National Museum of Scotland

The historian and writer discusses her classic autobiography of Mary, Queen of Scots, published more than 40 years ago.

Iranian metalwork and ceramics from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

Make your own royal headgear from craft materials and explore the symbols of Scotland's royal heritage.

Make your own quaich, a traditional Scots drinking bowl.

Dr David Hetherington looks at the two feline species native to Scotland: the Scottish wildcat and the Eurasian lynx. The lynx is extinct, but the wildcat hangs on – although only with help from conservationists like Hetherington, who set up the Cairngorms Wildcat Project.

Cut out pictures of your favourite famous folk or characters from TV and film and make a collage for your bedroom wall.

Take along a picture of your favourite celebrity and make a silver photo frame so you can worship them on your wall.

An illustrated talk by George Dalgleish, Keeper of Scottish History & Archaeology, on the work and lives of some of Scotland's historic goldsmiths from the 16th century to the present.

Artist Ilana Halperin, whose exhibition The Library is currently running in the museum, curates a programme of films in which artists interact with geological processes (as she herself does). Artists include Joan Jonas, Seth Kelly, Allan McCollum, Takehito Shiina and a new work by Halperin herself.

Make your own goblet and adorn it with metallic paints and precious jewels.

Once upon a time, Edinburgh and the Canongate were two different towns with separate silver hallmarkings. Make your own hallmark using traditional symbols or perhaps something more contemporary.

Musical puppet tale about a how a wee village copes when the clocks go mad. Ages 4+.

Make your own dinosaur mask and look around the huge prehistoric specimens.

A workshop to make your own medals and jewellery using various techniques. Tools and materials supplied. Suitable for the whole family (children ages 5+).

Use different types of coloured wire, stones and beads to make your own jewellery. All tools and materials are provided, although if you have some pliers please take them along. This adult workshop is suitable for beginners or those with some experience.

Take inspiration from the silver collection to make your own hanging decoration. Use a range of craft materials to create something based on the theme of an opulent afternoon tea party.

Music since recording is a new art form, which bears only as much resemblance to traditional, performed music as cinema does to theatre. What are the special characteristics of this new art? How did it evolve? Where might it be going? Brian Eno shares his thoughts.

Cybraphon, the autonomous and emotional robot band, joins the permanent collection of National Museums Scotland, and Alexander Hayward is joined by Professor Simon Kirby of FOUND, Mark Daniels of New Media Scotland, and Alison Taubman of National Museums Scotland to welcome it to its new home.

Deus ex machina is probably one of the oldest dramatic plot devices. Professor of Theatre at Hull University Christopher Baugh explores some of the relationships between technology and performance and the ways in which new technologies are creating new forms of theatre. Chaired by James Robinson of National Museums…

The modern piano is as different from Mozart’s piano as a Mercedes from a horsedrawn carriage. But what effect did changes in the instrument have on the music written for it? Concert pianist Kenneth Hamilton, Professor of Music at Cardiff University, offers insights into three centuries of music at the keyboard. Chaired…

The Arditti Quartet’s acclaimed founding violinist, Irvine Arditti and Margaret Faultless, worldrenowned specialist in historical performance practice, discuss string playing techniques past and present in the company of BBC Radio 3 presenter Tom Service.

Hamish Innes-Brown from the Bionics Institute Melbourne draws on the experience of commissioning music for cochlear implant users to explore how artists utilise and influence technology. Chaired by Stephen Allen of National Museums Scotland.

Period performance has been famously dubbed ‘the most modern sound around’. Clarinettist and Director of the Royal College of Music Professor Colin Lawson discusses the value of using period instruments today with Alexander Hayward of National Museums Scotland.

Experience the museum after hours (with a bar, music and performers to boot) and get a chance to explore the new Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition, sans kids.

Take inspiration from the patterns of objects in the silver gallery to make your own bookmark.

Tom Murray, the Purse Bearer to the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, explains his complex role.

Learn all about the importance of birds of prey in Scotland, historically and in the present day.

Learn more about some of the key objects in the exhibition from George Dalgleish, Keeper of Scottish History and Archaeology.

Make your own friendship bracelet, perhaps as a gift, using silver beads, pearls and gems.

Celebrate the seventh day of the seventh month by tying wishes to bamboo trees as part of this traditional Japanese celebration.

Make your own doll's tea set from modelling clay to bake at home.

Make your own miniature teapot based on one created by a celebrity in the Silver of the Stars exhibition. Made from metallic clay, it can be finished off with a blast in the oven when you get home.

Learn about the origins of tea and its significance in the 18th century and taste some special varieties.

Andrew Patrizio, professor and collaborator of Ilana Halperin, uses Halperin's exhibition The Library as a jumping off point to discuss the relationship between contemporary art and geology.

Try your hand at the silversmithing technique of chasing at this family workshop.

Celebrate Scotland's diverse wildlife and historic landscapes with an afternoon of activities.