Tag: events

National Museums Scotland – listings to 30 January 2022

Exhibitions & Displays 

National Museum of Scotland  
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 


 Audubon’s Birds of America 
12 Feb – 8 May 2022 
Member Preview Day, 11 Feb 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed, £0-£10 
 
This new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will examine the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books. 

Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work which achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.  

Audubon’s Birds of America (12 February – 8 May 2022) will showcase 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.   

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery 
 
Book now nms.ac.uk/Audubon 

Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 
1 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed 

Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.  

This exhibition will look at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century. 

Sponsored by Baillie Gifford Actual Investors. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/Anatomy 

The Typewriter Revolution 
Until 17 Apr 2022 
10:00–16:30 
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 
Free entry 

The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this new exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons. 

The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.  

Visit nms.ac.uk/Typewriters 

Inspiring Walter Scott 

Until 8 Jan 2023 
Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 
Free entry 


On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.  
 
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/walterscottexhibition 

Scotland’s Climate Challenge 

Until 27 Mar 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 
Free entry

This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material. 

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/ClimateChallenge 

++LAST CHANCE TO SEE ++ Extinction Bell 

Until 9 Jan 2022 
The Grand Gallery 
Free entry 

The Extinction Bell is a work by Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram that aims to raise awareness of biodiversity loss. A fire engine bell from National Museums Scotland’s collection has been adapted to toll at random intervals 150-200 times per day. Each ring of the bell symbolises the extinction of a species, representing the number being lost every 24 hours (according to a 2007 report from the UN). 
 
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.  

Visit nms.ac.uk/ExtinctionBell 

National Museum of Flight 
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF 
Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 – 16:00 

LEGO® Concorde Model 
Until 30 Jan 2022 
Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 – 16:00 
Free with pre-booked museum entry 


Master builder Warren Elsmore and his team have created a LEGO® Big Build of the National Museum of Flight’s Concorde.  

Six metres long and made of over 60,000 bricks, you can see the model on display alongside the real thing. The model is made purely from standard 2×4 LEGO bricks and took five days to build as part of our Brick Wonders exhibition in Spring 2021. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

 
Events 

Online  

Museum Art Challenge 2021 
Until 2 Jan 2022 
Online, free 

Looking for something creative to do this December? The Museum Art Challenge invites you to make art inspired by our incredible collections. With five weekly themes to get you thinking, you can take part from near or far simply by emailing us a picture of your finished artwork.  

Take part nms.ac.uk/museumartchallenge 
 

National Museum of Scotland  
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

*NEW* Origami Dove Making 
21 – 23 Jan 2022 
11:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00 
Grand Gallery, Level 1 
Free, drop-in 
 
Try out your origami skills and help to create a flock of birds to become part of Les Colombes (The Doves), a stunning installation symbolising love, hope and kindness. The artwork will make its Scottish debut in St Giles’ Cathedral as a highlight of the annual Burns & Beyond Festival later in January 2022. 

This event is part of Burns & Beyond 2022. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/origami-dove-making 

*NEW* Victorian Edinburgh 

20 Jan – 31 Mar 2022 
11:00 – 13:00 
Seminar Room, Learning Centre Level 4 
£175 for 10 sessions (concessions available) 

Join this short course from National Museums Scotland and the University of Edinburgh, a great way to explore our collections and their wider history with experts.  

Victorian Edinburgh considers the complex challenges and changes wrought in the period 1837–1901 within Scotland’s capital city. It examines examples of the economic, social and political context in which ‘Edinburghers’ lived, and assesses their responses to the most important Scottish, British and international events. 

This course will be led by Helen Rapport PGCE, M.A., PhD. The University of Edinburgh Short Courses are presented by the Centre for Open Learning.  

Book now nms.ac.uk/VictorianEdinburgh 

*NEW* Georgian Scotland 

20 Jan – 31 Mar 2022 
14:00 – 16:00 
Seminar Room, Learning Centre Level 4 
£175 for 10 sessions (concessions available)  

Join this short course from National Museums Scotland and the University of Edinburgh, a great way to explore our collections and their wider history with experts. 

