Tag: National Museums Scotland

National Museums Scotland Listings

WHAT’S ON AT NATIONAL MUSEUMS ACROSS SCOTLAND

Exhibitions & displays 

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

Monkeys: Our Primate Family
Until 30 Nov
10:00-17:00
Ticketed

See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in Monkeys: Our Primate Family at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.

Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/monkeys-our-primate-family

Cold War Scotland
Until 4 Jan 2026
10:00 – 17:00
Free

Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

Events

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

Science Saturday
27 Sep
10:30-15:30
Hawthornden Court, Level 1 & Event Space, Level 2
Free, drop in

Celebrate Maths Week Scotland at the museum with crafts, games and puzzles. Unleash your creativity with our maths challenges. Build a Scottish wild animal with LEGO® or design and draw your own animals adapted to suit different climates.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/science-saturday

Legends, Myths and Maths: A Journey Through Scotland
28 Sep
11:00-12:00
Auditorium Level 1
Free, booking required

Join author David Macphail to explore the myths, legends, wildlife and landscapes of Scotland, with hidden maths. A fun and interactive talk for families presented by Maths Week Scotland.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/legends-myths-and-maths

In Conversation: Peter Ross and Fraser Hunter
28 Sep
15:00-16:00
Auditorium Level 1
Tickets from £7.50

Join author Peter Ross in conversation with Dr Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator of Prehistoric and Roman Archaeology, as they discuss Peter’s new book ‘Upon A White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland‘, which explores the enduring mystery of ancient sites and objects and considers the ways in which they continue to hold significance for people now.

The book includes a number of items in National Museums Scotland’s collections, including the strange and fascinating Ballachulish Figure.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/in-conversation-peter-ross

Creative Workshop: An Introduction to Drawing Scottish Wildlife
4 Oct
11:00-16:00
Tickets from £45

Take a fresh look at our Scottish wildlife collections. These informal creative workshops will focus on helping you to better understand and engage with these fascinating animals in new ways.
Using pencils, artist Meg Buick will teach you how to create various textures and marks to depict the animal world.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-drawing-wildlife

Relaxed Morning: Monkeys: Our Primate Family
5 Oct
10:00 – 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30)
Special Exhibition Gallery 1
Tickets from £13

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the exhibition. During this time some ambient sounds will be turned down and visitor numbers will be reduced.
A sensory backpack will also be available from the front desk to support your visit.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-monkeys

Relaxed Morning
7 Sep
10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30)
Free admission, drop-in

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

Find out more nms.ac.uknms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning

Printmaking workshop with Nkem Okwechime
5 Oct
14:00-16:00
Learning Centre
Free, booking required

Enjoy a practical printmaking workshop with Scottish-Nigerian artist Nkem Okwechime. Explore how the Museum’s collections have inspired his work and try screen printing techniques to create artwork to take home.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/printmaking-workshop-with-nkem-okwechime

Spotlight On: Monkeys: Our Primate Family
7 Oct
14:00-15:00
£3, £2 Members & Conc.

Join exhibition curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener, to learn how research into our primate collections is shaping our understanding of the biology and conservation of monkey species around the world today.

The first exhibition of its kind to show primates behaving as they would in the wild, ‘Monkeys: Our Primate Family’ brings together more than 50 taxidermy specimens, including monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/spotlight-on-monkeys-our-primate-family

Six Long Legs
15-17 Oct
10:30 – 11:30 and 14:00 – 15:00
Auditorium, Events Space, Level 2
Performance fee, workshop £2

Join us for three days of insect-themed family fun inspired by the National Museums Scotland’s entomology collection. Enjoy a colourful show featuring dressing up, puppetry and mischievous anarchy. Then get creative and build your own bug in a playful and collaborative workshop.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/six-long-legs

Wild Wings of Hope
15-17 Oct
10:30-16:00
Grand Gallery, Living Lands gallery
Free

Explore the extraordinary journeys of migratory birds and insects with storytelling and craft. This three-day event celebrates the biodiversity and cultural heritage of Scotland and Africa.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/wild-wings-of-hope

Curiosity Club: Wild Wings
25 Oct
10:30-12:00
Learning Centre, Level 4
£10 (Members and Concessions £9)

Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities and gallery visits.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/curiosity-club

The Sunday Sketch
26 Oct
14:00-16:00
From £13

Learn how to sketch, taking inspiration from the incredible collections on display in our museum galleries. Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/the-sunday-sketch

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

Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
30 Sep
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life

Autumn Explorers
14 Oct – 17 Oct
10:30-15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Our Autumn Explorers family activities are back, and this time we’re going on a nocturnal nature adventure with storytelling and sustainable crafts.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/autumn-explorers

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00 

October Half Term: Make Do and Mend
11 Oct-19 Oct
Drop-in daily from 10:00-15:00

Try knitting, repairing and re-using clothes, following advice from a Second World War publication.

