In the late 17th century, Mary Erskine was a well-reputed and successful Edinburgh businesswoman whose generosity and philanthropy has left a lasting mark on the city that was her home. Born on 12th May 1629 in Clackmannan to Robert Erskine and Beatrix Stupard, she later moved to Edinburgh. NRS, Old Parish Registers, 466 10/90 One … Continue reading ‘A Worthie and Charitable Lady’ – Mary Erskine
Treasures of National Records of Scotland: Gaelic eulogy on Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, 1631
This post is the first in a series looking at some of the most striking and interesting items in the collections of National Records of Scotland. Sir Duncan Campbell died in 1631 at the age of 81, after running the estates for 48 years. Neil MacEwan, head of the family of hereditary poets in the … Continue reading Treasures of National Records of Scotland: Gaelic eulogy on Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, 1631
Doors Open Days: Discover General Register House
September marks a special time of year in Edinburgh. The summer is easing into autumn, the frenzied energy of the Fringe and International Festivals is calming, and the city prepares to open unique, interesting and significant buildings as part of Scotland’s largest free festival – Doors Open Days! With so much choice, how do you … Continue reading Doors Open Days: Discover General Register House
Church records – Reform, dissension and coals for the poor
The Kirk Session records held by National Records of Scotland are available to view free on Scotland's People. With over 6,000 volumes now online, these church records offer a fantastic insight into the lives of people in Scotland, spanning almost 350 years. Our colleagues work with both the original volumes and documents as well as … Continue reading Church records – Reform, dissension and coals for the poor
East Jersey Bound: Scots emigrants to America in the 1680s
In the early 1680s, over 600 Scots emigrated from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Montrose to establish colonial settlement in the eastern half of New Jersey. This venture was backed at the highest level and sought to ensure that Scotland had a stake in the development of the American colonies. It brought together Quakers, Episcopalians and Presbyterians, … Continue reading East Jersey Bound: Scots emigrants to America in the 1680s
Remembrance Day 2025
…“In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.”… In Flanders Fields by John McCrae Remembrance Day is a time to commemorate those who gave their lives and served in wars and military conflicts. Established after … Continue reading Remembrance Day 2025
Why preserve: Protecting Scotland’s digital memory
Introduction: Archives are often portrayed as quiet rooms filled with manuscripts, inked ledgers, and fragile maps, things that one could call “echoes” of a distant past. While the National Records of Scotland (NRS) continues to care for these treasures, the nature of our national memory is changing. Today, Scotland’s identity is increasingly shaped by digital … Continue reading Why preserve: Protecting Scotland’s digital memory
Oban: the Charing Cross of the Highlands
"A more hurried, nervous, frenzied place than Oban during the summer and autumn months it is difficult to conceive. People seldom stay there above a night. The old familiar faces are the resident population. The tourist no more thinks of spending a week in Oban than he thinks of spending a week in a railway … Continue reading Oban: the Charing Cross of the Highlands
100 Years of Scottish Rugby at Murrayfield
Rugby Union, Five Nations Championship - England v Scotland. The Scotland team, 20 March 1926, left to right: (back row) ?, William Simmers, David Kerr, James Ireland, ?, James Graham, ?, Ian Smith (front row) James Dykes, Herbert Waddell, John Bannerman, Dan Drysdale, Doug Davies, JW Scott (on the ground) James Nelson, John Paterson. PA … Continue reading 100 Years of Scottish Rugby at Murrayfield
The illusive life of plasterer Thomas Clayton Junior
As General Register House celebrates its 250th anniversary, now seems an opportune moment to shed light on those who helped to create the building and its interiors. Thomas Clayton Junior (1743-1793) was the plasterer responsible for decorating the famous central dome as well as numerous other walls within the building. Frequently confused with his father, … Continue reading The illusive life of plasterer Thomas Clayton Junior
Open Book 