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
- Discover
Digging for context: Celtic art and fieldwork at Torrs
Written by Dr Fraser HunterDr Fraser Hunter explains how digging around in the mud and wading through peat is helping uncover the origins of magnificent and enigmatic objects such as the Torrs pony cap.So many of the finest items in our collection come from bogs,… - Discover
The material lives of ordinary people: rare 19th century Chinese cotton
Written by Dr Rachel SilbersteinWhen you think of historical Chinese dress, what material comes to mind? Most people would probably assume silk. But the majority of the population in Qing dynasty China (1644-1911) actually wore cotton.However, this reality is not… - Discover
6 world-class type specimens in our stores
Written by Dr Andrew Kitchener, Dr Rachel Walcott & Dr Andrew RossType specimens are among the most important objects in natural science collections. They are the specimens on which the scientific names of species of animals, plants or minerals are based. Animals and plants are named using the Linnaean… - Discover
A tale of 3 sticks and their stories about rural Scotland
Written by Oliver TaylorWhat connects three ordinary looking sticks at the National Museum of Rural Life?At first glance, you may disregard one, or even all of them. However, their unassuming nature hides their significance. A poacher's fishing rod - Discover
Souvenirs of service: Mementoes from the First and Second World Wars
Written by Dr Julie HolderWe all collect souvenirs throughout our lives connected to different people, places and events. These objects were collected as souvenirs of service in both the First and Second World Wars. - Discover
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…
Header image: An Egyptian sock on display at the National Museum of Scotland, after conservation. Museum reference A.1911.315. Read The lost sock: An ancient Egyptian textile to learn more about this sock's story.