Make Do and Mend was a government campaign during the Second World War to teach people how to repair and reuse existing clothing to help them get through the clothing shortage. During October half term, take part in family activities that will introduce you to some of these skills.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/make-do-and-mend

Science Sunday
2 Nov
11:00-15:00
Free with museum admission.

Celebrate maths at the National Museum of Flight. Use objects from the collection to practice ‘subitizing’ – the ability to see the number of objects without counting. Find out about the museum collection with our Cryptography Challenges and explore the museum with our new maths trail.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/science-sunday

Conservation Hangar Talks
Until 29 Mar 2026
14:00-15:00
Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required.

Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-hangar-talks

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   

Rare Bronze Age hoard saved for the nation

CARNOUSTIE HOARD WILL GO ON DISPLAY NEXT SUMMER

A Bronze Age hoard discovered in Carnoustie has been acquired by National Museums Scotland and will go on display for the first time in a new exhibition opening next summer.

The hoard includes a rare spearhead decorated with gold and a bronze sword in a wooden scabbard, dating from around 1120-920 BC. Scotland’s First Warriors (27 Jun 2026 – 17 May 2027) will bring together over 250 objects spanning thousands of years, to explore the origins and impact of conflict and warfare in prehistoric Scotland. 

The spearhead has an intricately decorated gold-bound socket, one of only two such examples known from Scotland. It was discovered alongside a bronze sword with an unusual lead-tin pommel, still sheathed in the remains of a wooden scabbard.

The sword was carefully wrapped in a woven wool garment, fastened with a disc-headed pin; the spearhead blade was wrapped in sheepskin, and the socket was wrapped in a fine woollen cloth.

The weapons hint at the existence of a localised warrior elite in the Angus area over 3,000 years ago. 

The hoard was deliberately and thoughtfully placed near a Bronze Age round structure. This is the only Bronze Age weapon hoard from Scotland to be found within a clearly defined settlement, offering a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between these treasured objects and the lives of the people who crafted and used them.

The survival of prehistoric textiles and organic material is also extremely rare and reveals an extra layer of the care and attention that went into the formation of the hoard. 

Dr Matthew Knight, Senior Curator of Prehistory at National Museums Scotland, said: “The Carnoustie Hoard is a remarkable discovery. This is the first time we’ve encountered weapons buried at a settlement where people lived. It forces us to reconsider relationships between people and these objects and enriches our picture of life in Bronze Age Scotland.

“On top of that we have the exceptional survival of wood, textiles and animal skin that express how much these objects were valued. After hours of painstaking conservation, I can’t wait to for visitors to see the hoard for the first time in our new exhibition Scotland’s First Warriors.” 

Alongside the Carnoustie Hoard, Scotland’s First Warriors will include never-before-seen internationally significant archaeological discoveries from across Scotland.

From the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the coming of the Romans, the exhibition will present the origins of organised conflict.

It will explore how people fought, the motivations for fighting, the brutal impact of war on people’s lives and the long-lasting legacy of prehistoric conflict. 

The hoard was unearthed in 2016 by GUARD Archaeology near Carnoustie, in an area that was due to be developed into two football pitches.

The full assemblage of archaeological finds from site represents a nationally significant group of objects spanning nearly 3000 years from the early Neolithic to the late Bronze Age.  


Scotland’s First Warriors 

27th June 2026 – 17th May 2027 
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 

Admission Free 

nms.ac.uk/ScotlandsFirstWarriors

Museum in Motion: National Museums Scotland’s new cargo bike brings history and culture to communities

A new bespoke cargo bike commissioned by National Museums Scotland will bring hands-on learning and cultural experiences directly to communities across Edinburgh.   

Developed by National Museums Scotland and designed by XYZ CARGO UK, the bike will enable museum staff to deliver accessible creative workshops and storytelling sessions with local communities. It will be based at the National Museums Collection Centre in Granton in the north of Edinburgh.

The Collection Centre is home to some 12 million objects and is also a regular part of National Museums Scotland’s community outreach work, hosting visits from local groups and schools.  

The bike is completely electric, generating low carbon emissions in its outreach. It has a large storage compartment which enables it to transport objects from the Museum’s handling collection, including replicas of the Lewis Chess pieces, Pictish chains and Roman helmets, and even a 3D-printed chimpanzee skull.  

