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
9 ways to welcome winter in rural Scotland
stories of winter through tools, machinery, craft objects, and paintings from the rural history collections.
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
8 women in Scotland who shaped the history of science
Many of the scientific endeavours featured in our collections are the work of women with a connection to Scotland. - Discover
A runic revelation: Who owned the Galloway hoard?
With any hoard, some of the most common questions are about who buried it, and why. Usually, Viking-age hoards of silver are a mix of anonymous ornaments, often hacked into pieces. If we’re lucky, there may be coins which at least help us… - Discover
9 ways to welcome winter in rural Scotland
Explore stories of winter in rural Scotland through tools, machinery, craft objects, and paintings from the rural history collections. - Discover
From amulets to elf bolts: 11 Scottish Charms
Before the advent of modern medicine, infectious diseases were common, and the average lifespan was short. Doctors and chirurgeons (surgeons) were only found in the main towns, so people used home remedies to try and cure their… - Discover
Early Modern Scottish belief in 10 objects
These 10 key objects help paint a picture of belief and devotional practice in Scotland. By showing how people used and interacted with these objects, we get a glimpse into the everyday experience of faith in early modern Scotland. In… - Discover
The story of syringes
Syringes are important medical tools and have existed for thousands of years. The humble hypodermic injection is also known in Scotland as the jaborjag. Its history is more complex and is characterised by experimentation and innovation.
Header image: The runic inscription on an arm band found in the lower deposit of the Galloway Hoard. Museum reference X.2018.12.54. Read A runic revelation: who owned the Galloway Hoard to learn more about the Galloway Hoard, and the research behind this inscription.