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
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
Census captures build-up to 1921 Golf Open at St Andrews
The 1921 Open Golf Championship was held at St Andrews on 23 – 25 June 1921. The 1921 census was held on 19 June 1921 and our records show many golfers and journalists were already in the town. These records give us a unique insight into the golfing world a hundred years ago. The census … Continue reading Census captures build-up to 1921 Golf Open at St Andrews
