About Roman Scotland Explorer

Step into Roman Scotland on your doorstep.

What was it like for the people of Inveresk and Musselburgh when Roman soldiers arrived and made camp nearby? Learners will explore how Romans and local people lived, worked and interacted at the very edge of the Roman Empire.

Session includes a guided highlights tour of the exhibition 'Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire'. 

What will my pupils do in the workshop?

This workshop is delivered in our Special Exhibition Gallery and our Early People Gallery.

Pupils will be split into two groups and take part in two activities that bring Roman history to life:

  • A guided highlights tour of the special exhibition where pupils will discover objects and stories from diverse frontier communities
  • A hands on enquiry session, where pupils investigate objects that reveal what life was like for the different communities that lived in and around the Roman camp at Inveresk, Musselburgh.

This session encourages curiosity, critical thinking and making connections between local heritage and wider world history. 

Curriculum links

SOC 1-01a SOC2 – 01a  

SOC 1-02a SOC 2 - 02a  

SOC 1-04a  SOC 2-04a    

LIT 1-02a   LIT 2-02a    

LIT 1-10a  LIT 2-10a  

HWB 1-19a  HWB 2-19a  

HWB 1-20a  HWB 2-20a

Sustainable development goals

4, 9, 11, 16, 17

Meta skills framework

Self-management: Focusing, Adapting 

Social intelligence: Communicating, Feeling 

Innovation:Curiosity, Sense-making, Critical thinking 

Available dates

November 2026

Tue 24 Nov 2026 - 10:15 and 12:15

Wed 25 Nov 2026 - 10:15 and 12:15

Thu 26 Nov 2026 - 10:15 and 12:15

December 2026

1 Dec 2026 - 10:15 and 12:15

2 Dec 2026 - 10:15 and 12:15

January 2027

Tue 19 Jan 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Wed 20 Jan 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Tue 26 Jan 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Wed 27 Jan 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Thu 28 Jan 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

February 2027

Wed 3 Feb 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Thu 4 Feb 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Tue 9 Feb 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Wed 10 Feb 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

March 2027

Tue 2 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Wed 3 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Thu 4 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Tue 16 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Wed 17 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

Thu 18 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 12:15

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