A NEW exhibition opened at the John Gray Centre in Haddington on Wednesday, featuring objects and stories from Ancient Egypt from the collections of National Museums Scotland.

The exhibition aims to reveal how Ancient Egypt has captivated Scotland over the past 200 years.

Called ‘Discovering Ancient Egypt’, it is on display until April 19; the curator is Dr Daniel Potter, assistant curator at National Museums Scotland.

It is a National Museums Scotland touring exhibition that will examine Scotland’s contribution to Egyptology through the lives of three people, whose work in the field helped improve the understanding of Ancient Egyptian culture.

The first is archaeologist Alexander Henry Rhind; born in Wick, he was the first archaeologist to work in Egypt.

On display will be objects from a tomb he excavated, including a ‘Book of the Dead’ papyrus and inscribed wooden labels that were found with the mummified remains of 10 princesses who all shared the same royal tomb.

Also featured is Edinburgh-based astronomer Charles Piazzi Smyth, who carried out the first largely accurate survey of the Great Pyramid and took the first photographs of its interior. Some of the instruments he used will be on display, including a measuring rod.

The third person is Aberdonian Annie Pirie Quibell, an artist who was one of the first women to study Egyptology and who went on to work on significant excavations as both an artist and archaeologist.

She studied and excavated with W M Flinders Petrie, often described as the ‘father of Egyptian archaeology’.

Her artistic skills recorded the site and artefacts she found.

One of the pieces on display is pieces more than 5,000 years old, from a find at one of the earliest temple sites.

The Haddington museum is following all of the appropriate Government and health guidelines and people are recommended to book their visit beforehand; admission is free. Call 01620 820690 or email elms@eastlothian.gov.uk

It is open Wednesdays to Fridays, 10am-1pm and 2-4pm, last entry 3.30pm; it is closed December 25 to January 5.

John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for economic development and tourism, said: “Attracting a national exhibition to East Lothian reflects both the ability and professionalism of our museums staff.

“This year has been a very challenging year for us all but this exhibition provides an opportunity locally for residents and families to enjoy which, when combined with a visit to the High Street shops, cafes and other hospitality venues, can provide a welcome day out.”