Doors Open Days logo© the Scottish Civic Trust 2008 Doors Open Days (DOD) ‘is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates places and stories, new and old.’ Its aim 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 ‘A Virtual Visit’: National Records of Scotland Digital Doors Open Days 2023
The Archivists’ Garden – A Peaceful Spot
Both General Register House and New Register House are familiar sights to Edinburgh locals, even if those who pass remain unaware of the many treasures held within. Housing the archives and public services of the National Records of Scotland (NRS), these buildings give access to a rich store of records relating to all aspects of … Continue reading The Archivists’ Garden – A Peaceful Spot
Charles and the Portobello Chocolate Factory
World Chocolate Day is celebrated annually on 7 July as it is thought that chocolate was introduced to Europeans on this date in 1550. It was first enjoyed on the continent as a beverage in the coffee houses of the 17th century and thought to have health benefits, even prolonging the lives of those who … Continue reading Charles and the Portobello Chocolate Factory
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
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