Digital Imaging Specialist Clare Stubbs continues her exploration of the archives to learn more about Morison’s Haven, a once-thriving port at Prestonpans in East Lothian, now long deserted. In 1877, plans were drawn up to not only expand the Prestongrange mining operations but to put down train tracks between the colliery and the harbour to … Continue reading Morison’s Haven – Part 2
Morison’s Haven – Part 1
Digital Imaging Specialist Clare Stubbs delves into the archives to learn more about Morison’s Haven, a once-thriving port at Prestonpans in East Lothian, now long deserted. For people travelling from Edinburgh to North Berwick along the curving lines of the East Lothian coast, there are hints of its industrial history dotted along the landscape. One … Continue reading Morison’s Haven – Part 1
Flannan Isles Lighthouse Keepers: The disappearance
Though three men dwell on Flannan IsleTo keep the lamp alight,As we steered under the lee, we caughtNo glimmer through the night.…..Aye: though we hunted high and low,And hunted everywhere,Of the three men’s fate we found no trace,Of any kind in any place,But a door ajar, and an untouched meal,And an overtoppled chair. Flannan Isle, … Continue reading Flannan Isles Lighthouse Keepers: The disappearance
Digital Preservation Day – Preserving Our Own Records
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
The ‘Freedom Machine’: A celebration of cycling in Scotland
In August 2023 Scotland successfully hosted the UCI Cycling World Championships. This was the biggest cycling event in the world. Spanning two weeks in venues across the country, the Scottish public was treated to a festival of cycling, featuring the world’s best cyclists, including Scots such as Katie Archibald, Anna Shackley, Fin Graham and Charlie … Continue reading The ‘Freedom Machine’: A celebration of cycling in Scotland
‘A Virtual Visit’: National Records of Scotland Digital Doors Open Days 2023
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
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: 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
