Our Go Auld Reekie loan box

Cost: Free
Loan duration: 3 weeks

Collection and return: Longmore House, Edinburgh
Collection times: 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Book via: 01316688763 or heshandlingboxes@HES.scot

Box contains: Replica and original objects, plus teaching materials
Level: Second (with flexibility)
Subjects: Social studies and interdisciplinary learning. Mapped to both Curriculum for Excellence and Metaskills
Topics: Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, empire, slavery, houses and homes, local history

Box dimensions

Box 1: rectangular plastic box (71cm long x 44cm wide x 38cm high) - 10.55 kg
Box 2: rectangular plastic box (71cm long x 44cm wide x 38cm high) – 10.95 kg

Discover a city in the midst of dramatic transformation while encouraging meaningful discussion and critical thinking skills with this World Heritage learning resource. Through exploring the stories, objects and experiences of the past, pupils will begin to make sense of Scotland's history and heritage.

Packed with original and replica objects, this hands-on kit helps pupils explore the striking contrasts between the elegant lifestyles of wealthy New Town residents and the challenging conditions of the crowded Old Town. Through the objects, learners will connect with the past and develop a deeper understanding of social change.

Pupils will also meet diverse, real-life characters from 18th-century Edinburgh through the accompanying resources, building connection through the stories of people who lived during this fascinating period of change.

The collection includes thought-provoking items that encourage discussion about Scotland’s connections to Empire and slavery. These objects provide an accessible and engaging way to introduce complex historical themes and inspire enquiries around race, identity and global citizenship.

Whether used as a standalone exercise, a captivating hook for a new topic, or as preparation for a class trip, this loan box offers an exciting, tangible way for pupils to explore a unique period in Scotland’s global history.

Our loan boxes are available for schools, home education or social groups to borrow for up to three weeks.

To book, contact our learning team on 01316 688 763 or email heshandlingboxes@hes.scot.

Boxes can be collected from our offices at Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1SH. Collection times are available Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4.30pm,

Please bring a car to collect due to the size and weight of the box. Free parking is available onsite.

• 12 objects (3 original and 9 replicas)

• A teaching pack with background historical information, as well as practical suggestions of how to use the kit in class

• An object handling resource including object cards for pupils that encourages enquiry-based learning. Prompt questions are centred around "see, feel, think and wonder".

The kit offers a direct connection to learning outcomes in social studies: people, past events and societies.

• SOC 2-02a: I can interpret historical evidence from a range of periods to help to build a picture of Scotland’s heritage and my sense of chronology.

• SOC 2-03a: I can investigate a Scottish historical theme to discover how past events or the actions of individuals or groups have shaped Scottish society.

• SOC 2-04a: I can compare and contrast a society in the past with my own and contribute to a discussion of the similarities and differences.

While pitched at Level 2, there is enough flexibility to achieve outcomes at a higher or lower level.

Engagement with the objects and the learning pack can develop metaskills including adapting; communication; collaboration; curiosity; creativity; critical thinking; leading and sense making.

There are so many creative, fun and innovative ways to build IDL into your loan box engagement. Here are some suggestions from our team:

• Creative writing inspired by the characters and their stories

• Literacy and digital technology through a class exhibition using artefacts and digital resources from trove.scot

• Creative design challenges, such as building a Sedan Chair [PDF, 989KB]

• Debates exploring citizenship, identity and belonging

• Numeracy and mapping skills through historic and modern map investigations

Go Auld Reekie offers a hands-on way to spark curiosity, creativity and meaningful learning across the curriculum.

If you have used this resource in your classroom or with your group, we’d love to hear from you!

Please get in touch with heshandlingboxes@hes.scot and let us know what you liked (or didn’t like) about the box and accompanying resources. We’d also love to see any images of creative projects your class or group might have worked on using the loan box, so please do share!

If you love Scottish history and want to get involved in helping to shape learning resources for the future, consider joining our teacher network, Learning Resource Advisory Group (LRAG). There’s no commitment to take part, but we appreciate all input to ensure our resources meet teacher and learner needs. To register, email learning@hes.scot with your name, role, school and email address.

When you register, we will use the information you provide, such as your name, email address, school and teaching stage (where supplied), to administer the network and contact you about learning resource development activities, consultation opportunities, and related events.

Your details will only be used for these purposes and will not be used for general marketing communications. We will retain your information only for as long as the group remains active, or until you ask to leave the network. You can withdraw from the group and stop receiving communications at any time by contacting us. Further information about how Historic Environment Scotland processes personal information, including your rights, can be found in our privacy notice.