This post is the first in a series looking at some of the most striking and interesting items in the collections of National Records of Scotland. Sir Duncan Campbell died in 1631 at the age of 81, after running the estates for 48 years. Neil MacEwan, head of the family of hereditary poets in the … Continue reading Treasures of National Records of Scotland: Gaelic eulogy on Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, 1631
Doors Open Days: Discover General Register House
September marks a special time of year in Edinburgh. The summer is easing into autumn, the frenzied energy of the Fringe and International Festivals is calming, and the city prepares to open unique, interesting and significant buildings as part of Scotland’s largest free festival – Doors Open Days! With so much choice, how do you … Continue reading Doors Open Days: Discover General Register House
Church records – Reform, dissension and coals for the poor
The Kirk Session records held by National Records of Scotland are available to view free on Scotland's People. With over 6,000 volumes now online, these church records offer a fantastic insight into the lives of people in Scotland, spanning almost 350 years. Our colleagues work with both the original volumes and documents as well as … Continue reading Church records – Reform, dissension and coals for the poor
East Jersey Bound: Scots emigrants to America in the 1680s
In the early 1680s, over 600 Scots emigrated from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Montrose to establish colonial settlement in the eastern half of New Jersey. This venture was backed at the highest level and sought to ensure that Scotland had a stake in the development of the American colonies. It brought together Quakers, Episcopalians and Presbyterians, … Continue reading East Jersey Bound: Scots emigrants to America in the 1680s
Scotland’s ain game of Curling
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place between 6 to 22 February this year. Athletes from all over the world will compete in 16 disciplines hoping to win an Olympic medal. Team GB have had regular success in the sport of curling, with both the men’s and women’s team bringing Olympic medals … Continue reading Scotland’s ain game of Curling
Remembrance Day 2025
…“In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.”… In Flanders Fields by John McCrae Remembrance Day is a time to commemorate those who gave their lives and served in wars and military conflicts. Established after … Continue reading Remembrance Day 2025
Why preserve: Protecting Scotland’s digital memory
Introduction: Archives are often portrayed as quiet rooms filled with manuscripts, inked ledgers, and fragile maps, things that one could call “echoes” of a distant past. While the National Records of Scotland (NRS) continues to care for these treasures, the nature of our national memory is changing. Today, Scotland’s identity is increasingly shaped by digital … Continue reading Why preserve: Protecting Scotland’s digital memory
Retracing Sancho’s Steps: Countertenor Visit to the National Records of Scotland
"Inverary is a charming place--the beauties various--and the whole plan majestic…We had herrings in perfection…The Loch-Loman--Ben-Loman--Domiquith--and Arsenhoe--with Hamilton and Douglas houses--are by much too long for description by letter.--We paraded to Edinburgh last Friday in a post coach…and dined at Lord Chief Baron's…” Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho: An African, to which are Prefixed, … Continue reading Retracing Sancho’s Steps: Countertenor Visit to the National Records of Scotland
Doors Open Days 2025 at General Register House
National Records of Scotland (NRS) is taking part in Doors Open Days (DOD) again this year, on Saturday 27th September. The aim of DOD is to give everyone the opportunity to explore some of the most architecturally and culturally significant buildings in Scotland, places which are not usually open to the public or which usually charge an entry … Continue reading Doors Open Days 2025 at General Register House
Oban: the Charing Cross of the Highlands
"A more hurried, nervous, frenzied place than Oban during the summer and autumn months it is difficult to conceive. People seldom stay there above a night. The old familiar faces are the resident population. The tourist no more thinks of spending a week in Oban than he thinks of spending a week in a railway … Continue reading Oban: the Charing Cross of the Highlands
Open Book 