The National Museum of Scotland partially reopened to the public earlier this month. Ahead of the reopening of Level 3 of the Victorian building on September 2 next week, here are some of the finest treasures waiting to be discovered within.
Level 3 of the museum hosts exhibits including the Earth Works, Animal Senses and Communication, Making and Creating, and Technology by Design. The Balcony Cafe will also reopen to visitors on September 2.
5. Lewis Chess Pieces
Carved from walrus ivory and sperm whale teeth, these world-famous, hugely characterful gaming pieces date to the 12th or 13th century, probably in Norway. They were discovered in Uig in 1831. Photo: NMS
6. The world’s oldest surviving colour television
This is the oldest surviving colour television in the world. It uses a colour system invented in 1937 by Scottish engineer John Logie Baird. Baird’s inventions were ahead of their time. Colour television made little commercial impact in the USA until the 1960s, and was only introduced in Britain in 1967, 21 years after Baird’s death. Photo: NMS
7. Alexander Peden’s mask
This frightening-looking mask was worn as a disguise by the outlawed Covenanting minister Alexander Peden. The mask is made from leather and fabric. The beard and wig are probably made from real human hair. Photo: NMS
8. Moby
Moby was a 40ft long sperm whale which beached in the Firth of Forth in 1997 and, despite concerted efforts to refloat him, sadly died. (Credit: Stewart Attwood) Photo: Stewart Attwood