Discover the story of Scots at war over 400 years, revealed through personal mementoes, photographs and military objects.

Interior of the National War Museum of Scotland © National Museums of Scotland

Key facts

Close up of military uniform in the National War Museum of Scotland © National Museums of Scotland

The National War Museum Scotland has a large collection exploring more than 400 years of Scottish military history.


The building was originally an ordnance storehouse, built in 1755.

Display case in the National War Museum of Scotland © National Museums of Scotland
The Museum was opened inside the Castle in 1933, the first of its kind in Britain. Its large collection of military artefacts dates back to the 17th century.

- As well as extensive displays of weapons and regalia, the museum holds a collection of personal possessions and letters sent home by Scottish soldiers serving overseas.

- There are also permanent exhibitions exploring the dangers and challenges facing soldiers both in active combat and in their role defending the country and the British Empire.

Find out more about The Royal Scots Regimental Museum and The Regimental Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards which are also based at Edinburgh Castle.

Entry to the National War Museum Scotland is free with admission to the castle.

View the official National War Museum Scotland website