Georgian Scotland explores Scotland’s great changes and developments from 1714–1815. Making extensive use of National Museum Scotland’s collections, the course covers the Enlightenment and the growth of universities, trade, transportation and industry, as well as the impact of Jacobite rebellions and events overseas, from France and Spain to the American colonies. 

This course will be led by Helen Rapport PGCE, M.A., PhD. The University of Edinburgh Short Courses are presented by the Centre for Open Learning. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/GeorgianScotland 

*NEW*  Discovering Decorative Arts at the National Museum of Scotland 

20 Jan – 24 Mar 2022 
11:00 – 13:00 
Dunfermline Room 
£175 for 10 sessions (concessions available) 

Join this short course from National Museums Scotland and the University of Edinburgh, a great way to explore our collections and their wider history with experts. 

This course will introduce the magnificent decorative arts collections within the National Museum of Scotland. We will explore the historical developments of decorative arts and how they have influenced the modern methods and techniques used to create many of the beautiful objects on display in the National Museum of Scotland.  

This course will be led by Karen A Clulow BA MA FSA Scot. The University of Edinburgh Short Courses are presented by the Centre for Open Learning.

Book now nms.ac.uk/DecorativeArts 

National Museum of Rural Life   
Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR  
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Clyde’s Winter Trail  
Until 9 Jan 2022  
10:00 – 17:00  
Free with pre-booked museum admission  
 
Spot the festive scenes that Clyde, the Clydesdale horse, and his friends have been creating around the museum as they get ready for the festive season.  
 
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery 

Visit: nms.as.uk/exhibitions-events   

 
Follow us on Twitter…twitter.com/NtlMuseumsScot 

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland 

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/ 

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789 

All our museums are open. This includes:

National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Flight
National Museum of Rural Life
National War Museum

£21 million for culture and events

Additional funds for organisations and freelancers

A £21 million support package to support cultural and events organisations and freelancers experiencing cancellations due to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant has been announced.

This is to help manage the significant impact of the new guidelines around social distancing and the limitations on the number of people who can attend events.

The £21 million is from the £100 million package announced by the Scottish Government last week to compensate businesses affected by events cancellations and includes an additional £1 million from existing events sector funds.

The funds will be allocated as follows:

  • £10.2 million for cultural organisations and venues to be administered by Creative Scotland
  • £2.8 million towards the wider events supply chain to be administered by EventScotland.
  • £8 million for the Cancellation Fund for Creative Freelancers to be administered by Creative Scotland.

Creative freelancers can apply for between £500 and £2,000 from the cancellation fund which opens at 2pm on Thursday, 6 January 2022.

Details on who is eligible for the fund and how to apply will be available on Creative Scotland’s website this afternoon.

More information and guidelines on the other funds administered by Creative Scotland and EventScotland will be published in early January.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Culture and events continue to be among the sectors hardest hit by COVID-19 as the emergence of a new variant is once again causing disruption and uncertainty.

“The steps we’re asking the public to take to minimise the spread of the virus are having a severe financial impact on the sector at a time when they were just beginning to recover from previous waves of the coronavirus.

“In the past few weeks, both myself and Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth have been speaking to freelancers and representatives from culture and events organisations to ensure they get immediate support to meet their needs.

“This £21 million in additional funding is vital to support culture and events organisations and protect the livelihoods of the people who work in the sector.”

Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotland said: “This additional emergency funding for Scotland’s culture sector is very welcome.   

“This afternoon, we’ll publish guidance about the first tranche for creative freelancers who’re experiencing immediate financial hardship due to the loss of income because of cancellations and deferrals caused by the pandemic. 

“Applications will open on Thursday 6 January, and will be followed by further details of how and when to apply for the emergency support for organisations. 

“The Covid-19 rollercoaster seems never ending but we will work hard with the sector to pull together again and overcome the challenges that this new wave of the pandemic presents to ensure we are able to gather in cultural spaces to enjoy Scotland’s rich, diverse and world-renowned art and creativity, and to celebrate all that they bring to our lives, in so many different ways.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events said: “The additional £2.8m in emergency funding for Scotland’s events sector is welcome news as it deals with the latest challenges presented by the Omicron variant.

