Weekend of Archaeology at National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride

Families can get hands on with real Neolithic, Roman and Medieval discoveries and search for treasure with mini metal detectors at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.

Brit Brief 20/07/2026 15:29

Weekend of Archaeology at National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride — Archaeology Weekend at National Museum of Rural Life

The National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride is hosting an Archaeology Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, offering families the chance to engage with real archaeological discoveries from the Neolithic, Roman and Medieval periods. The event, free with museum admission thanks to Postcode Lottery players, includes workshops, expert talks, and activities such as searching for hidden treasure with mini metal detectors.

Hands-On Activities and Workshops

Visitors can participate in prehistoric pot making using materials from the River Clyde and Paleolithic-inspired rope twisting with natural fibres. Experts from ACFA Field Archaeology for All, Langside Community Heritage, Scottish Stonemasons’ Marks Project and Clutha Archaeology Group will be on hand to discuss archaeology, local history and heritage. On Saturday, attendees can bring their own finds for assessment by Scotland’s Treasure Trove Unit.

Celebrating 25 Years

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the National Museum of Rural Life, which opened in July 2001. The attraction features a historic working farm, Georgian farmhouse, and galleries showcasing objects that tell the story of rural life in Scotland. In April, a new display titled “Scotland’s Farming Future” opened, featuring Morag the sheep, a cloned predecessor to Dolly the sheep.

—

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

Farmyard and Family Trails

At the farmyard, visitors can meet three-month-old Highland calves named Eigg and Muck, along with rare breed Tamworth pigs, hens, Clydesdale horses and the Ayrshire dairy herd, which is milked every afternoon. Throughout the school holidays, families can explore the museum grounds with the Bugs and Beasties Trail.

Allison Whitehill, Learning and Engagement Officer at the National Museum of Rural Life, said: “Following the success of Archaeology Day last year, we’re delighted to welcome families to a whole weekend of archaeology adventures this summer. Our galleries tell the stories of Scotland’s rural heritage, providing the perfect backdrop for families to travel back in time and discover treasures of the ancient past.”