Jane Miller, Community Engagement Manager at National Museums Scotland, said:  “While admission to the National Museum of Scotland is free, we know that there can be all sorts of barriers to access traditional museum spaces.

“That’s why it’s important that we have an active programme of community engagement, and the Museum in Motion cargo bike is a colourful, fun and sustainable way of bringing the Museum to communities on their doorsteps.”  

The project is funded in part by the Edinburgh Airport Community Fund. Gordon Robertson, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Edinburgh Airport said: “Our Community Fund is designed to support a wide range of groups and organisations within our neighbouring communities, and this project is a fantastic example of the fund in action. 

“By contributing to the purchase of this cargo bike, we’re helping National Museums Scotland reduce its carbon footprint and enhance the accessibility of its collections by bringing them directly into local communities.” 

Anyone interested in inviting the Museum in Motion cargo bike to visit their community or wants to find out more, can contact the Community Engagement team at National Museums Scotland by email at communities@nms.ac.uk.   

National Museums Scotland Listings

NATIONAL MUSEUMS SCOTLAND – WHAT’S ON

Exhibitions & displays

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

Monkeys: Our Primate Family
Until 30 Nov
10:00-17:00
Ticketed

See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in Monkeys: Our Primate Family at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.

Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/monkeys-our-primate-family

Cold War Scotland
Until 4 Jan 2026
10:00 – 17:00
Free

Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War.

Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

Events

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


Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh
1 & 8 Aug
19:30-22:30
Tickets from £24

Our sell out museum ceilidh makes its festival debut. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry and join the party in Scottish style. Set in the museum’s majestic Grand Gallery, all dances are suitable for beginners with no previous experience necessary – our caller will guide you through the steps on the night.  Between dances enjoy drinks, food, activities and explore a selection of the museum galleries at night. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-late-festival-ceilidh

Summer Family Fun
1 Aug
10:30-15:30
Free, drop-in

Join us on Mondays and Fridays for a range of exciting, drop-in activities for the whole family. Each week, we will be exploring a new theme – from Scottish stories to around-the-world adventures, there will be something new to discover.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/summer-family-fun

Relaxed Morning
3 Aug
10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30)
Free admission, drop-in

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

Find out more nms.ac.uknms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning

Morning Curator Tour: Monkeys: Our Primate Family
13 & 15 Aug
09:15-10:00
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
£15, £13 Members & Concessions

Join us before normal opening hours to explore this special exhibition with its curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener. The tour will bring you face to face with some of the rarest and most endangered primate species on Earth. Explore their remarkable lives and discover how primates have adapted to survive in different habitats.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/morning-curator-tour-monkeys

Okolo: Artwork by Nkem Okwechime
13-22 Aug
11:00-16:00
Learning Centre Foyer, Level 4
Free

Informed by his research of the museum’s African collection, ‘Okolo’ by Scottish-Nigerian artist and printmaker Nkem Okwechime explores the intersection of European and West African identity.

This installation features artwork based on observations and inspiration from visits to the National Museums Collection Centre. This installation is featured as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/okolo-artwork-by-nkem-okwechime


BSL Tour of Monkeys: Our Primate Family
14 Aug
15:00-16:00
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
£10

Join BSL guide Babs Brown for a guided tour of our exhibition, Monkeys: Our Primate Family.

The tour will last approximately one hour with the chance to explore the exhibition independently afterwards. This event is aimed at D/deaf community BSL visitors, and is most suitable for those ages 14+.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/bsl-tour-of-monkeys-our-primate-family

Barkcloth Making from Niue – An ancient practice from the South Pacific
16-17 Aug
10:00 and 14:00
Learning Centre, Level 4
Free, booking required

Join artist Cora-Allan to learn about hiapo (barkcloth) from the island of Niue in the South Pacific, and hear how her work bridges historic and contemporary art practice.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/barkcloth-making

Jacobites Curator Tour
20 Aug
10:30 – 11:30, 12:00 – 13:00, and 14:30 – 15:30
Scotland galleries
£12, £10 Members and Concessions

Join Georgia Vullinghs, Curator of Renaissance and Early Modern History, for a gallery tour to explore the history and legacy of the Jacobite risings in Scotland.

View a century of objects relating to the overthrow of James VII and the subsequent effort of his descendants to reclaim their crowns.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/jacobites-curator-tour

Audio Descriptive Tour: Monkeys: Our Primate Family
3 September
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
17:30-19:00

Join our tour guide for an audio descriptive tour of Monkeys: Our Primate Family, with accompanying sensory resources and a chance to explore the exhibition after hours.