“EventScotland will work with the Scottish Government and the Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG) to determine the best way of distributing the funding to ensure we get support to those in need, and will share further details on this in the new year. We will also work with them to look at future funding programmes to ensure the industry can return and rebuild when the time is right.” 

National Museums Scotland: What’s On

Exhibitions & Displays 

National Museum of Scotland  
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

NEW Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 

1 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed 

Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.

This exhibition will look at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected.

Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century. 

Sponsored by Baillie Gifford Actual Investors. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/Anatomy 

 
BOOK NOW Audubon’s Birds of America 
12 Feb – 8 May 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed, £0-£10 

This new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will examine the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books. 

Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work which achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations. 
Audubon’s Birds of America (12 February – 8 May 2022) will showcase 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery 
 
Book now nms.ac.uk/Audubon 
 
The Typewriter Revolution 

24 Jul 2021–17 Apr 2022 
10:00–16:30 
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 
Free entry

The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this new exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.

The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.  

Visit nms.ac.uk/Typewriters 

Inspiring Walter Scott 

6 Aug 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 
Free entry 
 
On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.  
 
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/walterscottexhibition 

Scotland’s Climate Challenge 

24 Sep 2021 – 27 Mar 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 
Free entry 

This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material. 

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/ClimateChallenge 

Extinction Bell 

24 Sep 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 
The Grand Gallery 
Free entry 

The Extinction Bell is a work by Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram that aims to raise awareness of biodiversity loss. 

A fire engine bell from National Museums Scotland’s collection has been adapted to toll at random intervals 150-200 times per day. Each ring of the bell symbolises the extinction of a species, representing the number being lost every 24 hours (according to a 2007 report from the UN). 
 
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.  

Visit nms.ac.uk/ExtinctionBell 

National Museum of Flight 
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF 
Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 – 16:00 

LEGO® Concorde Model 
28 Jun 2021 – 30 Jan 2022 
Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 – 16:00 
Free with pre-booked museum entry 
 
Master builder Warren Elsmore and his team have created a LEGO® Big Build of the National Museum of Flight’s Concorde.  

Six metres long and made of over 60,000 bricks, you can see the model on display alongside the real thing. The model is made purely from standard 2×4 LEGO bricks and took five days to build as part of our Brick Wonders exhibition in Spring 2021. 

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery

 
Events
 

Online  

New Museum Art Challenge 2021 
29 Nov 2021 – 2 Jan 2022 
Online, free 

 
Looking for something creative to do this December? The Museum Art Challenge invites you to make art inspired by our incredible collections. With five weekly themes to get you thinking, you can take part from near or far simply by emailing us a picture of your finished artwork. 
 

Take part nms.ac.uk/museumartchallenge 
 

National Museum of Rural Life   
Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR  
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 


Clyde’s Winter Trail  
27 Nov 2021 – 9 Jan 2022  
10:00 – 17:00  

Free with pre-booked museum admission  
  
Spot the festive scenes that Clyde, the Clydesdale horse, and his friends have been creating around the museum as they get ready for the festive season.  
  
Our family programming is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery  
 
Visit: nms.as.uk/exhibitions-events   

 
Follow us on Twitter…twitter.com/NtlMuseumsScot 

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland 

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/ 

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789 

Conversations with the Social Action Inquiry

The Social Action Inquiry was set-up to explore what helps and what hinders Social Action in Scotland.

Our first steps are a series of participatory and thought-provoking conversations to connect people taking practical, socially driven action in the service of others, our shared spaces and our natural environments.

The conversation is two hours long and divided into 3 parts. Each part will invite participation from attendees to contribute through dialogue, written words and images.

The structure of the conversation will:

  • Provide space to share the stories of social action that need heard
  • Begin to develop the network of allies involved in social action
  • Explain the intention and life cycle of the Inquiry
  • Identify who else we need to speak to
  • Shape the next steps of the Inquiry

At the end of the sessions there will be information and offers from the Inquiry Team of how people can stay connected with the Inquiry.

Dates and Times of Conversations

Thursday the 24th of November 7-9p.m

Tuesday the 30th of November 4-6p.m

Tuesday the 7th of December 2-4p.m

Wednesday the 8th of December 7-9p.m

Book your place here and select your preferred Date and Time.

