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. Mannequins wearing colourful clothes on display in a museum
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    Developing new mannequins for our fashion displays

    Our displays are evolving to reflect different bodies and to tell new stories. Find out more about our process and where we plan to go from here.
  2. 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.
  3. Airship just above the ground.
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    Stowaways and cats: the first transatlantic flight from Britain to the United States

    On 2 July 1919 Airship R34 departed from East Fortune Airfield, landing on Long Island, New York over four days later. It was the first transatlantic flight from Britain to the United States.
  4. 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.
  5. A white airplane with an orange stripe parked on a runway.
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    The world's first passenger jet: Comet 4C

    The Comet was the world's first passenger jet, a much faster aircraft powered by jet engines. It made its debut in 1952, but problems quickly arose.
  6. A detail of a large engine made of iron parts and wooden beams attached to a brick building.
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    The Newcomen engine and its role in Britain’s industrial revolution

    Towering 9.5m high and weighing 20 tonnes, the Newcomen engine in our collection is a part of the story of the industrial revolution in Britain.Thomas Newcomen developed this type of engine in 1712 in response to the problem of water in…

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