Inventory of Mary’s jewellery, 1566. NRS E35/3/3 The wearing of lavish jewellery and sumptuous clothing was indispensable for the Renaissance monarch. Mary had one of the most envied collections of jewels in Europe. She annotated this inventory of her jewellery with her bequests which were to be followed, should both she and her child die … Continue reading Treasures of National Records of Scotland: Inventory of Mary, Queen of Scots, 1566
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM – WE MUST REMEMBER THEM.
The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 imposed an immediate, and strict, national ban on free movement. Part of the many arrangements made to ensure that the risk of infection was controlled, was a clear message about acts of remembrance within military communities. Clear and unequivocal. For members of the Commando Constituency, the obvious restriction was that … Continue reading WE WILL REMEMBER THEM – WE MUST REMEMBER THEM.
Treasures of National Records of Scotland: Plan of the Forth Bridge, 1883
The Forth Bridge under construction, 1880s The Forth Bridge is one of the greatest monuments to Victorian railway engineering. The Tay and Forth Bridges were vital to the expansion of the Scottish railway system. For the companies running trains north of the east line, the bridging of the Forth and Tay estuaries was essential for … Continue reading Treasures of National Records of Scotland: Plan of the Forth Bridge, 1883
Robert Stevenson and His Family: Contributing to Lighthouse Construction Around the World
Throughout history, the lives of people across the word have been dramatically enhanced through the construction of infrastructure. Originally written for and published on the Japan Society of Civil Engineers website, this article explores Robert Stevenson and his family, and their contribution to the construction of lighthouses across the world, and in Japan. The exhibition … Continue reading Robert Stevenson and His Family: Contributing to Lighthouse Construction Around the World
‘A Worthie and Charitable Lady’ – Mary Erskine
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
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
Scotland’s ain game of Curling
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place between 6 to 22 February this year. Athletes from all over the world will compete in 16 disciplines hoping to win an Olympic medal. Team GB have had regular success in the sport of curling, with both the men’s and women’s team bringing Olympic medals … Continue reading Scotland’s ain game of Curling
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