These conversations will take place on the Zoom platform. Once you have registered, we will send you the Zoom link and materials that you can use during the session.

For more information about the event you can email us at hello@socialaction.scot

I wanted to drop you a message to update you on our engagement activities for this phase of the Social Action Inquiry (writes DARRYL).

We are hosting 3 weeks of Conversations with the Social Action Inquiry.

Tickets can be reserved through Eventbrite here. We have scheduled BSL interpreters for the event on the 7th of December (7-9 p.m.).

We have also scheduled additional conversations with allied initiatives and organisations such as #Iwill21 and Inspirealba.  

Each conversation is two hours in length and are designed with liberating structures in mind, enabling attendees to contribute regularly and evenly to the conversations. The conversations are divided into three parts and the aims for these sessions are to:

  • Provide space to share the stories of social action that need heard
  • Begin to develop the network of allies involved in social action
  • Explain the intention and life cycle of the Inquiry
  • Identify who else we need to speak to
  • Shape the next steps of the Inquiry

We would be grateful if you could share information about these events through your networks ,social media, and perhaps more importantly, nudge one or two people that spring to mind that need to know about these conversations.

We find that the personal touch often has the greatest influence.

You can find us on Twitter and Instagram we invite you to follow us, both platforms have embedded a short animation describing the events which can be shared.

Finally, please do get in touch if you would like to connect. Alternatively if you would like to be removed from our mailing list please let us know as well.

Best wishes

Darryl

Social Action Inquiry Scotland

Phone: 07867 181 040

Website: www.socialaction.scot

Twitter: @Soc_Act_Scot

Instagram: @Social_Action_Scotland

National Museums Scotland: What’s On

National Museums Scotland listings to 31 December 

Festive Fun at the National Museum of Rural Life 

National Museum of Rural Life 
Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR 
Open daily 10:00-17:00 

Willow Star Workshop with Anna Cross  
26 Nov 2021  
10:15–12:45, 14:00–16:30  
£35, suitable for adults (age 16+)  
 

Kick off the festive season by weaving a spectacular willow star with artist Anna Cross. In these half-day workshops for adults, both beginners and seasoned crafters alike will learn how to create their own beautiful decoration. A stylish alternative to traditional Christmas wreaths, you’ll want to display your large willow star year after year.  
 
Book now: nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events  
 
Children’s Workshop: Make a Willow Decoration  
Sat 27 Nov  
14:30–16:00   
£10 per child, suitable for ages 10+  
Advanced booking is essential  

Keen to learn more about the art of willow weaving? Then book a place on this 1.5 hour-long workshop with willow artist Anna Cross, suitable for children age 10+ with an accompanying adult. Anna will show you how to weave and decorate your very own willow star decoration to take home, perfect for hanging in your room or on the Christmas tree.  
 
Visit: nms.as.uk/exhibitions-events   

Festive Family Crafts  
27 Nov – 28 Nov 2021  
Sat: 10:30 – 16:00  
Sun: 10:30 – 15:30  
Free with pre-booked museum admission  
 
Festive family activities across the weekend, from drop-in craft sessions to a children’s willow weaving workshop with Anna Cross, the artist who created our Willow Sculpture Trail.  

Our family programming is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery 
 
Visit: nms.as.uk/exhibitions-events  
 

Clyde’s Winter Trail 
27 Nov 2021 – 9 Jan 2022  
10:00 – 17:00  
Free with pre-booked museum admission  

Spot the festive scenes that Clyde, the Clydesdale horse, and his friends have been creating around the museum as they get ready for the festive season.  
 
Our family programming is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery 
 
Visit: nms.as.uk/exhibitions-events 

 
Exhibitions & Displays 

National Museum of Scotland 

Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Audubon’s Birds of America 
12 Feb – 8 May 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed 
 
This new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will examine the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books.  

Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work which achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.

Audubon’s Birds of America (12 February – 8 May 2022) will showcase 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.   
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery 

Visit: nms.ac.uk/Audubon 

The Typewriter Revolution 

24 Jul 2021–17 Apr 2022 
10:00–16:30 
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 
Free entry 

The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this new exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.

