NORTH UIST FAMILY OF DOCTORS TO FEATURE IN THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND

Dr McLeod and his wife

The personal story of the McLeod family of doctors from Lochmaddy, North Uist is one of the features in a brand new gallery at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.  Scotland: A Changing Nation tells the story of Scotland over the past 100 years and uses 29 personal stories to illustrate aspects of life through the voices of Scottish people.  The McLeod’s story draws an evocative portrait of how life on the island has changed over the years, covering improvements in communications and transport, the development of the Scottish Air Ambulance Service and the modernisation of healthcare.

The captivating permanent gallery, which was unveiled recently, presents a bold picture of Scotland’s history over the last century.  It charts the highs and lows of the nation over the past 100 years, exploring scientific, industrial and cultural change in Scotland as well as the influence Scots have had across the world.

Taking an innovative look at life in Scotland , Scotland: A Changing Nation acknowledges and explores major events, challenges, trends and influences which have impacted on Scotland ’s recent history.  The gallery spins full circle from the irrevocable change which came with the two World Wars, through Scottish industry, emigration, daily life and politics, to a celebration of Scotland ’s talent, achievements and global appeal.  

Throughout Scotland: A Changing Nation objects, artwork, poetry, literature and film all play their part in painting an unforgettable picture of Scottish life.  They are underpinned by personal stories and the voices of people who have experienced the shifting nature of the nation first hand.  

Commenting on the first new permanent gallery to be introduced since the Museum of Scotland building opened in 1998, Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director, National Museums Scotland, said:

 “Scotland: A Changing Nation charts the political, economic and social change which Scotland has experienced over the last century.  It celebrates our achievements and acknowledges the challenges that have made us the nation we are today. This gallery will challenge perceptions, spark thought and debate, and inspire visitors.  It is a fitting milestone to mark the first 10 years of the National Museum of Scotland and it will evolve in line with the evolution and progress of modern Scotland itself.”

Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said: "Anyone with an interest in Scotland's story will enjoy this wonderful exhibition.  Both informative and thought provoking, Scotland: A Changing Nation will live long in the memory of anyone who sees it. I'd like to congratulate The National Museums Scotland on this excellent exhibition and I look forward to seeing it evolve in the years to come.''

The gallery is free and will opened on level six of the National Museum of Scotland in July 2008

 

For further information please contact: Joanne Bell, Anne McMunn on 0131 470 3400 or:

joanne.bell@porternovelli.co.uk             

anne.mcmunn@porternovelli.co.uk                    

Notes

• The National Museum of Scotland incorporates two linked buildings - the Royal Museum and the Museum of Scotland.  Scotland: A Changing Nation represents a major investment in the Museum of Scotland building which opened in 1998. 
• Work has begun on the £46.4 million transformation of the Victorian Royal Museum building which has inspired millions of people from Scotland and across the world. The National Museum of Scotland will remain open throughout the development work and visitors will continue to gain access to collections including the Kingdom of the Scots and Connect galleries.

  (7/8/08)