"The fundamental role of the conservator-restorer is the preservation of cultural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations..."* I remember very vividly John L. Sharpe, a rare book historian and conservator, teaching a class at my conservation course in Italy and describing conservation as a triangle with History, Science and Craft at each … Continue reading Conservation for the Nation
Scottish Handwriting 1500-1700
Calling all budding palaeographers! Students wanted for evening short course at National Records of Scotland Archival records are amazing. They document the lives of our ancestors, allow us to peer into past societies and record the events - big and small - that shaped our country into what it is today. Reading old records, particularly … Continue reading Scottish Handwriting 1500-1700
Wrapping Up Scotland’s Archives
In 2013, the Scottish Council on Archives launched a three-year traineeship scheme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Skills for the Future programme. The Opening Up Scotland’s Archives scheme was created to provide opportunities for individuals to gain experience working in archives, in addition to the more traditional degree and post-graduate qualification route. At the … Continue reading Wrapping Up Scotland’s Archives
Robert Burns (1759-1796) – the Poet
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
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