The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/Typewriters 

Scotland’s Climate Challenge 

24 Sep 2021 – 27 Mar 2022 
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 
Free display 

This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/ClimateChallenge 

Extinction Bell 

24 Sep 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
The Grand Gallery, Level 1 
Free display

The Extinction Bell is a work by Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram that aims to raise awareness of biodiversity loss. A fire engine bell from National Museums Scotland’s collection has been adapted to toll at random intervals 150-200 times per day. Each ring of the bell symbolises the extinction of a species, representing the number being lost every 24 hours (according to a 2007 report from the UN). 
 
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/ExtinctionBell 

 
Inspiring Walter Scott 

6 Aug 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 
Free entry 
 
On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.  
 
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/walterscottexhibition 

Events 

Online  

NEW Costume Conversations 
22 Nov 2021, 17:00 
Free Instagram live, follow @nationalmuseumsscotland  

Join the final instalment of our Instagram Live series exploring how one object can tell multiple stories.   
In Costume Conversations our expert panel will explore how clothes tell stories on stage and screen. We’re asking the big questions about costume interpretation to find out just what’s involved in fashioning the past in the present. 

View nms.ac.uk/CostumeConversations  

Celebrating Black Fashion 

26 Nov 2021 
19:30—20:15 
Watch online 
Free, with option to add a donation 

Join model and broadcaster Eunice Olumide as she shares her experience of a transforming industry with museum curator Georgina Ripley. Eunice and Georgina will also discuss Eunice’s recent book How To Get Into Fashion, focussing on creativity, diversity, and wellbeing.  
 
This event will be followed by a live Q&A chaired by Mal Burkinshaw, Head of the School of Design at Edinburgh College of Art.  

Part of Black History Month 2021. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/CelebratingBlackFashion 

Follow us on Twitter…twitter.com/NtlMuseumsScot 

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland 

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/ 

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789 

 

Scotch Malt Whisky Society event brings back the Roaring Twenties

The world’s most entertaining whisky club invites you to 28 Queen Street for a night of glitz and glamour

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is transforming its Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street into a Gatsby-themed party for one night only. From 7 pm on Friday, 26 November 2021 the venue will be transported back to the ‘Roaring Twenties’, as SMWS members and non-members are invited to the party of the century.  

With champagne on arrival, live music, cocktails, canapes, and the Society’s ever-changing selection of single cask whiskies, 28 Queen Street will be engulfed with guests dressed to impress.

Tickets are available now for members and non-members for just £65. Get yours here: https://smws.com/queen-street-does-gatsby/

Sarah Prior, Queen Street Venue Manager, said: “We can’t wait to see all those smiling faces at 28 Queen Street for our Gatsby event. The world is getting back to (almost) normal, and what better time to celebrate as we enter the glorious festive season.

“With what has been a challenging year for everyone, we are delighted to welcome our members and new faces back to Society events. With Christmas around the corner, it’s the perfect time to come and see what the Society is all about.”

For the SMWS monthly Outturn this November, a new cask collection is taking to the stage every week: https://smws.com/latest-outturn

Belonging to the world’s most entertaining whisky club gives you access to exclusive Members’ Rooms, partner bar discounts, colourful tasting events, whisky education, and a monthly members’ magazine Unfiltered.

There’s so much more than whisky to appreciate when you join the Society for just £65: https://smws.com/whisky-club-membership

Book Week Scotland plots national reading map

National charity to share Scotland’s favourite reads

Book Week Scotland kicks off today (Monday 15 November), marking the tenth anniversary of the country-wide celebration of reading and writing.

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity that runs Book Week Scotland, has worked closely with partners to provide both online and in person events centred around this year’s theme of ‘celebration’ including an interactive reading map to reveal the nation’s reading habits.

Philippa Cochrane, Head of Reading Communities at Scottish Book Trust, said: “It is so exciting to be celebrating the 10th Book Week Scotland. Over the last decade Book Week Scotland has grown to become a joyful, inclusive week in Scotland’s book calendar.

“Once again Book Week Scotland is delivered with fantastic partners – libraries, community organisations, charities, schools and many more – across the country and offers a riotous collection of events and activities.

“We hope everyone in Scotland feels welcomed to the party and celebrates Book Week Scotland’s 10th anniversary by reading, gifting, discussing and celebrating the books they love.”