This tour is aimed at blind, partially sighted and visually impaired visitors. It is most suitable for those ages 14+.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/audio-descriptive-tour-monkeys-our-primate-family

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

Nature Track Packs
Until 31 Aug
10:00-17:00
Free with museum admission

Our free Nature Track Packs are great tools for children on the walk to the farm. Each Nature Track Pack contains fun ideas, activities and challenges to inspire and engage all of the senses.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/nature-track-packs

Dog and Duck Day
13 Sep
10:30 –15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for a fun-filled day of working dog displays, crafts and family storytelling at the National Museum of Rural Life. See clever canines at work in outdoor displays from the Drakes of Hazard sheepdog and duck team and specialist dog trainers, Mordor Gundogs.

Booking available soon nms.ac.uk/events/dog-and-duck-day

Adult Workshop: Eco Printing
27 Sep
10:15-16:00
Learning Centre
£70, £65 Concessions

This full-day workshop with natural dyer and textile artist Elisabeth Viguie-Culshaw is suitable for both beginners and those with some natural dyeing or eco printing experience.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/adult-workshop-eco-printing

Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
30 Sep
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00 

Lunchtime Talks
8 Aug
13:00-13:20
Free with museum admission

Hear experts speak about the history of East Fortune Airfield, the museum’s collections and more in our series of free lunchtime talks.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/lunchtime-talks

Second World War Puzzle Room
Until 15 Aug
12:00-15:00
Free with museum admission

Work together as a family in our puzzle room and see if you can come up with the answers. Only by solving four different challenges will you know if you’ve got what it takes to decipher codes, diffuse a bomb and work out flight paths.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/second-world-war-puzzle-room

Second World War Satchels
Until 17 Aug
10:00-16:00
Free with museum admission

Pick up one of our summer activity satchels and delve deeper into the history of the Second World War.

Separate satchels are available for adult and family visitors.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/second-world-war-satchels

360 Fest
6 Sept
10:00-17:00
Tickets from £13.50, book in advance to save

Go full circle at our big family event at the National Museum of Flight.  You’ll be on a roll this September with our all round family fun event. From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning.

Book your ticket nms.ac.uk/events/360-fest

Conservation Hangar Talks
Until 29 Mar 2026
14:00-15:00
Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required.

Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-hangar-talks

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   

Calculator used by Scottish scientist to help NASA achieve first manned moon landing donated to National Museums Scotland

Ahead of the anniversary of the first moon landing (20th July 1969), a mechanical calculating machine used by a Scottish scientist in support of the mission has been donated to National Museums Scotland.

The donated object is a Facit Model LX calculator used by Archie Roy (1924-2012), Professor of Astronomy at the University of Glasgow. Professor Roy was an expert in celestial mechanics and orbital motion calculations.

He was asked by NASA to be a consultant on trajectory calculations for spacecraft in a programme of lunar missions that culminated in the Apollo 11 mission which took Neil Armstrong’s crew to become the first humans to set foot on the moon, landing on 20 July 1969.  

Professor Roy is thought to have acquired the mechanical calculator to enable him to carry out his PhD, which he was awarded in 1954, and continued to use it through the 1960s until it was gradually superseded by electronic computers. 

After Professor Roy’s retirement in September 1989, his friend and colleague, the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, John Brown, recognised the calculator’s significance to the history of science and held it for safekeeping before his widow Margaret donated it to National Museums Scotland.  

 Dr Tacye Philipson, Senior Curator of Science at National Museums Scotland, said: “This is a wonderful addition to the National Collection for many reasons.

“It is a visibly well-used piece of kit, reflecting Professor Archie Roy’s long and productive career.

“Moreover, when we think of the array of computational power at our fingertips today with our phones and laptops, it is evocative to look at this completely analogue machine and think that it was instrumental in one of the most extraordinary technological achievements in human history, one unsurpassed and even unrepeated in over 50 years. Professor Roy’s calculator gives us a tangible link to Scotland’s part in that achievement.” 

The Facit Model LX calculator was manufactured in Sweden from 1938 to 1954. The one used by Professor Roy has been added to National Museums Scotland’s extensive Science and Technology collections, where it will be used to make connections with other material relating to space, astronomy and calculation, including a prototype camera designed for use on the moon, and an analogue calculator created for the solution of Kepler’s equation. 

National Museum of Flight uncovers Second World War secrets in anniversary year

New research has revealed details of two air assaults on East Fortune Airfield that were kept secret during the Second World War.

