Festival of Museums takes visitors behind the scenes, and much more

If this is the impression that you have of museums, Scotland’s Festival of Museums might have a few surprises for you.

Now in its tenth year, the festival, which takes place in venues across Scotland from May 13-16, challenges perceptions with a dizzying array of day and night-time events and activities.

The programme features over 100 events creatively curated to help visitors engage with museums in unique and hands-on ways, while spotlighting the wealth of culture in Scotland’s museums and galleries. The programme caters to all ages and interests and includes everything from art exhibitions and night time ceilidhs to bootcamps and historical re-enactments.

You can take part in a magical fancy dress party at the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh; learn about Japanese whiskey in Kirkintilloch; take a walking tour of Glasgow’s iconic School of Art to learn about the work of Charles Rennie McIntosh, or embark upon an epic quest with some local Vikings in Dumfries, to see what life was like more than 1000 years ago.

With cartoonists, photographers, musicians, crafters and many more all over Scotland taking part, there’s something to interest everyone.

Close to home in the Borders, Coldstream Museum is offering visitors the chance to find out about life in a medieval priory. You can learn all about illuminated writing and even try your hand at creating some. Stone-carving workshops will also be held over the course of the weekend.

“Priory Life in Medieval Coldstream” is open on Friday May 13, from 11am-3.45pm, and Saturday May 14, 10am-4pm.

At the Tweeddale Museum and Gallery in Peebles, there will be a drop-in event on Saturday May 14 from 11am-3pm, featuring live demonstrations of weaving, chair dressing and knitting tips for children. Hear about the industry that has shaped the history of Border towns from the people actually worked in the mills.

See www.festivalofmuseums.co.uk for full details of the events taking place across the country.