The new Reading Map of Scotland, designed to capture and share what the nation is reading now, is live from today – Monday 15 November.

Members of the public are encouraged to plot their location and current book of choice on the interactive map via Scottish Book Trust’s website.

Book Week Scotland will also launch #ILoveMyLibrary, a week-long social media campaign in support of libraries, encouraging the public to join in and share their memories of their favourite or local library.

Top authors in Scotland will also take part, celebrating the library they most treasure. The memories and anecdotes will be displayed on a dedicated social wall on Scottish Book Trust’s website.

For music lovers, there’s the opportunity to create a playlist poem using song titles. Poet Nadine Aisha Jassat and author Harry Josephine Giles have contributed their own #BookWeekScotlandPlaylistPoem, which can be viewed here.

50,000 free copies of a new book, Celebration, which includes real life stories from people around the country, will be available from libraries and other community venues during Book Week Scotland.

The book includes 22 stories selected by a panel, plus commissioned pieces from Courtney Stoddart, Elle McNicoll, Eòghan Stewart, Mòrag Law and Ross Sayers.

Event highlights of Book Week Scotland include:

  • Award-winning author Denise Mina kicks off the celebrations at Glasgow Women’s Library, where she filmed a new documentary: The Women Writers of Garnethill with tour guide Melody House.The film explores the contribution women writers have made to the area, and the city of Glasgow. It will premiere on YouTube on Monday 15 November at 12.30pm.
  • On Monday evening, for those who wish to join Book Week Scotland from the comfort of their own homes, there will be a downloadable role-playing game written by visual artist Adrian Barber. A star-studded line-up will play through the game, featuring: Marvel comic writer Kieron Gillen; bestselling author Val McDermid; DC Comics writer Ram V; Marvel comic writer and bestselling novelist Marjorie Liu; and award-winning comic artist and author Hari Conner.
  • On Wednesday 17 November at 12.30pm, Book Week Scotland will premiere a new documentary with former Makar Jackie Kay on her first novel, Trumpet. The film will offer exclusive insight to the inspiration and writing of the bestselling book.
  • On Thursday 18 Novemberat 11am, there will be an Authors Live event: a panel on Young Scottish Voices featuring Nadine Aisha Jassat, Chris McQueer and Cat Hepburn. They will showcase their writing and share how young people can use their own voices and experiences in writing and storytelling.
  • On Thursday evening, the Damian Barr Literary Salon will team up with Book Week Scotland to bring an unmissable event starring Baggage author Alan Cumming in conversation with Damian Barr, and poetry performances from the ascendant talents of Lennie Pennie and Courtney Stoddart. The event will run online Thursday 18 November at 7pm and tickets are available to buy here.
  • In the year of Scottish coastlines and waterways, Harry Josephine Giles, Evie Wyld and Raman Mundair will join Book Week Scotland for a Celebrating Island Literature panel, chaired by Pàdraig MacAoidh. The event will premiere on Saturday 20 November at 4pm on YouTube.


The full Book Week Scotland programme can be viewed here.

Festive dinosaurs set to dazzle at Blair Drummond Safari Park’s Christmas event

Blair Drummond Safari Park is gearing up for a spectacular Christmas season with the launch of their festive extravaganza on Friday 19th November.

Running until 23rd December, the family-friendly central Scotland destination is going ‘all out’ to make sure this year’s Christmas event delivers an unforgettable festive experience filled with animal magic, a German-style Christmas market, Scotland’s biggest Christmas tree, a twinkly fairy garden, Festive fairground rides… and, of course, dinosaur illuminations.

Food and drink will feature in abundance with firepits for roasting marshmallows, wood-fired pizza ovens and, for the adults, a gin bar from local Stirling Gin.

And of course, no festive attraction would be complete without the main attraction, Santa Claus! The main man will be travelling through the Safari Park in his sleigh to add to the excitement.

Blair Drummond Safari Park’s animals will also be part of the festive day-out with majestic lions, leggy giraffes, zippy zebras, and mischievous lemurs among the many two and four-legged friends adding to a truly special Christmas experience.