The historic airfield in East Lothian is now home to the National Museum of Flight, which opened 50 years ago this month, in July 1975.

A discreet, handwritten note on an archived document led curators from the Museum to uncover the hidden details. In November 1940, three bombs were dropped on the airfield. Almost a year later in October 1941, enemy gunners attacked the site from the air. No casualties were recorded. 

Throughout the Second World War the airfield served as an operational training unit. In Scotland, direct hits were rarely reported publicly to prevent enemy forces identifying significant sites. The Lothians were targeted by German bombers on several occasions, including attacks on a decoy airfield in nearby Drem, but until now this important part of the airfield’s history was unknown.  

East Fortune is one of the UK’s best-preserved Second World War airfields. Air raid and blast shelters, that were likely used during the attacks, have recently been conserved and are now open to visitors to discover more about Scotland’s wartime heritage. 

Ian Brown, Curator at the National Museum of Flight, said: “Revealing these previously unknown events at East Fortune has taken some real detective work.

“The airfield has played a significant role in Scottish aviation history for over a century. Even in the museum’s 50th year we’re still discovering stories that can help us better understand the airfield’s past.” 

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors can learn more about life during the Second World War in a new series of lunchtime talks, starting on Friday 18th July.

The talks are free with the museum admission and can be booked at: nms.ac.uk/Flight.

The National Museum of Flight explores the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day through interactive galleries, historic aircraft and hangars.

On display is one of Europe’s best collections of aircraft, including Scotland’s only Concorde, which visitors can board.   

 

What’s On at National Museums Scotland this summer

Monkeys: Our Primate Family 

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

OPENING TODAY Monkeys: Our Primate Family  
28 Jun – 30 Nov  

See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in Monkeys: Our Primate Family at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises. 

Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/monkeys-our-primate-family 

 Events 

Monkey Business  
28 & 29 Jun and 19 & 26 Jul 
10:30-16:00 
Grand Gallery 
Free, drop-in  

This summer, celebrate the opening of our new exhibition Monkeys: Our Primate Family with activities for all the family. Join us for four days of monkeying around with fun, family activities for all ages.   

Grab a seat at our craft tables, get hands-on with fascinating objects and more. Then discover the world of primates in our new exhibition, Monkeys: Our Primate Family. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/monkey-business 

Morning Curator Tour: Monkeys: Our Primate Family  
13 & 15 Aug 
09:15-10:00 
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
£15, £13 Members & Concessions

Join us before normal opening hours to explore this special exhibition with its curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener. The tour will bring you face to face with some of the rarest and most endangered primate species on Earth. Explore their remarkable lives and discover how primates have adapted to survive in different habitats.   

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/morning-curator-tour-monkeys  

BSL Tour of Monkeys: Our Primate Family  
14 Aug  
15:00-16:00 
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
£10 

Join BSL guide Babs Brown for a guided tour of our exhibition, Monkeys: Our Primate Family.   

The tour will last approximately one hour with the chance to explore the exhibition independently afterwards. This event is aimed at D/deaf community BSL visitors, and is most suitable for those ages 14+. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/bsl-tour-of-monkeys-our-primate-family  

Audio Descriptive Tour: Monkeys: Our Primate Family 
3 September 
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 
17:30-19:00  

Join our tour guide for an audio descriptive tour of Monkeys: Our Primate Family, with accompanying sensory resources and a chance to explore the exhibition after hours.   

This tour is aimed at blind, partially sighted and visually impaired visitors. It is most suitable for those ages 14+. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/audio-descriptive-tour-monkeys-our-primate-family 

Spotlight On: Monkeys: Our Primate Family  
7 October  
14:00-15:00  
Auditorium, Level 1 
£3, £2 Members & concession  

In this spotlight talk, exhibition curator Dr Andrew Kitchener will share his insights into the making of the exhibition and discuss the cutting-edge primate research taking place at the National Museums Collections Centre.   

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/spotlight-on-monkeys-our-primate-family 

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

Cold War Scotland  
Until 4 Jan 2026 
10:00 – 17:00 
Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 
Free

Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War.

Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.  

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland 

Events 

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

Relaxed Morning  
6 Jul & 3 Aug 
10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30)  
Free admission, drop-in 

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning  

Sensory Sunday  
6 Jul & 7 Sept 
11:00-12:00 and 14:00-15:00 
Free, booking required   

Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs. Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families. Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating. You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/sensory-sunday  

Summer Family Fun  
7 Jul-1 Aug 
10:30-15:30 
Free, drop-in

Join us on Mondays and Fridays for a range of exciting, drop-in activities for the whole family. Each week, we will be exploring a new theme – from Scottish stories to around-the-world adventures, there will be something new to discover.    

