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
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
Retracing Sancho’s Steps: Countertenor Visit to the National Records of Scotland
"Inverary is a charming place--the beauties various--and the whole plan majestic…We had herrings in perfection…The Loch-Loman--Ben-Loman--Domiquith--and Arsenhoe--with Hamilton and Douglas houses--are by much too long for description by letter.--We paraded to Edinburgh last Friday in a post coach…and dined at Lord Chief Baron's…” Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho: An African, to which are Prefixed, … Continue reading Retracing Sancho’s Steps: Countertenor Visit to the National Records of Scotland
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
The lost Trinity Collegiate Church
Before the foundation of Waverley station, the north side of Edinburgh’s old town looked very different. For nearly 400 years, the Trinity Collegiate Church was a stalwart feature of the Edinburgh city landscape. ‘Registrum domus de Soltre, necnon Ecclesie Collegiate S Trinitatis prope Edinburgh’, edited by D Laing Some 19th century writers claimed that James … Continue reading The lost Trinity Collegiate Church
Section 28: The introduction and effects
Warning This contains materials and references to homophobic language and themes which may be upsetting for some individuals. Please take this into account before reading. 21 June 2025, marks the 25th anniversary of the repeal of the law known as Section 28 (otherwise known as Clause 28 or Section 2A). In this article, the bill … Continue reading Section 28: The introduction and effects
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
Open Book 