Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh

Back by popular demand, our sellout event returns for 2026. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry!  

Set in the museum’s spectacular Grand Gallery, we’re welcoming back the fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band to get you twirling and birling through Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and other traditional dances in one of Scotland’s biggest ceilidhs. Dances are all suitable for beginners and our caller will guide you through every dance on the night.  

Between dances enjoy drinks, food, Burns-themed activities and explore the museum galleries at night.  

It’s big, it’s busy, it’s braw!  

Dress code: tartan-tastic

The night will include:  

• Ceilidh in the Grand Gallery  
• Burns-themed activities  
• Pay bars and food  
• Access to a selection of our galleries at night  

Accessibility and facilities

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.

• Entry to the event is via the main entrance on Chambers Street which is wheelchair accessible.
• Access to the Grand Gallery is via lifts or a short flight of steps.
• An area of accessible seating will be available on the night.
• The event will be very busy, with the majority of the Grand Gallery space used for dancing. There will be loud music and areas of bright lighting as part of the event. 

Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Scotland.