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/summer-family-fun  

Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh  
1 & 8 Aug 
19:30-22:30 
Tickets from £24  

Our sell out museum ceilidh makes its festival debut. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry and join the party in Scottish style. Set in the museum’s majestic Grand Gallery, all dances are suitable for beginners with no previous experience necessary – our caller will guide you through the steps on the night.  Between dances enjoy drinks, food, activities and explore a selection of the museum galleries at night.  

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-late-festival-ceilidh 

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

Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life  
24 June  
14:30-17:00 
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass  

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers. 

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life 

Nature Track Packs  
28 Jun-31 Aug 
10:00-17:00  
Free with museum admission  

Our free Nature Track Packs are great tools for children on the walk to the farm. Each Nature Track Pack contains fun ideas, activities and challenges to inspire and engage all of the senses.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/nature-track-packs 

Tractor Tots  
7 Jul  
10:30 or 13:30 blocks  
£20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3 
Ages 0-4 

Running in blocks of three Friday morning sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to the museum and farm, and bringing it to life through interactive creative play. Each session will take place in a different location at the museum and working farm, and will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside.  

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots  

Archaeology Day  
19 Jul 
11:00-15:30 
Free with museum entry and Annual Pass 

Take part in a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life. 

Meet the team from Treasure Trove Scotland and find out all about their work to investigate and assess new archaeological discoveries. 

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/archaeology-day 

National Museum of Flight 

East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF 
Open  Weekends only, 10:00–16:00  

Awesome Bricks  
14 & 15 Jun 
10:00-17:00 
Tickets from £13.50, book in advance to save 

Our hands-on celebration of LEGO returns to the National Museum of Flight. Join us for a weekend packed full of LEGO brick fun, with lots to see and do for all ages.  Get a close-up view of incredible LEGO constructions, including an interactive train set. You can also make your own unique creations in our brick build zone.  

Book your ticket nms.ac.uk/events/awesome-bricks 

Second World War Satchels  
7 Jul-17 Aug 
10:00-16:00 
Free with museum admission  

Pick up one of our summer activity satchels and delve deeper into the history of the Second World War.  

Separate satchels are available for adult and family visitors. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/second-world-war-satchels 

Second World War Puzzle Room  
7 Jul-15 Aug  
12:00-15:00 
Free with museum admission 

Work together as a family in our puzzle room and see if you can come up with the answers. Only by solving four different challenges will you know if you’ve got what it takes to decipher codes, diffuse a bomb and work out flight paths. 

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/second-world-war-puzzle-room 

Lunchtime Talks  
18 & 25 Jul and 8 Aug  
13:00-13:20 
Free with museum admission  

Hear experts speak about the history of East Fortune Airfield, the museum’s collections and more in our series of free lunchtime talks. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/lunchtime-talks  

360 Fest  
6 Sept 
10:00-17:00 
Tickets from £13.50, book in advance to save 

Go full circle at our big family event at the National Museum of Flight.  You’ll be on a roll this September with our all round family fun event. From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning.   

Book your ticket nms.ac.uk/events/360-fest 

Conservation Hangar Talks  
Until 29 Mar 2026 
14:00-15:00 
Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required. 

Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.   

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-hangar-talks  

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   

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.

This pioneering research is part of the Animal Feeding project funded by Wellcome.

The study was published in Scientific Reports last week (12 March). It comes as the National Museum of Scotland prepares to welcome the return of the biggest exhibition of primate biology ever staged, Monkeys: Our Primate Family, opening on 28 June.

Choppers, a Western Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) played Grandmother Ada Lott in the iconic British television ads when she was still a juvenile. She had been rescued from poachers in Sierra Leone at just six weeks old before being brought to the UK and going on to appear in the series of adverts. She was cared for at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire for over 40 years, until her death in 2016.

Osteobiographies are rarely performed on modern animal specimens and have never been applied so comprehensively to a zoo animal before now. The technique is more commonly used in archaeology to reconstruct the life stories of ancient human subjects, such as Richard III, identifying where and how they lived in remarkable detail.

As a celebrity, Choppers’ life has been extensively documented. This combination of archival material and osteobiographical analysis provides the most complete assessment of the life of an animal in zoo care, highlighting advances in zoological practices.

Dr David Cooper, Researcher at National Museums Scotland and lead author of the study, said: “Choppers was beloved by audiences across the UK for years.

