Departments
Scottish History & Archaeology
Welcome to the Scottish History & Archaeology department.
We care for one of the most representative national collections of archaeological and historical artefacts anywhere in the world.
Nearly 250 years of systematic collecting has built a material record of the place we now call Scotland, placed within its wider European and global contexts.
Contact list of staff members
Scottish History & Archaeology department
Our collections
The collections have been developed over generations through antiquarian collecting, chance finds, archaeological excavation, targeted purchases, donations of treasured family possessions and dedicated efforts to collect the contemporary.
Prehistoric and Roman Archaeology
Archaeological collections from the first human settlement of Europe during the Palaeolithic up to the end of the Roman period.
Medieval Archaeology and History
Covering the material evidence of a crucial thousand-year period from the fifth to the fifteenth century AD through a range of archaeological finds and assemblages.
What we do
Our team of archaeologists and material historians research, share knowledge and continue to build the Scottish collections.
Scottish History & Archaeology stories
- Discover
Geology to Jewellery: The history and science of Cairngorm quartz
There is a whole fascinating world of Scottish minerals, reflecting the large variation in the country’s geology and physical landscape.The sheer variety is expressed beautifully by John Ruskin. In 1884 he described Scotland as ‘a country… - Discover
The Darien Scheme: Scotland's failed venture to colonise part of Panama
This imposing iron chest stored money and documents associated with the Company of Scotland. This was a trading company set up in 1695 to promote Scottish trade overseas.The company is now remembered for the disastrous venture to establish… - Discover
Tha sgeul ri innse: Stories of 15 Gaelic objects for the telling
Glimpse into the material world of the Gàidhealtachd and its people, through the lens of Gaelic language, communities and culture.
