The National Museum of Rural Life celebrated its 25th anniversary at the weekend with a tractor parade, marking a quarter-century of connecting visitors with Scotland's farming heritage.
A classic 1960 Massey Ferguson 35 was specially decorated for the event at the East Kilbride venue on Saturday 4 July. The vehicle was the first tractor through the gates of the attraction when it opened to the public on the same date back in 2001.
Tractor Procession and Displays
The procession of 25 new and vintage tractors did a loop of the museum and farm, with other vehicles taking part including models from David Brown, International and Nuffield as well as a Fordson Major P6 that used to run the museum's threshing mill.
Vicky McLean, general manager at the National Museum of Rural Life said: “The National Museum of Rural Life is a unique experience that connects visitors with Scotland’s farming heritage, its rural traditions and people. Tractors have played a transformative role in Scottish agriculture, so it felt fitting to mark this important anniversary with a showcase of some of the innovation that has helped to shape our past.”
Farmyard and Animal Encounters
During the day, the museum held tours of its galleries and stores, which include Scotland’s largest collection of tractors, combine harvesters and farming machinery. At the farmyard, visitors met eight-week-old Highland calves, Eigg and Muck alongside rare breed Tamworth pigs, hens and the Ayrshire dairy herd, which is milked every afternoon. Families also enjoyed seeing Clydesdale horses, sheep and cows being dressed for competition.
Museum Information
The National Museum of Rural Life comprises a historic working farm and Georgian farmhouse as well as a modern museum building housing galleries filled with fascinating objects that tell the story of rural life in Scotland. It is open seven days a week on Philipshill Road from 10am until 5pm and tickets can be booked online at www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-rural-life.
