Today is World Digital Preservation Day, celebrating work to preserve the world’s digital heritage. Most of the records National Records of Scotland (NRS) currently holds are paper documents such as files, books and letters. Modern records however are mostly “born digital” – they have been produced in a digital format, such as email, PDFs, … Continue reading Digital Preservation Day – Preserving Our Own Records
What actually counts as a drug death?
Scotland’s drug death rates have increased considerably over the last two decades. Because of this, it is really important that we understand how many people die due to drugs each year. These deaths can be complicated to count and the figures can be misunderstood. This blog sets out what is being included in the figures. … Continue reading What actually counts as a drug death?
What is the Declaration?
On 6 April 2023, NRS is celebrating the 703rd anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath – one of Scotland’s most famous historic documents. The Declaration of Arbroath will be displayed at the National Museum of Scotland from 3 June this year but before you get a chance to see it for yourself, we asked NRS … Continue reading What is the Declaration?
700 Years of the Declaration of Arbroath, with Dr Alan Borthwick
The Declaration of Arbroath will be displayed at the National Museum of Scotland from 3 June this year, but you can find out more about it now. In this talk, recorded on the Declaration’s 700th anniversary in 2020, archivist Dr Alan Borthwick spoke about the document’s long and surprising history, and more about its significance… … Continue reading 700 Years of the Declaration of Arbroath, with Dr Alan Borthwick
Scotland’s Census 1921: Chocolate!
Chocolate in the census With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we have uncovered a luxury selection of chocolate references in the 1921 census. From ‘chocolate coverers’ to ‘chocolate stampers’, and ‘chocolate pipers’ to ‘chocolate dippers’: with the 1921 census being the first to record employer’s names, it is interesting to learn of all the small and … Continue reading Scotland’s Census 1921: Chocolate!
Ships, Boats and Yachts enumerated in 1921
Ships, boats and yachts that were berthed in Scottish ports on census day were enumerated and in 1921 this included the Britannia, a racing yacht owned by His Majesty King George V. Its name is shared by the decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia which is now permanently berthed at Leith docks. Hunters Quay, Dunoon The Britannia … Continue reading Ships, Boats and Yachts enumerated in 1921
Scotland’s Census 1921: Fresh Air Fortnight
If you have children missing from their family home in the 1921 census, especially in Glasgow, it may be worth widening the search to include seaside locations. The charity Glasgow Poor Children’s Fresh Air Fortnight Scheme gave children two weeks away from their lives in overcrowded and deprived areas of Glasgow to let them enjoy … Continue reading Scotland’s Census 1921: Fresh Air Fortnight
Scotland’s Census 1921: Labourers on the move
The 1921 census asked for ‘Road, Street, &c. and No. or name of House.’ Sadly however, not everyone in 1921 lived in a conventional house - in fact, an entry from Sanquhar tells the story of a family of seven who did not have a roof over their heads. James White, his wife Elizabeth and … Continue reading Scotland’s Census 1921: Labourers on the move
Census 1921: Missing Military Men
The 1921 census in the UK was originally scheduled to be held on 24 April but it was delayed until 19 June due to civil unrest and strikes. The census was taken during a coal strike which ended on 28 June and reveals that many military personnel were deployed to mines around the country. The … Continue reading Census 1921: Missing Military Men
Census captures build-up to 1921 Golf Open at St Andrews
The 1921 Open Golf Championship was held at St Andrews on 23 – 25 June 1921. The 1921 census was held on 19 June 1921 and our records show many golfers and journalists were already in the town. These records give us a unique insight into the golfing world a hundred years ago. The census … Continue reading Census captures build-up to 1921 Golf Open at St Andrews
Open Book 