National Museums Collection Centre…

..is located in the Granton district of Edinburgh very close to the Firth of Forth. Pat and I arrived early to take part in a special guided tour.

Entering this facility is an interesting exercise as security is very high. The entrance is guarded by remote controlled gates and security cameras are everywhere.

Once the security guards had been satisfied with our credentials we were shown into a well equipped conference room. Somewhat surprisingly half the number of people who had booked and paid did not arrive. I understand that the centre of Edinburgh is a complete traffic nightmare just now which might explain the ‘no shows’.

After an introductory talk we were conducted around three areas of the high security buildings and I have chosen four of the many photographs I took.

The main photo is a Fresnel lens assembly from a lighthouse, the name of which I did not note down. My Bad!

The first extra shows Pictish Cross copies, one being the Dupplin Cross which is near Dunning. Pat visited this many years ago and I have noted my diary to visit this next week.

The second extra shows a collection of deceased animals in dry storage. They are in perpetual gloom apart from being illuminated for tours or for investigation. Note how all of them are looking at the camera which is a little disturbing.

The third extra shows a mixed collection of engineering machines and  another lighthouse lens assembly. This one is from Todd Head on the East Coast of Scotland.

One of the party remarked on the large number of machines made in Stroud near Glucester. Very close to the fictional village of Ambridge! *

The visit was very enjoyable and enlightening. The photo opportunities are almost limitless. It is a pity that the tour was only just over an hour.

Having said that the Guide was bombarded with a wide range of questions. She spoke with knowledge and authority throughout.

The level of cleanliness was very high and the need to go through so many security doors and air tight was interesting.

Ambridge is the village featured in ‘The Archers’  radio series of which I am an addict! Apparently there is no cure.