Head of Marketing, Liz Gunn of Blair Drummond Safari Park said: “This year we set out to create something truly special and we cannot wait to throw open our gates and watch the excitement unfold as little ones marvel at our festive dinosaurs, toast marshmallows on the fire pits, squeal with delight at the Christmas lights and watch with wonder as Santa glides past Scotland’s biggest Christmas tree on his sleigh.

“It is our favourite time of the year, and this year is even more special.”

Early bird tickets just £10.

Book online at www.blairdrummond.com

National Museums Scotland: What’s On listings

Climate Emergency 
 
Scotland’s Climate Challenge 

24 Sep 2021 – 27 Mar 2022 
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 
Free display 

This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material. 

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/ClimateChallenge 

Extinction Bell 

24 Sep 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
The Grand Gallery, Level 1 
Free display 


The Extinction Bell is a work by Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram that aims to raise awareness of biodiversity loss. A fire engine bell from National Museums Scotland’s collection has been adapted to toll at random intervals 150-200 times per day. Each ring of the bell symbolises the extinction of a species, representing the number being lost every 24 hours (according to a 2007 report from the UN). 
 
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/ExtinctionBell 

And If Not Now, When? 
1 Nov – 14 Nov 2021 
10:30 – 16:30 
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Event Space, Level 2 
Free immersive installation, sign up on the day in the Grand Gallery

And If Not Now, When? is an immersive, reactive, sound and film installation by Edinburgh artists Philip Pinsky and Karen Lamond which invites you to experience a transformed urban reality to inspire hope and possibility.  
 
Confronted with a heightened version of a busy urban junction; heavy traffic, pollution and noise, you will walk through a sound and film installation, guided by a lighted path. As you do so, notice how your position in the room directly impacts the environment around you.

Watch and listen as your actions transform one environment into another and end the experience with a vivid and tranquil re-imagining of how we could all live peacefully in our cities. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

Art and Science – Communicating the Climate Emergency 

4 Nov 2021 
19:30 – 20:30 
Online event 
Free, with optional donation 

As the eyes of the world turn to Scotland for the UN Climate Conference in November, join artists Luke Jerram and Philip Pinsky, along with National Museums Scotland curators, for a discussion about the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crisis. Explore how the research and technology being used to tackle these issues can be shared with the wider public, and consider how art can help communicate these critical messages and inspire change. 

Supported by players of the Postcode Lottery. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

Further Exhibitions & Displays 

National Museum of Scotland 

Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

NEW – Audubon’s Birds of America 
12 Feb – 8 May 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
Ticketed 
 
This new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will examine the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books.   

Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work that achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.  

Audubon’s Birds of America (12 February – 8 May 2022) will showcase 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.   

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery 

Visit: nms.ac.uk/Audubon 

The Typewriter Revolution 

24 Jul 2021–17 Apr 2022 
10:00–16:30 
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 
Free entry 

The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this new exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons. 

The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.  

Visit nms.ac.uk/Typewriters 

Inspiring Walter Scott 

6 Aug 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 
Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 
Free entry 
 
On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.  
 
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/walterscottexhibition 

Events 

Online 

Celebrating Black Fashion 

26 Nov 2021 
19:30—20:15 
Watch online 
Free, with option to add a donation 

Join model and broadcaster Eunice Olumide as she shares her experience of a transforming industry with museum curator Georgina Ripley. Eunice and Georgina will also discuss Eunice’s recent book How To Get Into Fashion, focussing on creativity, diversity, and wellbeing.  
 
This event will be followed by a live Q&A chaired by Mal Burkinshaw, Head of the School of Design at Edinburgh College of Art.  

Part of Black History Month 2021. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/CelebratingBlackFashion 


National Museum of Rural Life  
Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR 
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 


For Adults 

NEW Willow Star Workshop with Anna Cross 

26 Nov 2021 
10:15–12:45, 14:00–16:30 
£35, suitable for adults (age 16+) 
 
Kick off the festive season by weaving your own large willow star with artist Anna Cross. In these half-day workshops for adults, you will learn how to create your own beautiful decoration. Suitable for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, Anna will guide you through the weaving process. 
Book now: nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

For Families 

NEW Children’s Workshop: Make a Willow Decoration 

Sat 27 Nov 
14:30–16:00  
£10 per child, suitable for ages 10+ 
Advanced booking is essential 

Keen to learn more about the art of willow weaving? Then book a place on this 1.5 hour-long workshop with willow artist Anna Cross, suitable for children age 10+ with an accompanying adult. 
 
