See the world’s most famous chess set in Edinburgh

Visitors to Edinburgh can now catch a glimpse of pieces from the world’s most famous chess set.

The Lewis Chessmen are believed to have been made in Norway in the 12th century and were discovered on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides in the 19th century.

They were carved from walrus ivory and whales’ teeth and take the form of in seated kings and queens, standing warders, mitred bishops, knights on their mounts and pawns in the shape of obelisks.

An exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland entitled The Lewis Chessmen: Unmasked will display these unique pieces until September 19th, making it a possible destination for those using Edinburgh Airport car hire.

The event will then take place at the Aberdeen Art Gallery before travelling to the Shetland Museum and Archives and the Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway.

According to the British Museum, the Lewis Chessmen represent the largest surviving group of objects from the 12th century that were produced just for recreational purposes.

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