Scotland's Treasure: The National Museum in Edinburgh's Old Town

In just a few hours on your visit to this modern structure, you'll encounter an amazing array of treasures tracing the country's roots and history to prehistoric ages.

Look carefully and you might spot Dolly the Sheep (the original clone!), Jackie Stewart's F-1 racing car, a 1600s Darien chest with a complex locking system, and perhaps the most gruesome of all memorabilia, "The Maiden," a late 1500s device used for beheading criminals and opponents to the crown.

But of course, I want to bring you the historical culinary perspective as it might have affected daily life.  Since we're in the whisky-making heart of the world, I'll concentrate on spirits!  Above right, this wooden tankard was used hundreds of years ago.  As Robert Henryson (1425-1506) said in the Testament of Cresseid,

"I mend the fyre and bei kit me about,
Then tuik ane drink my spreitis to comfort."

Commercial whisky distilleries date from 1817, but references go back to 1495 when it was distilled from malted barley.  The quaich is a shallow bowl with handles that was frequently used to indulge in a dram or two of whisky.  This wood and silver quaich from 1692 is from the era of King James VII.

To the right, these urns, wood and leather and pottery, were specifically used for storing and transporting whisky.

Going farther back in time to the period of 200-400 A.D., Scotland was under the influence of Roman civilization.  Pictured below is a stunning example of the craftsmanship and concentration on opulent, yet practical, gourmet items.  This solid gold wine strainer is thought to have been a diplomatic gift used in exchange for favors.