Hidden in plain sight, General Register House (GRH) is one of the most prominent landmarks on Edinburgh’s New Town Princes Street, yet many do not know the significance of this building. Designed to house the records of the nation, it continues to hold and provide access to some of Scotland’s most essential and precious documents. … Continue reading 250th anniversary of General Register House: we’re going to need a bigger cake
Remembering the D-Day Landings: Group Captain James Stagg (1900-1975)
To mark 80 years since the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944, we explore the pivotal role that Group Captain J M Stagg played in the success on the Allied troops landing on the coast of Normandy, France, in the start of the campaign to liberate Europe and defeat Germany. Photograph of British soldiers landing … Continue reading Remembering the D-Day Landings: Group Captain James Stagg (1900-1975)
Professor Margaret Fairlie (1891-1963)
Professor Margaret Fairlie was a leading medical professional in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. She advocated for and advanced the treatments available for women’s health throughout the first half of the 20th century, and became the first woman to be appointed to a university professorship in Scotland. She was born to James and Marjory … Continue reading Professor Margaret Fairlie (1891-1963)
Morison’s Haven – Part 2
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
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
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
Open Book 