Anna will show you how to weave and decorate your very own willow star decoration to take home, perfect for hanging in your room or on the Christmas tree. 
 
Visit: nms.as.uk/exhibitions-events 

NEW Festive Family Crafts 
27 Nov – 28 Nov 2021 
Sat: 10:30 – 16:00 
Sun: 10:30 – 15:30 

Free with pre-booked museum admission 

Join us for festive family activities across the weekend, from drop-in craft sessions to a children’s willow weaving workshop with Anna Cross, the artist who created our Willow Sculpture Trail.  

Our family programming is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery 

Visit: nms.as.uk/exhibitions-events 

NEW Clyde’s Winter Trail 
27 Nov 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 
10:00 – 17:00 
Free with pre-booked museum admission 

 
Spot the festive scenes that Clyde, the Clydesdale horse, and his friends have been creating around the museum as they get ready for the festive season. 
 
Our family programming is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery 

Visit: nms.as.uk/exhibitions-events  

Follow us on Twitter … twitter.com/NtlMuseumsScot 

Follow us on Facebook … facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland 

Follow us on Instagram … instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/ 

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789 

Events line-up to enrich climate conference

A 10 metre tall puppet, STORM, will make an appearance in Glasgow and many projects are already well underway in the run up to the climate conference, including the launch of Climate Beacon hubs in seven locations across Scotland.

STORM is a huge sea-goddess puppet made entirely out of recycled materials with oyster shells for eyes and kelp for hair and is created by Vision Mechanics. She is due to walk in Govan on 10 November.

Led by Creative Carbon Scotland, the Climate Beacons project is a collaboration between climate change, environmental, arts, heritage and cultural organisations to stimulate long-term public engagement in climate change. The hubs throughout Scotland, including Argyll, Caithness and East Sutherland, Fife and Inverclyde, will provide information about climate change in each local area.

The hubs will be run as sustainably as possible with many of the projects and activities using recycled materials.

For instance the Message in a Bottle project in the Outer Hebrides will send messages to people at COP26 in plastic bottles washed up on the beach and the Midlothian hub at the National Mining Museum Scotland will feature outdoor clay sculpture that will eventually degrade back into the earth.

Creative Carbon Scotland’s film, Climate Action Needs Culture, made in collaboration with national cultural and heritage organisations, will be shown to a variety of cultural leaders and policymakers on November 5 as a virtual event.

Scotland’s five national performing arts companies, each receiving regular support from the Scottish Government, are among the many cultural organisations across Scotland organising events around COP26.

On 31 October, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra will premiere Symbiosis, a new commission for strings in a 20 minute video. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra will give a pop-up performance at ScotRail’s Haymarket Station on 1 November to welcome delegates to COP26 while the RSNO Junior Chorus will perform a selection of specially commissioned Green Songs in the official COP26 Green Zone the following day.

Scottish Opera have launched an intergalactic view of climate change in The Last Aliens, an opera for primary children. Schools can access the production online now with live tours planned next year.

Schools and communities across Scotland and India have created 100 shoes for a digital shoe shop as part of Millipede, the National Theatre of Scotland’s collaboration with ThinkArts, a Kolkata-based children’s organisation. Launching on 1 November, the interactive art installation will explore personal responses to climate change and carbon footprints through a range of creative activities.

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “With the world’s spotlight on Scotland, COP26 in Glasgow is a once in a lifetime event and our cultural organisations have risen to the occasion by programming an impressive line-up of live and online activities to engage audiences at home and abroad. 

“The Scottish Government is proud to support the cultural and heritage sectors as they have a major role to play in encouraging debate around environmental issues.

“Climate change affects us all and it’s heartening to see so many communities taking part in these projects to create a lasting legacy for future generations.”

A dedicated website, Culture at COP, for all cultural activities around COP26 has been set up by Museums and Galleries Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and the Climate Heritage Network.