This exhibition reveals the origins and impact of conflict in prehistoric Scotland. Explore the first signs of organised warfare, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects. Scotland's First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant archaeological discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time. Visitors will see the Carnoustie Hoard - which was deliberately and thoughtfully placed near a Bronze Age round structure. It includes a spearhead decorated with gold, and a bronze sword in a wooden scabbard. An exceptionally rare find, it dates from around 1120-920 BC. The exhibition maps the journey from the sword - a Bronze Age invention - through to the Roman concept of a professional soldier.

Uncover 800 years of Scottish history at the National Museum of Scotland, led by a Master Storyteller. What happened at the Battle of Culloden? What role did Scotland play in the Industrial Revolution? We will answer all your questions and share the intriguing stories behind ten objects from Scottish history.  Discover the story of Scotland through our capital city and our National Museum. You will see the places where history happened and follow our story through iconic exhibitions. You’ll meet your Master Storyteller in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town at the Mercat Cross, the site of executions and proclamations. Together you will explore key locations and stories hidden around the Royal Mile as you make your way to the National Museum of Scotland. See a city of the past, which goes unnoticed for many. A city where commoners, Queens and criminals once walked.  Follow your Master Storyteller to the National Museum of Scotland where our nation’s treasures are stored. Once inside, we will introduce the Scottish collections. You’ll step through Scotland’s history, using rare objects, and hear how they all have shaped our past, present and future. Working exclusively with the National Museum of Scotland, we’ve created a museum tour of their extensive Scotland collections.

National Museums Scotland (From Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences) Through life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, fossils and hands-on experiences, discover ten enormous but often overlooked giant creatures. Meet the largest land mammal to have walked the Earth, the largest shark to have swum the oceans, and Titanoboa cerrejonensis, the world’s largest ever snake. None

The sell out Festival Ceilidh makes a stomping return this August. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry and join the party in Scottish style. The fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band will get you twirling and birling through Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and other traditional dances in one of Scotland’s biggest ceilidhs. Set in the Museum’s majestic Grand Gallery, all dances are suitable for beginners with no previous experience necessary – the caller will guide you through the steps on the night.

On Mondays and Fridays over the summer there will be range of exciting, drop-in activities for the whole family at the National Museum of Scotland. Each week, we’ll explore a new theme – from Scottish stories to around-the-world-adventures, there will be something new to discover.