Throughout history, the lives of people across the word have been dramatically enhanced through the construction of infrastructure. Originally written for and published on the Japan Society of Civil Engineers website, this article explores Robert Stevenson and his family, and their contribution to the construction of lighthouses across the world, and in Japan. The exhibition … Continue reading Robert Stevenson and His Family: Contributing to Lighthouse Construction Around the World
‘A Worthie and Charitable Lady’ – Mary Erskine
In the late 17th century, Mary Erskine was a well-reputed and successful Edinburgh businesswoman whose generosity and philanthropy has left a lasting mark on the city that was her home. Born on 12th May 1629 in Clackmannan to Robert Erskine and Beatrix Stupard, she later moved to Edinburgh. NRS, Old Parish Registers, 466 10/90 One … Continue reading ‘A Worthie and Charitable Lady’ – Mary Erskine
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
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
The lost Trinity Collegiate Church
Before the foundation of Waverley station, the north side of Edinburgh’s old town looked very different. For nearly 400 years, the Trinity Collegiate Church was a stalwart feature of the Edinburgh city landscape. ‘Registrum domus de Soltre, necnon Ecclesie Collegiate S Trinitatis prope Edinburgh’, edited by D Laing Some 19th century writers claimed that James … Continue reading The lost Trinity Collegiate Church
Section 28: Opposition and repeal
Warning This contains materials and references to homophobic language and themes which may be triggering for some individuals. Please take this into account before reading. Protests Lark in the Park was a public event organised by Scottish Homosexual Action Group (SHAG) to increase gay and lesbian visibility. Section 28 had been introduced only days prior. … Continue reading Section 28: Opposition and repeal
Section 28: The introduction and effects
Warning This contains materials and references to homophobic language and themes which may be upsetting for some individuals. Please take this into account before reading. 21 June 2025, marks the 25th anniversary of the repeal of the law known as Section 28 (otherwise known as Clause 28 or Section 2A). In this article, the bill … Continue reading Section 28: The introduction and effects
The Perth Prison Criminal Lunatic Department
Topics, Words and Language featured Perth Prison Criminal Lunatic Department Prisoners or Patients? Criminal Insanity in Victorian Scotland Prisoner-patient: Marjory McKercher or McGregor Diagnosis A Guardian Resources used/further reading Mental Health Support Records from the Perth Prison Criminal Lunatic Department (CLD) Case Books (HH21/48), covering admissions from 1846 -1902 have been added to Scotland’s People … Continue reading The Perth Prison Criminal Lunatic Department