“Now the innovative application of osteobiographical analysis has allowed us to tell her story like never before.

“Her life is a testament to the many thousands of chimpanzees that were taken from the wild and charts a crucial shift in the priorities of zoos away from entertainment and towards education, conservation, research and welfare.”

Choppers’ skeleton was donated to National Museums Scotland by Twycross Zoo, enriching Scotland’s internationally significant natural science collection which comprises more than 10 million specimens and is in constant use for study and research.

Dr Andrew Kitchener, Principal Curator of Vertebrate Biology at National Museums Scotland, said: ““Natural science collections are an invaluable resource in understanding the world in which we live, offering insight into some of the greatest challenges of our age, from biodiversity loss to the climate crisis.

“Our collections are increasingly reflecting the impacts of human activities both locally and globally, and hence are important for providing evidence of those impacts and how we can mitigate against them. We are grateful to zoos like Twycross for their support in developing Scotland’s National Collection, ensuring it remains at the forefront of international research efforts today and into the future.”

This osteobiography was created through the direct application of biogeochemical, pathological, and morphometric analytic techniques. The findings of this study paint a rich picture of Choppers’ key life events, including evidence of traumatic injuries sustained when she was poached from the wild in infancy. These would impact her throughout her life, impairing her movement and exacerbating degenerative issues associated with old age..

Isotopic analyses of Choppers’ tooth enamel indicate a distinct geographical and dietary shift between the ages of three and four, coinciding with her relocation to the UK. In the following three years she played the grandmother character in the PG Tips adverts, despite her youth

She was retired as she reached puberty at around six or seven. Strikingly, Choppers’ upper jaw was significantly elongated when compared with that of wild chimpanzees, reflecting an early diet of sugary soft fruit.

In recent years there has been a dramatic shift towards tougher, less sugary vegetables in the diets of zoo primates, which is leading to significant improvements in primate health and behaviour.

In addition to National Museums Scotland, the study also involved researchers from the University of Exeter, the University of Reading, Twycross Zoo and the University of Edinburgh.

Phillipa Dobbs, Veterinary Services Manager at Twycross Zoo said: “We’re delighted to be able to support this incredible work. At Twycross Zoo, our commitment to animal welfare extends beyond an individual’s lifetime, and studies like this allow us to ensure they contribute to scientific knowledge.

“Choppers was an important part of our history, and this pioneering research offers new insights into her life and the evolving role of modern zoos. By supporting studies like this, we can continue to learn from the past and drive progress in animal care, welfare, science and conservation. It’s an honour to be involved.”

Mystery of the Arnish Moor Man explored in new exhibition

Objects recovered from a mysterious 250-year-old burial on Arnish Moor on the Isle of Lewis, star in a new exhibition, opening today. The exceptionally well-preserved knitted bonnet and personal belongings of a young man, on loan from National Museums Scotland, are displayed for the first time in a generation at Kinloch Historical Society.

In 1964, the body of a young man was discovered on Arnish Moor, south of Stornoway. Forensic analysis at the time revealed that he was around 20 to 25 years old and identified a fracture on the back of his head that indicates he may have been murdered. The young man’s identity remains unknown, but his clothing and personal belongings provide a rare insight into life in the Outer Hebrides in the early 1700s.

The knitted bonnet is now a brownish green colour, but analysis has revealed traces of indigo typical of the traditional blue bonnets worn in the Scottish Highlands and Islands in the 18th century.

It is displayed alongside other personal items that were found with him, including a wooden comb and quills.

These suggest he was educated and was perhaps a scholar or an apprentice clerk. The young man’s clothing, including a stylish but well-worn jacket covered in intricate hand-stitched repairs, is too fragile to be displayed.

Although the young man’s remains were not discovered until the 1960s, stories of a murder on the moor have been passed down through generations, becoming part of the lore and identity of the local community.

Dr Anna Groundwater, Principal Curator of Renaissance and Early Modern History at National Museums Scotland, said: “We don’t know who this person was, but the quality of his clothes and possessions paints a portrait of a learned young man who cared about how he looked, despite being of limited means.

“We do know that his life was cut tragically short. It has been a privilege to work with colleagues at the Kinloch Historical Society and with the local community in Lewis to bring his story to life and learn more about the historical context and oral traditions that surround the mystery of the Arnish Moor Man.”

Anna MacKenzie, Heritage Manager at Kinloch Historical Society, said: “The story of the Arnish Moor Man is one that appears regularly in our local Folk Lore. What happened to this young man is a mystery.

