Festivals’ community footprint. They offer residents of the city and substantial audiences of all ages throughout Scotland, opportunities that support creative expression, social connection and wellbeing, while breaking down barriers, enhancing community cohesion and civic pride.
These core principles were fundamental building blocks of the PlaCE [Partnerships for Creative Excellence] programme, a pioneering three-way partnership between Edinburgh Festivals, Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council. Almost 76,000 community participants took part across the life of the programme.
Over the five years spanning 2018 to 2023, the Festivals delivered a 489% increase in engagement with community groups, a 39% increase in schools participation (from 497 to 694) anda 245% increase in partnership activity.
This growth reflects a significant development of year-round activity and more equitable access, with programmes increasingly reaching communities less likely to have engaged with the Festivals in the past.
The Edinburgh Festivals are a civic asset as well as a global platform
The report reinforces the Festivals’ role within the city itself. Edinburgh residents account for around one third of all attendances, with 79% of local audiences identifying the Festivals as central to the city’s identity and sense of place, making it a special place to live. And 89.9% of audiences say that the Festivals create a welcoming environment in the city.
This dual role – as both a global cultural gathering and a locally rooted civic asset – is identified as a defining feature of the Edinburgh Festivals.
The Edinburgh Festivals are a key investor in Scotland’s creative economy
Beyond audience impact, the Festivals continue to act as a major investor in Scotland’s cultural sector, supporting artists, production companies and creative organisations across the country.
Annual spend with Scottish-based creative talent and production companies exceeds £10 million, helping to sustain jobs, develop skills and build international connections across the sector.
The Edinburgh Festivals provide a platform for Scotland on the world stage
With participants from over80 countries and audiences from more than 100 countries, the Festivals play a central role in projecting Scotland internationally, showcasing a 21st century nation.
The report affirms the Edinburgh Festivals as a globally significant cultural marketplace, while remaining deeply embedded within Scotland’s communities and creative industries. Both a unique national asset, part of the cultural and social fabric of the country, and a global phenomenon making up part of the appeal that will drive Scotland forward.
The Edinburgh Festivals are economic powerhouses
The Edinburgh Festivals delivered an estimated £558 million in net economic impact for Edinburgh and £852 million across Scotland in 2025.
A central finding of the research is that this economic impact is driven by the quality and innovation within the Festivals’ cultural programmes which drive attendances. 90% of audiences acclaimed the festivals as unique places of cultural discovery.
The report concludes that investment in programming is the primary factor that attracts global audiences and generates wider economic activity across tourism, hospitality and the creative industries. With the right investment the future impact is expected to reach £4.26 billion over the next five years.
The findings underline the Festivals’ position as a major national asset, operating at a scale rarely seen in global cultural events.
With over 4 million attendances drawn from more than 100 countries last year, Edinburgh hosts one of the largest ticketed event programmes in the world every year, on a scale equivalent with less frequent major events such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.
There must be a pause on all hyperscale data centre proposals in Edinburgh and East Lothian until the Scottish Government can put guidance in place to ensure there is minimal impact on the climate and local communities, say the Scottish Greens.
There is a wave of proposals currently lodged with councils across Scotland. If every proposal is approved, they would consume up to 6000 megawatts of power. That equates to 1.5 times more than our entire country uses in a day.
In Edinburgh and East Lothian, 4 proposals have been put forward to the local authorities to build hyperscale data centres.
Without a national strategy in place, and no real definition of what a “green” data centre should look like, there is little in the way of guidance for councils to follow when they are assessing the suitability of these plans.
Scottish Greens MSP Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill said: “A lot of local people are concerned about the impact that this application would have on our local environment and the community in Lothian.
“It’s time for a halt to all hyperscale developments until there is a national strategy and guidance in place for councils to consider them.
“Developments like this can have a catastrophic environmental impact, taking up far too much water and power. It’s no wonder that local people are so concerned about what it would mean.
“The huge expansion we are seeing is bad for people and planet, and is mainly about enriching giant AI companies.
“Communities around the world have experienced energy price rises as a direct result of similar developments.
“We don’t want the same thing to happen in Edinburgh.”
As part of the National Museum of Scotland’s Summer Family Fun, family visitors to the Museum on 29 June and 3 July are invited to help celebrate the 30th birthday of the world’s most famous sheep.
Visitors will have the chance to write in Dolly the sheep’s big birthday card, and can enjoy a special Dolly-themed cupcake, on sale in the Museum’s cafes from 29 June – 16 July.
Dolly was born on 5 July 1996 at the Roslin Institute just outside Edinburgh, the first cloned mammal ever to be created from an adult cell.
Affectionately named after country music legend Dolly Parton, her inception changed what scientists thought was possible and opened new possibilities in medicine and biology. She spent her entire life in Roslin where she gave birth to six healthy lambs and died in 2003 aged six.
On 16 July, the Museum will host an adult event exploring the history and legacy of Dolly. Dolly at 30: The Life and Legacy of a Cloned Sheepwill bring together an expert panel to explore the historical significance and ongoing cultural impact of Dolly.
Director of Edinburgh Science Hassun El-Zafur will chair a panel conversation exploring the scientific innovation, historic significance and ongoing cultural impact of Dolly the sheep. Panelists include experts from the Roslin Institute, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Cambridge, and National Museums Scotland. The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A.
On the night there will also be the opportunity to see recent Dolly-related additions to the museum’s contemporary collections.
Professor Andrew Kitchener, Principal Curator of Vertebrate Biology at National Museums Scotland said: Thirty years on, Dolly remains an icon of modern science whose story captures the public’s imagination.
“Dolly has been on display at the National Museum of Scotland for over 20 years and remains one of our most popular exhibits. We look forward to welcoming visitors in July to help us celebrate this milestone birthday for Dolly.”
Dolly at 30: The Life and Legacy of a Cloned Sheep Thu 16th July
18:30 – 20:00: Panel discussion in the Auditorium, 20:00 – 20:30: Pop-up display of newly acquired objects related to Dolly the sheep.
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street This event is free, but booking is required. This event is for ages 16+.
