Departments
Scottish History & Archaeology
Welcome to the Scottish History & Archaeology department.
We care for one of the most representative national collections of archaeological and historical artefacts anywhere in the world.
Nearly 250 years of systematic collecting has built a material record of the place we now call Scotland, placed within its wider European and global contexts.
Contact list of staff members
Scottish History & Archaeology department
Our collections
The collections have been developed over generations through antiquarian collecting, chance finds, archaeological excavation, targeted purchases, donations of treasured family possessions and dedicated efforts to collect the contemporary.
Prehistoric and Roman Archaeology
Archaeological collections from the first human settlement of Europe during the Palaeolithic up to the end of the Roman period.
Medieval Archaeology and History
Covering the material evidence of a crucial thousand-year period from the fifth to the fifteenth century AD through a range of archaeological finds and assemblages.
What we do
Our team of archaeologists and material historians research, share knowledge and continue to build the Scottish collections.
Scottish History & Archaeology stories
- Discover
Memories of Nobles Amusements
In May 2024, National Museums Scotland recorded local memories of Nobles Amusements in Portobello, Edinburgh.Nobles Amusements has been a source of family entertainment for over a century. In the 1960s it made way for a new era of games… - Discover
Three tartan coats from the Georgian period
From military style jackets to informal housecoats, three tartan coats in our collection demonstrate the range of styles and uses of these garments in Georgian Britain. - Discover
Tartan cloaks from the Georgian period
Beyond the realms of Highland dress tailoring, Scottish tartan emerged as a popular fashion fabric in Georgian Britain. The cloth found its way into a variety of everyday and occasional garments, such as women’s cloaks, gowns and…
