Collections

We care for over 41,000 objects, including many of Scotland’s most culturally significant objects.

This large and diverse collection provides a key source of evidence for understanding and appreciating Scotland’s history and heritage.

        Key Dates
          Highlights of the Dunimarle Collection

          Highlights of the Dunimarle Collection

          A selection of fine and decorative art at Duff House.
          The Border Ballads

          The Border Ballads

          Discover the stories behind Sir Walter Scott's 'Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border', published in 1802.
          The artwork of Hector French

          The artwork of Hector French

          Drawings and paintings by Hector French donated to Trinity House Maritime Museum.
          Medieval footsteps

          Medieval footsteps

          Discover some of our medieval floor tiles on display at Melrose Abbey.

          Explore

          Delve into the history of Scotland by exploring our historic object collections. Discover a wealth of objects from archaeological settlements, castles, abbeys, historic houses and industrial sites in our care.

          A stone carved with a person's face.

          Archaeology

          Prehistoric, roman and medieval artefacts discovered at Historic Scotland Properties in Care.
          A block of sandstone, intricately carved with vines and leaves

          Architectural Carved Stones

          Stonework that once formed part of historic buildings from across Scotland.
          A framed photograph of ships in a harbour

          Books, Photographs & Documents

          Archives, antiquarian books, photographs and drawings related to historic places in Scotland.
          Blue and yellow foral glass window panel

          Building Component

          Parts of buildings including medieval floor tiles, drawbridge timbers and stained glass.
          A stag carved into a block of sandstone

          Carved Stone

          Neolithic carvings, Pictish symbol stones, early Christian crosses and grave stones.
          A red crown with gold embellishments and a white fur trim.

          Ceremonial

          Explore Scotland's traditional and ceremonial objects including the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland.
          Leather shoes with red heels and bows

          Costume & Textile

          Domestic and personal objects relating to everyday life at Historic Scotland Properties in Care.
          A portrait of a woman in historic clothing surrounded by an ornate golden frame.

          Fine & Decorative Art

          From paintings and drawings to sculptures and furnishings, explore art relating to people and Properties in Care.
          A metal lid with a handle and the words "Benmore Distilleries Ltd, Dallas Dhu"

          Industrial

          Machinery, tools and objects linked to the production of iron, whisky, cotton and gas.
          A round life boy with a symbol of a crown and the words T/S Dolphin Leith

          Maritime

          Explore our maritime collections and discover Scotland's seafaring past.
          A small pistol made of copper with a wooden handle.

          Militaria

          A range of Scotland's historic artillery, weapons and regimental equipment.
          A copper coin with thistle design in centre

          Numismatics

          Coins and tokens discovered at Historic Scotland Properties in Care.