Robert Burns is the last of the four Famous Scots from the Past featured in our Fringe Festival exhibition this year. With limited space available, the challenge has been to choose a single document that helps us get closer to Scotland’s national poet. We started by considering how the official records, in which NRS is so … Continue reading Robert Burns (1759-1796) – the Poet
Annual Review – Population & Migration
Each year since 1855, National Records of Scotland has published “Scotland’s Population”, providing an annual overview of the latest demographic trends. In this post, statistician Daniel Burns summarises the latest migration trends in Scotland. Scotland’s population is at its highest recorded level of 5.4 million, growing by 5% over the past ten years. This increase … Continue reading Annual Review – Population & Migration
Annual Review – Life Expectancy
Each year since 1855, National Records of Scotland has published the Registrar General’s Annual Review, providing an annual overview of the latest demographic trends. NRS statistician Maria Kaye summarises what we know about life expectancy in Scotland, as found in “Scotland’s Population 2016” – the 162nd Annual Review. The most recent life expectancy figures published … Continue reading Annual Review – Life Expectancy
Annual Review – Scotland’s Households
Each year since 1855, National Records of Scotland has published the Registrar General’s Annual Review of Demographic Trends, an overview of all the statistics we have gathered. NRS statistician Amelia Brereton summarises our findings on Scotland’s households, as found in Scotland’s Population 2016 - the 162nd Annual Review. Scotland’s population is growing and ageing. This … Continue reading Annual Review – Scotland’s Households
Connecticut Connection
National Records of Scotland is known for its records, research and other artefacts, but we also hold a number of antiques at various buildings around Edinburgh. One interesting example is a chiming clock which hangs on the wall in a meeting room at West Register House, Charlotte Square. This clock, a Chauncey Jerome, was recently repaired … Continue reading Connecticut Connection
Weeding Scotland’s Courts
Every summer, a team of NRS archivists visits Sheriff Courts all over Scotland to collect historical records for preservation and storage. Case records must be retained for decades after the cases finish for future appeals, cold case reviews and police enquiries, so it’s vital they are kept safe and secure. Centuries from now, these cases … Continue reading Weeding Scotland’s Courts
Improving Mortality Statistics
In January 2017, NRS adopted new software for recording mortality statistics. This software – IRIS – will help us to improve data relating to deaths from certain diseases and disorders. It will also help to create statistics that allow for more accurate comparison with other countries, particularly with England and Wales. When a death is … Continue reading Improving Mortality Statistics
The Marquis of Montrose’s death and re-assembly
On 21 May 1650 the royalist hero James Graham, Marquess of Montrose, was publicly executed by hanging on a scaffold at the Mercat Cross in Edinburgh, and his body dismembered. A remarkable account of expenses held by National Records of Scotland throws light on how, a decade later, Montrose’s remains were reassembled with pomp and ceremony, … Continue reading The Marquis of Montrose’s death and re-assembly
Preview: Medieval Charters Exhibition
NRS archivist Dr Tristram Clarke, Head of Outreach, talks about Scribes & Royal Authority: Scotland's Charters, 1100-1250, a free exhibition at General Register House, Edinburgh. The exhibition, which runs from 5 April to 17 May, is a rare opportunity to see examples from two of Scotland’s most important collections of medieval charters. You can find out more here.
Medieval Charters Exhibition
Scribes and Royal Authority: Scotland's Charters 1100-1250 5 April - 17 May 2017 Free Exhibition, Matheson Dome, General Register House For the first time precious examples from two of Scotland’s most important collections of medieval charters are going on show in National Records of Scotland. The charters from Holyrood Abbey and Melrose Abbey reveal how … Continue reading Medieval Charters Exhibition
Open Book 