Article Source: National Museum of Scotland
Last Updated: 1 July 2024 13:04
A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will explore Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War. Over 190 objects, many on display for the first time, will be brought together in Cold War Scotland (13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025) to tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War. Atomic power brought jobs and investment to some of the country’s most remote areas, but as global tensions mounted the threat of attack or nuclear disaster became part of everyday life. Opening on 13 July 2024, Cold War Scotland will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
The impact of the war still lingers in Scottish politics, culture and memory. Scots played an active role in the global conflict as soldiers, for example, within intelligence services and as part of voluntary civil defences. The exhibition will also draw on Scotland’s rich history of Cold War-era protest and activism. Firsthand accounts include a young mother who decorated her daughter’s pram with Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) badges. A rattle made from an old laundry detergent bottle emblazoned with the CND logo was given to her baby during the Peace Marches of the early 1980s and will go on display in the exhibition.
The exhibition will also reveal the physical remains of the Cold War; the ruined bases, forgotten bunkers and decommissioned nuclear power stations still evident across the Scottish landscape. This infrastructure became part of the fabric of local communities, none more so than the US-controlled radar base at Edzell in Angus, now commemorated with its own bespoke tartan.
Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology at National Museums Scotland, said:
“From nuclear submarines to lively peace protests and observation stations perpetually monitoring for devastating attack, the Cold War permeated every aspect of life in Scotland for decades. This conflict is so often remembered on a global scale, but this thought-provoking exhibition will offer a Scottish perspective of the period, allowing Scots from all walks of life to tell their remarkable stories for the first time.”
Further highlights of the exhibition include artwork from Glasgow’s 1951 Exhibition of Industrial Power and a toy nuclear power station, operated by steam and hot to the touch when played with. Both these examples highlight the spirit of optimism, progress and modernity associated with atomic energy in postwar Britain. In contrast, a Geiger counter used by farmers in East Ayrshire to test for radiation in sheep following the Chernobyl Disaster illustrates the enduring but unseen impact of the Cold War on Scotland’s landscape.
Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. Materialising the Cold War is funded by a major grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
Find out more: www.nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events/exhibitions/national-museum-of-scotland/cold-war-scotland/
Cold War Scotland is part of Edinburgh Art Festival, taking place between 9-25 August 2024.
Photo: Blast doors from an Anti-Aircraft Operations Room (AAOR) in East Kilbride.
With just over a week to go until the sold-out 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards at Barrowland Ballroom, the prestigious awards ceremony has announced its latest winners.
READ MORECumbernauld Theatre has announced the cast for its upcoming festive show Pinocchio, a brand-new raucous take on the story written by Gary McNair.
READ MOREThe Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television is preparing to open its doors on 31st October, inviting potential future students to explore its state-of-the-art facilities.
READ MORE17 Scottish community pubs are asking their customers to donate advent calendars this year so everyone gets a treat in the lead up to Christmas.
READ MOREMen Don't Talk by Clare Prenton which explores masculinity, mental health and Men's Sheds comes to Cumbernauld Theatre next week.
READ MOREPaisley Halloween Festival which comes back to town next week with some exciting event changes to celebrate its 10-year anniversary... here's everything you need to know!
READ MOREThe Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has revealed a first look at the remarkable sculpted glass prizes this year’s Shortlist will receive.
READ MOREThe world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.
READ MOREEducation charity, Into Film Scotland, has launched the 11th Into Film Festival programme and bookings are now live for this year’s exciting edition in November.
READ MORECountry's largest wedding showcase is back and giving Scots the chance to snap up free tickets.
READ MORELoch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted with loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs and loch tours and much more!
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is unveiling a magical line up of festive experiences for all the family to enjoy this Christmas, including the much-loved Grotto which is back with a brand-new look.
READ MOREThis weekend, Sterling Home is celebrating 50 years as Scotland’s leading family-owned home furnishing retailer with a series of exciting in-store promotions across all stores.
READ MORESome of the latest horror blockbusters, as well as creepy classics and enchanting family favourites, will be heading to the big screen at Vue this Halloween season!
READ MOREBereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.
READ MOREThe Museum of Lead Mining has closed for the winter. However, you can still visit our tearoom and shop on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am until 3pm for a hot drink, snacks and cake!
READ MOREOver 30,000 runners will participate in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run this weekend, making it the biggest staging of the event yet!
READ MOREComedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show, I've Been Sitting On This For A While!, out on tour across Scotland later this month!
READ MOREAfter a string of sold-out events across the US, Amazing Silent Discos is bringing its unforgettable retro silent disco to the iconic Old Fruitmarket for one night only on Saturday 2 November!
READ MOREIf you're looking for exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this half-term, look no further than Northern Ireland!
READ MOREExhibition on Screen brings the National Gallery's stunning Van Gogh exhibition to the big screen, along with a deep dive into his fascinating life and incredible skill.
READ MOREHistorical re-enactors will be heading to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October for this year's Great Big Living History Week!
READ MOREThe Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
READ MORELanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have announced local charity 'Who Dares Cares' as Charity Partner for their 2025 Production of Sunshine on Leith.
READ MOREPeople affected by pregnancy and baby loss will be joining together to take part in a range of activities to remember and talk about their babies this Baby Loss Awareness Week.
READ MOREThe Beat the Street East Kilbride game is set to enter its Go Explore week to encourage participants to find the area's best heritage and cultural gems.
READ MOREEscape to the country this autumn for plenty of family fun, come rain or shine at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride!
READ MOREM&D's Scotland's Theme Park has unveiled details of its new immersive horror experience as it gets set to celebrate Darktober, a month of seasonal spooky activities!
READ MOREMiller Homes, Scotland's leading homebuilder, is brightening the streets across the West of Scotland this autumn as it celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Home Safe campaign.
READ MOREEvent that welcomed huge crowds at Dean Castle, will add a sprinkle of stardust with magical festive fun held at both the original venue and a new location at Beecraigs Country Park.
READ MORE