Franz Ferdinand, Harry Potter and Ewan McGregor star in new city gallery

Published on Monday 23 June 2008 11:22

HARRY POTTER, Franz Ferdinand and Ewan McGregor are set to feature in the New Scottish Gallery.

The new permanent gallery will open at the National Museum of Scotland in July, exploring the country's history over the last century. Scotland: A Changing Nation will feature iconic objects from famous Scots, including Chinese and Latin editions of Harry Potter signed by JK Rowling, and Ewan McGregor's signed Trainspotting script.

There will also be Lulu's costume worn while performing with Take That, Franz Ferdinand's Mercury Music Prize and original notes typed by Ian Rankin for his novel, The Falls. Part of the museum closed for three years in April for a 46.4 million refurbishment. However more than half of it remains open.

The new gallery will look at how Scotland has changed, using objects, music and film. The exhibits will focus on five central themes - war, emigration, industry, politics and entertainment.

There will be more than 25 personal stories, including one from Scots singer Amy MacDonald, who recounts her memories of holidays in Scotland. Other items on display will include lyrics to the Proclaimers' Letter to America, Moira Shearer's ballet shoes and a helmet and gloves belonging to motor racing champion Dario Franchitti.

The free gallery will open on the sixth level of the National Museum of Scotland on 11 July.