About Scotland Explorer Tour

Discover the truth behind some of Scotland’s iconic historical figures, including Bonnie Prince Charlie, Mary Queen of Scots and James VI and I with this unique interactive tour, guided by one of our Learning Communicators. 

What will my pupils do?

This tour offers pupils a unique opportunity to explore the Scottish History and Archaeology collections at the National Museum of Scotland. They will experience some of our most popular artefacts alongside hidden gems, uncovering the fascinating stories they hold.

Pupils will: 

  • Explore and analyse a variety of objects, understanding their historical and cultural significance within the context of Scottish history
  • Develop critical thinking and analytical skills by discussing the stories and contexts of different artefacts
  • Gain insights into how these objects relate to their current studies, with the potential for customised content.

With advance notice of at least four weeks, we may be able to tailor the tour to include some objects specifically related to your current curriculum focus. Please include these details in your booking request, or contact schools@nms.ac.uk.  

Hearing headsets are available for this tour at no extra charge. 

Content Warning

Brief discussion of historical witch trials in Scotland and display of torture instruments used.

Workshop breakdown

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

Introduction (5 minutes): The Learning Communicator will meet the class and walk to the Early People Gallery to introduce the session.  

Tour (40 minutes): The class will be guided on an interactive tour through the Scotland Galleries by a Learning Communicator, this involves; movement, object handling and critical analysis.  This section involves lots of walking with limited places to sit down.  

Wrap Up and Final Activity: (15 minutes): The Learning Communicator will finish the session with a final activity that summarises all that the class have learnt on the tour and say goodbye.  

A really informative, interactive session.

P6 Teacher, Midlothian

Curriculum links

SOC 1-01a, SOC 2-01a

SOC 1-02a, SOC 2-02a  

LIT 1-02a, LIT 2-02a

LIT 1-10a, LIT 2-10a

HWB 1-11a   HWB 2-11a 

HWB 1-19a   HWB 2-19a  

EXA 1-08a   EXA 2-08a   

Sustainable development goals

4, 9, 11, 17

Meta skills framework

Self-management: Focusing, Adapting

Social intelligence: Communicating, Feeling

Innovation: Curiosity, Sense-making, Critical thinking

Available dates

September 2026

Mon 28 Sep 2026 - 11:00

October 2026

Mon 5 Oct 2026 - 11:00

November 2026

Mon 2 Nov 2026 - 11:00

Mon 9 Nov 2026 - 11:00

Mon 16 Nov 2026 - 11:00

Mon 23 Nov 2026 - 11:00

Mon 30 Nov 2026 - 11:00

January 2027

Mon 18 Jan 2026 - 11:00

Tue 19 Jan 2026 - 11:00

Wed 20 Jan 2026 - 11:00

Thu 21 Jan 2026 - 11:00

Mon 25 Jan 2026 - 11:00

February 2027

Mon 1 Feb 2027 - 11:00

Mon 8 Feb 2027 - 11:00

Mon 22 Feb 2027 - 11:00

March 2027

Mon 1 Mar 2027 - 11:00

Mon 8 Mar 2027 - 11:00

Mon 15 Mar 2027 - 11:00

Mon 22 Mar 2027 - 11:00

May 2027

Mon 10 May 2027 - 11:00

Tue 11 May 2027 - 11:00

Wed 12 May 2027 - 11:00

Thu 13 May 2027 - 11:00

Mon 17 May 2027 - 11:00

June 2027

Mon 7 Jun 2027 - 11:00

Tue 8 Jun 2027 - 11:00

Wed 9 Jun 2027 - 11:00

Mon 21 Jun 2027 - 11:00

Tue 22 Jun 2027 - 11:00

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