Young people tell John Muir’s story in a new way

A talented group of S2 students from Dunbar Grammar School have been working with East Lothian Council Museums Service to learn new skills and gain experience working in museums and galleries.

This involved developing a new way of learning about John Muir’s story and the nature emergency - with some added drama! 

On Tuesday 18 March John Muir’s Birthplace was handed over to the Dunbar Grammar students for the morning. The students welcomed 42 visitors to the museum to try out their escape room-style trail, which they created as part of their Workforce for the Future Project funded by Museums Galleries Scotland. 

The escape room trail will be available for visitors to try over the spring and summer. Visitors collect a clue card with puzzles, codes and hints to solve as they explore the museum, meeting some of the animals that John Muir encountered on his travels. The trail is a timed race against extinction. 

John Johnstone, Dunbar Grammar School Head Teacher, said: “The students have developed teamwork and communication skills, increased their confidence and learnt more about careers in the heritage sector. I was so impressed by how they welcomed visitors, giving instructions and keeping all the activities running.” 

Museums Galleries Scotland’s Workforce and Training Officer Frankie Bradley said: “The Workforce for the Future Project is all about demystifying the heritage sector and helping connect museums with young people. The cohort from Dunbar Grammar have taken a fun and engaging approach by developing an escape room style trail. Who would have thought trying to solve clues, crack codes and unravel mysteries to save Dave the Rat from extinction could be such fun?” 

John Muir’s Birthplace is open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm at 126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ. www.jmbt.org.uk