Behind the Scenes Open Days

Explore our behind the scenes collection in this exclusive open day experience right before we officially open for 2026!

Take a peek behind the curtain and explore the amazing behind the scenes collection at Hugh Miller's Birthplace Museum this February!

Letters & Documents (Sat 7th February) - Take a leap into history and learn more about Hugh Miller and his family through the amazing letters, pamphlets, and documents relating to him and his family's lives. Turn detective and even work with the museum team to help us decipher some of the harder to read letters! ✉️

Fossils & Minerals (Sat 21st February) - Travel across hundreds of millions of years and learn more about the over 6,000 fossils that Hugh Miller collected during his life as we open the archive doors and show off our behind-the-scenes geology collection. With fossil handling and kids detective activities available too! 🦖

• Discover our amazing objects normally kept in our archive and experience the stories that come with them!
• Come face to face with famous historical figures such as Richard Owen, Thomas Carlyle, and even Queen Elizabeth II!
• Become a historic or scientific detective with special activities on both days suitable for visitors young and old!
• Learn more about how the National Trust for Scotland cares for these incredible objects and how you can help with that work!

Behind the Scenes Open Days
🗓️ Sat 7th and 21st February
⏰ 11:00 to 15:00
🎟️ Free entry via prebooked timeslot (Optional donation when arrive on site)

• Free Entry but recommend prebooked timed slot to avoid disappointment (prebooked time slots enjoy priority)
• Toilet facilities are available at Hugh Miller's Birthplace Museum.
• Only service and guide dogs are permitted
• All attendees under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during sessions