Fascinating stories behind our collection, from the prehistoric to the present.

With over 12 million objects and specimens in our museums and stores, we have a lot of stories to tell. Uncover hidden histories, discover breakthrough research, and dip in to different perspectives with our collection of articles and films.

Who was Mary, Queen of Scots?

  1. Detail of a marble tomb, showing a female head with ruffle collar.
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    The life, death, and legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots

    Arguably the most famous and controversial figure in Scottish history, Mary Stewart has become something of an enigma. Intrigue and romance have often obscured the hard facts of her life and reign.
  2. Portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots dressed in a vivid pink doublet lined with gold and pearls, looking stoically ahead against a bright blue background.
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    Mary, Queen of Scots

    Mary, Queen of Scots is one of the most famous yet enigmatic figures in Scottish history. Our collection contains a rich selection of objects associated with Mary. Explore her dramatic story and separate out the facts from the myths that…
  3. Portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots dressed in a vivid pink doublet lined with gold and pearls, looking stoically ahead against a black background.
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    The controversial letters associated with the Mary, Queen of Scots Casket

    The Mary, Queen of Scots Casket is one of Scotland’s most cherished treasures, thanks to its long-standing association with the controversial queen.
  4. Ornate silver chest pointed at diagonally to view two sides at once. A heavy lock guards it and a coat of arms is inscribed on one side.
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    Mary, Queen of Scots and the silver casket

    The Mary, Queen of Scots Casket is one of Scotland’s most cherished treasures, thanks to its long-standing association with the controversial queen. Take a closer look at this extremely rare work of early French silver and its associations…
  5. A painting of a man from the waist up  with brown wavy hair and a mustache and goatee. He wears a black hat with a jewelled brooch and a white jacket with a lace collar under a black cloak.
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    A brief history of James VI and I

    James VI and I was a hugely significant Stewart king. But he has been overshadowed by his notorious relations. His predecessor in Scotland was his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots. In England, his cousin, Elizabeth I, and finally his successor…
  6. Oval locket of gold and a gold and pearl pendant which was probably formerly attached to the locket
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    True or False: Objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots

    The life and death of Mary, Queen of Scots has given rise to countless legends over the years. Many places and objects acquire a new glamour through their association with her - genuine or otherwise. In our collection we have many items…

Latest stories

  1. Top view of a silver round vessel with a gilded lid engraved with various round and organic shapes
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    A treasure in its own right: the Galloway Hoard vessel

    The lidded vessel in the Galloway Hoard is like a hoard within a hoard. It was carefully packed to the brim with 27 objects. But the vessel is a treasure in its own right.
  2. Discover

    The history, art, and legacy of the Flying Scotsman

    The Flying Scotsman is the world's most famous train service. Over 100 years since the iconic steam locomotive entered service, we trace its history and legacy.
  3. A white plaster cast with coloured lines drawn all over its surface, sitting on a wooden disc covered with a glass dome.
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    Uncovering the history of a thermodynamic model by James Clerk Maxwell

    Edinburgh born physicist James Clerk Maxwell created this 3D model to represent the behaviour of an imaginary substance showing its solid, liquid, and gas states.
  4. Figure of a Surasundari or divine beauty, wearing elaborate jewellery and with dressed hair, carved sandstone.
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    Uncovering the meaning behind the beautiful Surasundari stone sculpture

    Demi-gods or Yakshinis {यक्षिणी (female of यक्ष)}At the museum we saw beautiful examples of artwork made from sandstone that have been prevalent in India since ancient times (circa 3200 BC). It was a popular building material at that time…
  5. A painting of a blue creature with a tail and an image of a royal couple on its chest.
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    The god Hanuman: A symbol of bravery and service

    Hanuman the monkey GodHanuman (Sanskrit: हनुमान्) is an immensely popular figure in Hindu religion and mythology. He is a Vanara – a monkey, ape, or forest-dweller. Vanaras are shapeshifters and are still considered by some believers to be…
  6. Bronze figure of Krishna, standing playing the flute.
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    The symbolic meaning of the Hindu deity Krishna

    Lord Krishna - symbol of empathy, understanding, social justice and loveAn exquisitely carved cast bronze figure of the Hindu deity Krishna (Sanskrit: Kṛṣṇa) (Hindi: कृष्ण) captivated the group instantly. Standing on a pedestal with his…

Header image: Nobles Amusements, Portobello beach, 1983. Watch Memories of Nobles Amusements to discover local stories and memories of an Edinburgh landmark.