Meet the Makers: Prehistoric and Roman Scotland

Hamish Darrah of (Archaeowood) is an archaeological wood specialist and traditional woodworker based in a Southeast Scotland.  He is currently undertaking research combining use-wear analysis and experimental archaeology to illuminate the diverse uses of woodworking tools in Late Bronze Age Northern Britain in an AHRC funded Collaborative Doctoral Partnership between the University of Leicester and National Museums Scotland. At this Meet the Makers event, he will be demonstrating Roman Age woodworking techniques.

Rona Dalgleish (Wasted Remains Jewellery) makes use of ancient techniques alongside a rich pallet of gemstones to create historical replicas and bespoke keepsakes inspired by our material past. With the help of archaeological finds, museum visits and a good amount of recycled materials, Rona produces wearable treasures that each have their own story. Find her at this Meet the Makers event where she will be demonstrating Roman Age jewellery-making techniques.

Thomas Timbrell of (Heritage Blades) is a bladesmith, cutler and living historian who creates accurate replicas of historic tools using traditional techniques. At Meet the Makers, he will showcase the work of the Roman blacksmiths and the tools and technology they brought to Scotland. From everyday objects to more specialised equipment, come and see what they left behind and what these objects can tell us about their lives.

Hamish Lamley (Pictavia Leather) is an expert in Pictish history & archaeology. A reconstruction specialist in hide tanning and leatherwork and coracle boat builder, Hamish produces replica artefacts and coracles for museums, including a leather shoe for the ‘Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire’ exhibition. Hamish gives lectures for museums or archaeology societies and works as a historical consultant in the film/TV industry. He is also a licensed tattoo artist exploring Pictish tattooing culture. Hamish will be demonstrating prehistoric leatherworking techniques at this Meet the Makers event.

Emma Harrison (Bog Born Crafts) revives historical and prehistoric pottery techniques through living history. Having studied experimental archaeology, she recreates ancient processes such as using local clay, enhancing it with traditional tempering materials, and firing the pottery in open bonfires to turn them to ceramic. Emma will be crafting prehistoric pottery, recreating beaker designs from throughout ancient Scotland.
 

Caroline Nicolay (Pario Gallico) is a professional heritage interpreter and archaeologist. She now offers living history demonstrations & workshops across the country, showcasing daily life and crafts from the Iron Age to the 16th century. At this Meet the Makers event, Caroline will be demonstrating prehistoric paints and pigment-making.
 

You can get to the Grand Gallery by taking the stairs or lifts from the Entrance Hall.  

For level access to the gallery, enter the museum via the Tower Entrance. Follow the ramp to the Hawthornden Court and the Grand Gallery will be ahead of you. 

There is significant space to use a wheelchair in the Grand Gallery.  

You can borrow a wheelchair from the information desks at the Entrance Hall and Tower Entrance. They cannot be booked in advance.   

The Grand Gallery can become noisy when busy.  

Check our sensory map, which has information about noise and light levels in the museum.  

If you or someone you are visiting with finds the visit overwhelming, a member of staff can direct you to quieter areas in the museum.  

There are fixed benches and seats in the Grand Gallery. If you require a folding chair, please ask a member of the Visitor Experience team. 

There are toilets at both ends of the Grand Gallery. There are standard toilets and an accessible toilet. The accessible toilet is next to the entrance to the Animal World gallery.  

There is a baby changing table in both the standard toilet and the accessible toilet next to the Animal World gallery. 

If you require a changing places toilet, please ask a member of staff.   

Check the museum map for more information.