Discover
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.
Featured stories
Fashion and folklore of the Arnish Moor man
On the Isle of Lewis in the 1700s, a young man was mortally injured. His clothed remains were recovered 300 years later.
What is the Peebles Hoard?
Explore the hoard of exciting and complex Bronze Age objects, many of them never found before in Scotland.
An unsolved mystery: the coffins found on Arthur's Seat
Satanic spell, superstitious charm or echo of Edinburgh’s grisly underworld history?
Who was Mary, Queen of Scots?
- Discover
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. - Discover
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… - Discover
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. - Discover
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… - Discover
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… - Discover
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…
Exhibition deep dive: Cold War Scotland
How Scotland became a Cold War battleground
Drawing on never-before-seen archives, object collections, footage, and interviews with experts, this film explores Scotland's critical position on the frontline of the Cold War.
Nuclear Scotland during the Cold War
Discover the history and impact of nuclear power in Scotland during this period.
The Cold War and Scottish society
Scotland was the site for cultural and political exchange from both sides of the Cold War across the 20th century. This film delves into the stories of the Cold War and Scottish society.
Ever wonder how minerals are named?
Latest stories
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A history of ancient Egyptian shabtis in 11 figures
Written by Dr Daniel PotterAncient Egyptian shabtis will be familiar to many museum-goers. Their iconic shape, portable size, and variety made them highly collectable in the 19th and 20th centuries.Shabtis are one of the few types of ancient Egyptian objects that… - Discover
What's in a firework? Minerals that bang
Written by Emily BrownSo, you light a firework, you stand back and WHOOSH, off it shoots into the air. A few seconds wait and then BOOM, the firework explodes in a shower of coloured sparkles raining down from the sky. To get this sequence of events, you need… - Discover
Excavating medieval Eilean Donan / A’ cladhach Eilean Donnain Meadhan-aoiseil
Written by Dr Alice BlackwellExcavations have revealed fascinating insights into the people who lived and worked at medieval Eilean Donan. - Discover
Abernethy Pearl: Scotland's largest freshwater pearl
Written by Dr Rachel WalcottIn 1967, Bill Abernethy was pearl fishing near the River Tay when he came across his rarest and greatest discovery. At a weight of 43.6 grains, the Abernethy Pearl is the largest freshwater pearl found in Scotland in modern history. - Discover
The lost sock: An ancient Egyptian textile
Written by Miriam McLeodIn 2019 National Museums Scotland opened a redeveloped Egyptian gallery. Many of the objects chosen for the new space had never been on display before. Among them were some fascinating textiles that intimately connect us with the ancient… - Discover
Geology to Jewellery: The history and science of Cairngorm quartz
Written by Emily Brown & Dr Sarah LaurensonThere 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…
Header image: Objects from the Carnoustie Hoard: a disc-headed pin, sword in wooden scabbard, spearhead, bronze ring that perhaps once adorned the scabbard. Read the Carnoustie Hoard: a rare glimpse into Bronze Age customs to learn more about this discovery.