Visitors will discover the Scottish tradition of ‘tattie howking’ at the National Museum of Rural Life this October break.
From the early 1930s until as recently as the 1980s, children would swap the classroom for the fields for a week in October, to help with help the potato harvest. This half term families can dig, scoop and brush, and get their hands dirty at the mud kitchen station to harvest tatties. They can also experiment with electrifying sustainable science to create their own potato batteries, and enjoy smashing storytelling.
Visitors can explore the East Kilbride museum to learn more about Scottish rural history. On display is Scotland’s largest collection of tractors, combine harvesters and farming machinery, and galleries telling the story of people and land of the past. In the new display, Scotland’s Farming Future, they can meet Morag the sheep, an important cloned predecessor to the world-famous Dolly the sheep.
Outside families can follow themed trails through the spectacular autumnal countryside and visit the historic working farm, home to Ayrshire, Aberdeen Angus and Highland cattle, Tamworth pigs, sheep, hens and Clydesdale horses.
Vicky McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Rural life, said: “Tattie Howking was an important part of Scottish rural life for generations and I’m delighted that families can rediscover this marvellously muddy tradition over half term. Autumn is also the perfect time to get on those wellies and raincoats and enjoy the countryside together on the way up to our historic working farm. After all that fun there’s hot chocolate and cake in the Shielings Cafe, the perfect seasonal day out.”
The session runs from Tuesday, 13th October 13 - Friday, 16th October from 10.30am till 3.30pm. Admisson is free with museum admission and annual pass.