This new project, Uncovering the history of women’s football in Scotland 1880-1939, funded by The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) the educational and research arm of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), aims to map the early history of women’s football in Scotland. Although many people believe that women’s football is a relatively recent … Continue reading Uncovering the history of women’s football in Scotland 1880-1939
International Women’s Day: A spotlight on Scottish authors in our records
International Women's Day (IWD) on 8 March acknowledges the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. Each March, we also commemorate Women’s History Month which highlights the contributions that women have made to society throughout the years. 2022 has been designated Scotland’s Year of Stories, which celebrates and promotes the wealth of stories inspired by, … Continue reading International Women’s Day: A spotlight on Scottish authors in our records
A Tumult in the City
Following the 'Glorious' or 'Bloodless' Revolution of 1689 , when William of Orange was crowned King of England and Scotland and displaced James VII and II , in Scotland, there was still resistance from the people. As fighting continued to break out, people were arrested and imprisoned for petty crimes, such as not praying for … Continue reading A Tumult in the City
Doors Open Days 2021
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) is taking part in Doors Open Days (DOD) again this year, on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th 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 … Continue reading Doors Open Days 2021
250 Years On: Sir Walter Scott and Register House
On Sunday 15th August 2021 we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most famous poets and novelists. Although a record of his birth is not preserved in the National Records of Scotland (NRS), there is a wealth of material linking him to Register House in Edinburgh (or … Continue reading 250 Years On: Sir Walter Scott and Register House
Ethel Moorhead – ‘Scottish Leader of the Suffragettes’
National Records of Scotland (NRS) holds a wealth of records about suffragette activities in Scotland, including their prosecution, imprisonment, newspaper reports and cases of force-feeding. In 2018 we celebrated the centenary of some women gaining the parliamentary vote with the exhibition 'Malicious Mischief? Women's Suffrage in Scotland'. As part of the exhibition, a mini-website was … Continue reading Ethel Moorhead – ‘Scottish Leader of the Suffragettes’
Food and Family
Food is a collective human need, and meals are symbolic of sharing and nurturing each other. Food stimulates all of our senses, evokes experiences of childhood, special occasions and can be a source of excitement and comfort. In this article we look at recipes found in National Records of Scotland's archives and how they represent … Continue reading Food and Family
What’s in an archive?
For this year’s Explore Your Archive (#EYA, #exploreyourarchive) campaign, Outreach archivist Jocelyn Grant explains what an archive is, what makes them unique, and explains some of the terms and techniques archivists use to make records accessible... “The outstanding feature of the Archive, putting this also at its simplest, it… by its nature… represents some measure … Continue reading What’s in an archive?
National Records of Scotland – Remembrance and the Roll of Honour
11 November marks Armistice, also known as Remembrance Day, where those who lost their lives lost during the First World War are commemorated. Over 16 million people died during the war and although there is no accepted total of Scottish war dead, estimates vary between 100,000 and 135,000. The sheer scale of the conflict mobilised … Continue reading National Records of Scotland – Remembrance and the Roll of Honour
“Oh! Rowan Tree, thou’lt aye be dear to me”
“Oh! Rowan Tree, thou’lt aye be dear to me” Hallowe’en, or All Saints’ Eve, is considered the time of year that the physical and supernatural realms are at their closest, and magical (or spooky) occurrences are possible. It is also a time of celebration; the end of summer and the thanksgiving of the harvest. This … Continue reading “Oh! Rowan Tree, thou’lt aye be dear to me”
Open Book 