About Cold War Scotland

Learn about Scotland’s role at the centre of this global conflict. Discover the arms race through the museum’s collections and the site’s history as a storage depot for flour and Green Goddess Fire engines. 

What will my pupils do?

  • Discover Scotland’s place in the Cold War
  • Investigate artefacts linked to conflict, espionage and protest during the Cold War
  • Negotiate an end to the Cold War by exploring competing ideologies and representing different sides in a team challenge.  
Workshop breakdown

Please note: Timings are subject to change and are only indicative of the session.

Introduction (15 minutes)

Welcome and introduction to the National Museum of Flight. Safety briefing.  The class will meet Learning Communicator and Volunteer here. Walk for around 5 minutes up to Education Centre. 

Workshop Activities (60 minutes total)

Activity A - Listening (15 minutes): Learning communicator introduces topic and talks about Scotland’s place in the Cold War. 

Activity B - Object Handling (20 minutes): Pupils in their table groups handle a real Cold War object.  They will consider questions relating to the purpose of the object. Each table then shares with the class what they discovered about the items. 

Activity C - Peace Talks (20 minutes): Pupils will work in teams to represent different governments, exploring how countries negotiate and make decisions on international issues. They will discuss their positions, share ideas, and consider whether they can reach a peaceful agreement.

Wrap Up (5 minutes): 

The Learning Communicator will summarise what the class have learnt and say goodbye. 

Site Tour (until end of visit): 

A volunteer guide takes the group around site, visiting the exhibits inside the hangars and the Vulcan Bomber outside.  Includes a break for lunch. 

Note – if two groups are visiting, the site tour may come first before the workshop. 

Curriculum links

SOC 3-01a

SOC 3-02a

SOC 3-03a

SOC 3-04a

SOC 3-05a

SOC 3-06b 

Sustainable development goals

4, 16, 17 

Meta skills framework

Self-management:Focusing, Integrity

Social intelligence:Communicating, Collaborating

Innovation: Curiosity, Sense-making

Available dates

30 September 2026 and 1 October 2026

Request a visit

Booking Terms and Conditions

Payment process
  • Scottish State schools should raise a Purchase Order through their Local Authority procurement system for the cost of charged sessions.  Purchase Order numbers should be notified to schools@nms.ac.uk at least 7 days in advance of the visit. 
  • Independent Schools will be invoiced after the visit.  Payment terms are 15 days from date of invoice. 
Cancellation Policy
  • National Museums Scotland reserve the right to charge a fee for short notice cancellations or no-shows.  
  • Bookings cancelled less than 3 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 50% of the value of chargeable events.  
  • Bookings cancelled less than 2 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 100% of the value of chargeable events.  
  • A charge of 100% of the value of booked sessions will apply to no-show or last-minute cancellations. 
  • In certain circumstances National Museums Scotland may waive the administration fee. 
  • Cancellations should be notified in writing to schools@nms.ac.uk.
Free access for SIMD 1&2 schools

National Museums Scotland (NMS) Free Workshop Policy: Terms and Conditions 

Eligibility and Access Policy for Free Workshops 

As part of our commitment to inclusive education and community engagement, National Museums Scotland (NMS) is pleased to offer 20% of our educational workshops free of charge to schools located in areas designated as SIMD 1 and 2, based on the Scottish Government's Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). The following terms and conditions apply: 

Eligibility Criteria 

  1. SIMD Designation: Schools must be located in areas classified as SIMD 1 or SIMD 2 (where at least 60% of pupils are also classified as SIMD 1 or 2) to qualify for free workshops.
  2. Verification: Eligibility will be verified using the latest SIMD data provided by the Scottish Government. Schools may be required to provide documentation or additional information to confirm their eligibility. 

Workshop Availability 

  1. Limited Slots: Free workshops are subject to availability, with 20% of our total workshop offerings reserved for eligible schools.
  2. Exclusions: Please note that this offer only applies to workshops delivered by National Museums Scotland staff and excludes special events, study days and special exhibition visits.
  3. Advance Booking: Schools are encouraged to book early to secure a place, as free workshop slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
  4. Waiting List: In the event that all free workshop slots are filled, eligible schools can be placed on a waiting list and will be notified if a slot becomes available. 

Terms of Participation 

  1. No Transport Cost Support: NMS does not provide financial support for transport costs. Schools are responsible for arranging and funding their own transportation to and from the museum.
  2. Cancellations: Schools must notify NMS at least two weeks in advance if they need to cancel a booking. Repeated cancellations without adequate notice may affect future eligibility for free workshops.
  3. Feedback: Participating schools may be asked to provide feedback on the workshops to help us improve our educational offerings. Participation in feedback activities is appreciated but not mandatory.
  4. Class cap: Workshop offer is limited to 4 classes from a school for each school session. 

Application Process 

  1. Application Form: Interested schools must complete the appropriate section in the booking request form.
  2. Supporting Documents: Schools may need to submit supporting documents to verify their eligibility based on SIMD status.
  3. Confirmation: Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email with details of their workshop booking. 

We are dedicated to making our educational resources accessible to all and look forward to welcoming eligible schools to National Museums Scotland. 

By participating in our workshops, schools agree to adhere to the above terms and conditions. NMS reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time. 

July 2024