National Museum of Scotland tours

Private tours

Give us your time and we’ll give your group a private tour of Scotland’s incredible history. Every second counts, so we’ll take your guests straight to the most striking objects in the National Museum of Scotland – into a world of Jacobite plots, royal feuds and ancient loyalties. 

Mercat quality, exclusively for groups

Our exclusive access to the museum is specifically customised for groups.  As with all our tours, your guests will be led by our friendly, fully-accredited guides.

Which tour will you choose?

Working closely with the National Museum of Scotland, we’ve created five tours of their extensive Scotland collections. Looking for something a little more tailored? Just ask – we can create a session to cover just about anything, from geology to genetics. 

• A History of Scotland in 10 Objects
  From the world-famous to the curious, explore the objects that helped shaped Scotland – and the world. This is the perfect introduction to our country’s past.
   
• What Makes a Scot?
  From battlefields to poetry to emigration, Scottish identity is more complex than it first appears. We’ll go back to explore the nation’s earliest people, right through to 21st century Scots – asking how we define ourselves within Scotland and beyond.
   
• Scotland’s Dark History
  Every nation has secrets that lurk in the shadows. From torture to murder, we’ll look at the museum’s rich collection of objects that uncover a more sinister side of the past.
   
• Exploding the Myths
  Were Scotland’s early people savages or civilised? Was Bonnie Prince Charlie truly a romantic hero? The answers are more complex than you might think – so we’ll look at the evidence that’s right here in the museum’s collection. 
   
• Symbols of Scotland
  Scots are associated with all sorts of symbols – from the saltire of our national flag to the thistle. What are they, and what do they signify?  
   
• Upgrade your tour 
  Make your group's experience even more special with exclusive access to special private rooms within the museum to enjoy drinks and light bites. 
  Or perhaps you want the Scottish galleries all to yourself? We can arrange preopening or after hour tours for your travel trade group.

Got a question?

Email our Groups Team or call 0131 225 5445.

Details

• Donate to help us reconnect vulnerable communities through storytelling - learn more Our Stories, Your City
• Everyone has a warm welcome from us.  Read more about what to expect on tour on our Accessibility page and Euan's Guide Review.
• Check how you will be safe and feel safe on tour