EDINBURGH.- Ancient Egyptians and a Russian Empress come to Scotland in 2012 as the first attractions in the redeveloped National Museum of Scotland’s new exhibition space. The first major new shows scheduled will be Fascinating Mummies from the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden , the Netherlands and Catherine the Great, a new exhibition co-developed by the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg , Russia and National Museums Scotland . The transformed Museum will open on 29 July following a major £46.4 million redevelopment. A key element of the project is a purpose-built 650 square metre exhibition space. The programme of international blockbuster exhibitions planned are expected to attract audiences from across Scotland , the UK and overseas. For many, this programme will be a once in lifetime opportunity to see these internationally significant exhibitions. The Museum will be the only UK venue for