Scottish History & Archaeology

Modern and Contemporary History

Our Modern and Contemporary History collections represent cultural, social, political, military and rural history in Scotland from c.1750 right up to the present day.

The collections document the impact and legacies of Enlightenment, industry and empire that marked the transformation of Scotland during the later-eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They chart a line through the major international conflicts and profound social shifts of the twentieth century, telling stories about continuity and change in Scottish life right up to the present day.  

Notable collections include: Scottish decorative arts, from precious jewellery to glass and ceramics; unrivalled bagpiping collections and the material culture of working life, from ploughs to weavers’ tools. We hold extensive material representing military history and rural life, reflecting the strength of the foundational collections of the National War Museum and National Museum of Rural Life.  

Our innovative contemporary collecting programme is focused on representing the twenty-first century with an emphasis on what is distinctive about Scotland in a globalised world, and of the regional and cultural differences within the country. We also actively collect objects that shed light on how the past continually shapes the present. 

Meet the team

Modern and Contemporary History stories

  1. A close up photograph of the royal archers green abd red tartan uniform , with buttons at the front and a green and yellow ribbon on the left side of the jacket. set against black background.

    Jacobites and tartan: Symbolism and style

    Fashion and textiles, History and cultures, Scotland

    Tartan has long been one of the most recognisable symbols of Scotland. The cultural significances of tartan are often reflections of and responses to the social context in which it was produced and worn. The 18th century tartan garments…
    Long read
  2. A wooden plate with a knife, fork and spoon as well as a small silver lidded jug.

    The 'tappit hen': A drinking vessel used during the lifetime of Robert Burns

    History and cultures, Scotland

    These pewter drinking vessels were common in eighteenth century Scotland’s public houses because they were relatively cheap to make and could withstand use and, perhaps, abuse.The name ‘tappit hen’ is derived from the distinctive…
    Film
  3. A glass goblet with plants and flowers engraved on the cup, as well as a quote. The stem is short and it sits on a small glass square base.

    Celebrating Robert Burns: Glass goblet engraved with words by Burns

    History and cultures, Scotland

    A large glass goblet such as this would have been used as a punchbowl. Clues about its use can be found amongst the words and images engraved into the glass.On one side there is a quote from Robert Burns’ poem ‘Epistle to Davie, A Brother…
    Film