To celebrate our shared history, Fellows of the Society benefit from free entry to ticketed Scottish history or archaeology-themed exhibitions at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, which includes Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.

Curator Dr Fraser Hunter FSAScot examines a Roman altar from a Roman fort near Edinburgh which was acquired for the National Collection ahead of the exhibition (Image © Duncan McGlynn)

Running from 14 November 2026 to 18 April 2027, this exhibition will reshape our understanding of Scotland’s relationship with the Roman world, from the soldiers who tried to conquer this land and the families and communities who lived around each military base, to the locals whose lives and lands were threatened by the Roman invasion, and who had to find ways to deal with this threat.

It will bring Rome’s most northern frontier to life through new research, significant loans from across Europe, and previously unseen archaeological discoveries.

Dr Simon Gilmour FSAScot, Director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said:

‘We are delighted that National Museums Scotland has enabled us to extend this benefit to our Fellows, whose generous support allows us to facilitate research and innovation, advocate as an independent voice, and share knowledge of Scotland’s history, heritage and archaeology. As a network united by a profound passion for Scotland’s past, we are confident that our Fellows will thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to visit this internationally important exhibition on Roman Scotland.’

Dr Fraser Hunter FSAScot, Principal Curator of Prehistory and Roman Archaeology at National Museums Scotland, said:

‘We look forward to welcoming Fellows of the Society to this exhibition, the first to explore Roman attempts to conquer Scotland in detail, asking why they failed, what effect they had on the locals, and examining the legacy they left behind. Remarkable recent finds from Inveresk will shed new light on the peak of Roman occupation in Scotland, revealing how this significant frontier outpost and fortification was supplied from across the Empire, looking beyond the soldiers and into the lives of a vibrant and diverse frontier community.’

Fellows will receive information on how to access their free tickets in their Fellows e-newsletters, e-mails and autumn newsletter.

If you would like to support our work as a charity and enjoy the range of benefits of Fellowship, subscribe to our public e-newsletter to learn more or visit our webpages to find out how to join. Anyone who is passionate about Scotland’s past is welcome to apply.

The next application deadline is 30 September 2026, with successful new applicants who have paid their subscription fees gaining free access to the Roman Scotland exhibition as early as mid-December 2026.