“By hosting this exhibition, we hope members of the public will be inspired to revisit the tales they grew up with and seek the answers of this 18th century murder. The Kinloch Historical society are very proud of the relationship we are building with National Museums Scotland. They have been a great source of support and it is a privilege to be displaying these items, that have never been shown locally before.”

Arnish Moor Man opens today, Thursday 13 March 2025, at the Kinloch Historical Society, Lewis, and runs until March 2026.

This loan is part of National Museums Scotland’s National Strategy, which sees collections and expertise shared through loans, participation in national projects, community engagement, funding for acquisitions and free knowledge and skills development opportunities for museums across Scotland.

Over 2500 objects are currently on loan to Scottish organisations, bringing the National Collection to audiences across the country.

REVEALED: Skye’s Jurassic dinosaur

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.

The fossil was first discovered in 1973, making it Scotland’s earliest recorded dinosaur find. It was not fully identified at the time and remained uncollected until a team led by Dr Elsa Panciroli returned in 2018 to the location near Elgol, in the south of the island, to undertake its extremely challenging extraction from the rock.

While the Elgol dinosaur is preserved only in fragments compared to some specimens found elsewhere, researchers have identified part of the spine, ribs and a hip bones, making it the most complete dinosaur skeleton found to date in Scotland.

Close study of these bones has led researchers to believe that it is an ornithopod dinosaur, a group of which includes notable later dinosaurs such as Iguanodon, Parasaurolophus and Edmontosaurus.

The Elgol dinosaur dates to around 166 million years ago, in the Middle Jurassic, making it one of the earliest known ornithipod body fossils, as that group of dinosaurs became far more prominent in the later Cretaceous period.  Analysis of the bone structure indicates that the animal, which would have been roughly the size of a pony, was at least 8 years old.

The new description of the Elgol dinosaur is published in the Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Lead author, Dr Elsa Panciroli, NERC Independent Research Fellow at National Museums Scotland said: ““This was a really challenging extraction, in fact we’d previously felt was too difficult to collect the fossil, but I thought it was really important to study it.

“I was able to persuade the team to give it a try. It took a lot of hard work from a lot of people, but we did it: finally we can confirm and publish Scotland’s first recorded and most complete dinosaur, and that makes it all worthwhile.”

The difficult excavation was made possible with the support of a specialist team from Research Casting International, based in Canada. A local crew from Elgol’s Bella Jane Boat Trips piloted the rigid inflatable boat and dingy to the shore at the foot of the cliff, where the specimen was loaded and taken back to port.

Dr Stig Walsh from National Museums Scotland said: “This is a wonderful addition to the rapidly growing set of Jurassic finds from the Isle of Skye which are enabling us to learn more and more about the rich ecosystem of the time.

“We’ve known there were dinosaurs there for a while, most obviously from the famous footprints at An Corran, Brother’s Point and Duntulm and from individual bones, but it’s exciting to see a more complete, if still partial, skeleton. We’re delighted to add it to the other amazing finds now in the National Collection”.  

Other recent Jurassic discoveries from Skye include the description of adult and juvenile mammals of the same species, Krusatodon, which revealed that these mammals grew more slowly than mammals today, and the world’s largest Jurassic pterosaur fossil, Dearc sgiathanach.

Professor Susie Maidment of the Natural History Museum and the University of Birmingham, said: “The Elgol dinosaur was a challenge to collect, and has proven perhaps an even bigger challenge to identify. Some aspects of the bones indicate that the specimen may be an ornithopod, a group of plant-eating dinosaurs that are best known from the Cretaceous.

“This specimen, however, would already have been a fossil by the time that the better-known ornithopods like Iguanodon and Hypsilophodon were walking the Earth. Recent research on the fossils of Elgol has revealed a diverse ecosystem of extraordinarily preserved Middle Jurassic animals, and I’m sure there are more exciting discoveries to come.”  

The other authors on the paper were Professor Roger Benson (American Museum of Natural History), Professor Richard Butler (University of Birmingham), Brett Crawford (Research Casting International – RCI), Matt Fear (RCI), Dr Nick Fraser (National Museums Scotland) and Dr Gregory Funston (Royal Ontario Museum).

Professor Rob Ellam FRSE, Editor of Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh said: “First of all, I would like to congratulate Dr Panciroli and her international team of co-authors.

“Having this exceptional piece of work on the Elgol dinosaur – both Scotland’s earliest and most complete dinosaur fossil – in the pages of Transactions is a highlight for the journal. 

“It is a privilege to be able to publish in EESTRSE a world-class study led from Scotland which illustrates why the Scottish palaeontological community is held in such high esteem.”