Scotland: A Changing Nation Gallery to Open

This summer a new gallery, Scotland: A Changing Nation, will bring together a captivating range of Scottish stories, words, costumes, photographs, objects and film. Opening at the National Museum of Scotland on 11 July 2008, the permanent gallery will present a bold and innovative look at modern Scotland over the last century.

Scotland: A Changing Nation will enable visitors to explore how cultural, social, political and economic influences have impacted on people in Scotland from the First World War up to the present day. The gallery features a diverse collection of Scottish artefacts brought to life through poetry, literature, film, music and interactive activities. More than 25 accounts by people living and working in Scotland will be interwoven into the gallery, which sees well-known personalities and ordinary people commenting on everything from war and fishing to food and contemporary culture.

Scotland: A Changing Nation focuses on five central themes - war, emigration, industry, politics and entertainment. Visitors will be able to trace Scotland at work, rest and play, discovering how influences from government and industry to health and holidays [m1] defined our distinctive culture,

humour and way of life. The final part of the gallery, Scotland: Today and Tomorrow, will showcase Scotland's achievements in culture, medicine, sport, business and innovation, ending on a note of celebration as Scotland continues to evolve.

The gallery will feature many familiar items from within our lifetime, such as a howitzer shell which graced Glasgow's Queen Street Station for many years and[m2] Irn Bru artwork in Russian and Arabic, celebrating the global reach of Scottish brands. A [m3] Victoria Cross medal belonging to Daniel Laidlaw, whose bravery was commended in piping his comrades ‘over the top' in the Battle of Loos, indicates the dramatic impact of war. Changing political climates are reflected in items such as a suffragette badge and the First Coalition Agreement between the Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Liberal Democrats. Etchings from Sue Jane Taylor, depicting the lives of men at work on oil rigs including Piper Alpha demonstrate how industry is part of the fabric of Scottish life.

David Forsyth, Senior Curator of Scottish Social History, said:

"This is an incredibly exciting project which brings together a diverse collection of material and the experiences of Scots themselves. The gallery explores the rich tapestry of what it means to be Scottish, presenting slices of life from across the country which will fascinate and inspire our visitors."

Scotland: A Changing Nation is part of the [m4] transformation of the National Museum of Scotland. Part of the building closed in April this year for a period of three years, as a key phase of the £46.4million project. [m5] However more than half of the building - including Scotland: A Changing Nation - remains open, so that visitors can discover the collections, enjoy events and see special exhibitions throughout the refurbishment work.

For further information  www.nms.ac.uk