The new events season begins at the Museum of Scottish Country Life this weekend, with a packed schedule of exciting days out designed to appeal to all ages. From agricultural shows to country fairs, the Museum is offering a breath of fresh air to anyone who wants a day away from city life.

Visitors can discover their hidden talents for tatty howking or bee-keeping, learn about the ancient art of dowsing, or test the wonders of science by disrupting a tornado. The start of the new season also coincides with a host of new spring arrivals on the Museum's working farm, including lambs and Ayrshire calves. The latest calf, April, was born last weekend.

The season begins with the Easter Sunday Funday on Saturday 11 April, where the star of the show is the Easter Bunny. There are lots of activities aimed at children including an Easter-egg hunt and the chance to travel in a wagon pulled by four Clydesdale horses.

Other highlights over the next few months include a touring exhibition from the Glasgow Science Centre, with opportunities to create a bubble wall and s-t-r-e-t-c-h your voice, and National Insect Week from 13-20 June, which offers a range of beastly events for all the family.

Dr Bunhead's Cowpat Chemistry explores the science of farts and burps at the Museum on Saturday 3 July, and the following Sunday sees one of Scotland's biggest gatherings of Clydesdale Horses in the Heavy Horse Show.

Duncan Dornan, General Manager of the Museum of Scottish Country Life, says:
'We have a very full and varied programme this year, ranging from small-scale workshops and events such the Teddybears' Picnic, through to full days out such as the Heavy Horse Show, which attract thousands of people at a time. We hope that the programme provides something for everyone, whether they want to spend a whole day out or just enjoy a glimpse of life in the countryside.'

Events at the Museum of Scottish Country Life

Easter Sunday Funday
Saturday 11 April
Join in the all fun with our very own Easter Bunny, with lots of activities for children including an egg hunt and, in the afternoon, a chance to travel in a wagon pulled by four magnificent Clydesdale horses. Price is included in admission to the Museum.

Classic Car Rally
Sunday 9 May
See the splendid curves of some great classic cars and take a look at a wide range of historic vehicles at our annual Car Rally.

Tour De Force
5 June to 7 August
Try an anti-gravity wheel, create a bubble wall, and have a go on the interactive exhibits from Tour de Force, Glasgow Science Centre's travelling exhibition. Price included in admission to the Museum.

Avon Valley Vintage Power
Sunday 6 June
Scotland's rural past makes a comeback with a fantastic display of tractors, farming machinery and other attractions. Prices are: adult £5, concessions £3, children (12 and under) free.

National Insect Week
13 - 20 June
Celebrate all sorts of bugs and beasties with our special events for all the family.

Microsafari
Sunday 13 and Sunday 20 June, 11am
We'll be going on a river-dipping safari to find underwater creatures. Wear wellies and waterproofs and bring a change of clothes. Event lasts 1 ½ hrs. Age 5+ Price included in admission to the Museum.

Bees for Beginners
Sunday 20 June, 2pm
Come and see our hive, learn a bit about bee-keeping and taste honey made from different types of pollen. Event lasts 2 hrs. Price included in admission to the Museum - booking essential. Age 16+

Fly-tying
Sunday 20 June, 2pm
Take inspiration from nature and create your own fishing flies in this family workshop. Event lasts approx 1 ½ hrs. Price included in admission to the Museum. Age 8+

Dr Bunhead's Cowpat Chemistry
Saturday 3 July, 1pm, 3.30pm
Dr Bunhead the internationally insane TV presenter of Brainiac, Fully Booked and Hyperlinks is coming to East Kilbride. Using volunteer scientists from the audience we'll get to the bottom of our farts and burps (not for the faint hearted)! Event lasts approx 1 hr. Price is £1 on top of usual admission to the Museum. Booking essential, Age 5+

Heavy Horse Show
Sunday 11 July
One of Scotland's biggest gatherings of Clydesdale horses. A must-see event. Prices are: Adult £5, concession £3, children (12 and under) free.

Children's Summer Workshops
12 July to 9 August, Mondays, 11am, 2pm
Have a creative summer with our fun workshops. Have a go at lots of activities from trying out your own dowsing rods, to model making and photography. Event lasts 2 hrs, admission free, booking essential. Age 5+

Teddybears' Picnic
Sunday 25 July, 2pm
Today's the day! Bring your favourite teddy to join in with fun and games at the Museum and have a picnic amongst the flowers. Event lasts approx 1 1/2 hrs. Price included in admission to the Museum.

Dowsing
Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 August, 2pm
Practice the mysterious craft of dowsing, with a short demonstration on how to detect leaks the hi-tech way. Bring your wire coat hangers or we can supply them. Event lasts approx 2 hrs. Price is included in admission to the Museum.

Kittochside Country Fair
Sunday 22 August
Come by our third annual sheep dog trial, and see a range of country crafts, activities and demonstrations, including basket weaving, chainsaw carving and falconry.

Edward Martin Farriery Competition
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September
Watch horseshoeing in action as some of the best farriers in the world compete in this test of speed and skill. Price included in admission to the Museum.

Tatty Howking
Tuesday 12 and Tuesday 19 October, 12.30pm
Help pick potatoes at Kittochside, the time-honoured way and join us for a baked potato on the fire. Take home any extra you pick. Bring boots, waterproofs and a change of clothing. Gloves supplied! Event lasts approx 2 hrs. Price included in admission to the Museum. Age 5+

The Museum of Scottish Country Life is open daily from 10am- 5pm. Admission: Adult £4, Concessions £3, Child (12 and under) free. NMS Members and NTS Members free (excluding some special events)

A unique partnership between the National Museums of Scotland and The National Trust for Scotland.