EDINBURGH.- Visitors to the National Museum of Scotland are being challenged to track down its ugliest, fiercest, smelliest and oldest objects in Museum Explorer, a new app launched on iTunes today.

The new app encourages visitors to choose a category on their phone and then follow the clues to find the relevant object in the Museum, which could be anywhere across its 36 galleries. The object categories are: Fiercest; Oldest; Smelliest; Ugliest; Fairest; Strongest; Tallest and Bloodiest.

Once they have tracked down an object, users will find a unique code to ‘unlock’ a special badge. They will have the chance to share a photo of their discovery on social networks, choosing from a unique set of picture frames. There are eight challenges to solve, with a ninth object unlocked when all the others are found.

Hugh Wallace, Head of Digital Media, National Museums Scotland, said: ‘We’re offering visitors an alternative and playful way of engaging with our objects, exploring the Museum and sharing their experiences. We hope that people will join the challenge to become the ultimate museum explorer!’

Clues in the game range from ‘First used in 1564, this grisly device has claimed over 150 lives,’ to ‘Watch out! Its arms may be short, but once it catches you this fearsome beast could crush you whole in its powerful jaws.’

The app was designed and developed by Kotikan, Pocket Proof Ltd and staff at National Museums Scotland. Museum Explorer is available on Apple iOS (iPhone and iPod Touch).

The new app is expected to be popular at the RBS Museum Lates: Behind the Masque event on 19 October, which offers the chance for adults to experience the wonders of the Museum at night.