A 5,000-year-old stone axe head, Lord Kelvin’s tuning forks and a computer that can roar like an elephant, play the flute and read pages of text feature in an exhibition aimed at blind and partially sighted people, in the Hunterian Museum, Glasgow University.

“Senses in Touch” is a multi-sensory, interactive show designed to introduce visually impaired adults and children to the university’s collections. More than 30, necessarily robust, objects, chosen for their textural qualities, although a few produce sound, have been put on open display and can be touched by visitors as they make their way round the exhibition which has Braille and written labels. There is a special rubberised guide rail to help the visually impaired and the information text is large and, on the advice of the Royal National Institute for the Blind, is printed in blue on a yellow background.

A unique computer program has been put together especially for the show, which allows visitors to call up a great store of information - on subjects ranging from tree frogs to musical instruments.

Activities are available for schools and community groups, enabling them to “step into the shoes” of a blind person. For further information about “Senses in Touch”, which can be combined with a schools’ guided tour of other collections in the Hunterian, contact the museum on 0141 330 4221.

Deedee Cuddihy