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National Library of Scotland

@natlibscot

Scotland’s living memory. If you can think of it, we probably have it.

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Latest posts by National Library of Scotland @natlibscot

⚠️ Answers:
The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis
Winnie the Pooh, by A.A. Milne
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

05.03.2026 13:59 👍 6 🔁 0 💬 3 📌 0
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For #WorldBookDay, we thought we'd take you on a tour of some of our fictional maps 🗺️

Can you work out which book each of these are from? 🤔

05.03.2026 13:59 👍 15 🔁 5 💬 1 📌 0
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OUTWITH: National Library Live in Perth | National Library of Scotland Join us in Perth to discover more about the National Library of Scotland. There will be a range of talks, games and activities for all ages.

📌 AK Bell Library, Perth
📅 10am-3:30pm, Saturday 7 March
🎟️ FREE - just drop in!

Plan your visit > www.nls.uk/whats-on/out...

04.03.2026 09:01 👍 3 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
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We’re taking over the AK Bell Library on Saturday for a free day-long celebration of stories, libraries, and history! 🎉

Don’t miss the chance to see Mary Queen of Scots’ last letter on display at Perth Museum, then pop in to see us for a day packed with talks, games, storytelling, and more.

04.03.2026 09:01 👍 9 🔁 2 💬 1 📌 0
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In Fife, parts of the beach just north of the Eden Estuary have suffered the fastest rate of erosion in Scotland, with some stretches moving inland nearly 500 metres in less than 100 years.

Learn more about how our resources can be used for climate research > www.nls.uk/tools-for-re...

03.03.2026 15:01 👍 10 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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How much have our coastlines changed in the last century? 🌊

Our georeferenced map viewer allows you to directly compare maps from history with the present day. In this example, you can see Great Cowden on the Yorkshire coast, where the shoreline has receded around 200 metres over the last century.

03.03.2026 15:00 👍 24 🔁 2 💬 1 📌 1
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This #MapMonday we have even #MoreMaps for you! 🗺️✨

We've georeferenced the 1,329 first edition Six-inch maps of England and Wales we added in November. Now you can use a special toggle button in our viewers to compare these maps side-by-side.

Explore the new tool > maps.nls.uk/additions/#194

02.03.2026 09:01 👍 46 🔁 17 💬 0 📌 6
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OUTWITH: National Library Live in Perth | National Library of Scotland Join us in Perth to discover more about the National Library of Scotland. There will be a range of talks, games and activities for all ages.

📌 AK Bell Library, Perth
📅 10am-3:30pm, Saturday 7 March
🎟️ Entry is free! Find out more > www.nls.uk/whats-on/out...

27.02.2026 09:01 👍 4 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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🚺 12:30pm: Discovering stories of Perth women
🗞️ 1:30pm: Digitising Scotland's newspapers
🗺️ 2:30pm: A history of Perth in ten maps

Plus, explore our drop-in family activities and meet our staff throughout the day 👋

27.02.2026 09:01 👍 3 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
A collage of maps of Scotland.

A collage of maps of Scotland.

Coming to see Mary Queen of Scots’ last letter at Perth Museum next Saturday? Make a day of it by visiting us at AK Bell Library too! 👑

There's something on for everyone:
🪙 10:30am: Scotland's tourist treasures at the National Library
🎥 11:30am: Scenes and sounds of Scotland's ancient capital
...

27.02.2026 09:01 👍 8 🔁 3 💬 1 📌 0
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Not proven: Edinburgh's 19th century sapphic scandal | National Library of Scotland This Pride month, join researcher Indigo Dunphy-Smith to revisit the history of a case that saw two Edinburgh schoolmistresses accused of lesbianism.

Thank you for reading!

If you enjoyed this, Indigo is coming in to the Library in June to talk about another piece of hidden queer Scottish history > www.nls.uk/whats-on/ind...

26.02.2026 14:24 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
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Not proven: Edinburgh's 19th century sapphic scandal | National Library of Scotland This Pride month, join researcher Indigo Dunphy-Smith to revisit the history of a case that saw two Edinburgh schoolmistresses accused of lesbianism.

Thank you for reading!

If you enjoyed this, Indigo is coming in to the Library in June to talk about another piece of hidden queer Scottish history > www.nls.uk/whats-on/ind...

26.02.2026 14:24 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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A Jacobite abroad | National Library of Scotland A Jacobite’s archive reveals hidden traces of James Byres and Christopher Norton’s queer partnership across exile, art and silence.

Follow the life of James Byres, a Jacobite whose story reveals a queer past preserved through loyalty, creativity, and careful self-fashioning.

Beautifully illustrated by Madeleine Leisk ✨

Read the full story > www.nls.uk/collections/...

26.02.2026 12:08 👍 9 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
A illustration of James Byres and Christopher Norton in a 'Birth of Adam' style position.

A illustration of James Byres and Christopher Norton in a 'Birth of Adam' style position.

What if the Jacobite cause had a queer history we were never told about? 🌈

In our new long-read, researcher and writer Indigo Dunphy-Smith takes us on a journey from Aberdeenshire’s estates to the art circles of Rome.

26.02.2026 12:08 👍 20 🔁 7 💬 1 📌 3

Whether you're fluent, a learner, or just curious, there's something for everyone!

#WorldGaelicWeek #SeachdainNaGàidhlig

23.02.2026 16:51 👍 5 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

...through our Moving Image Archive 🎥
Explore our extensive collection of Gaelic films and videos. Start with our 'Beagan Gaidhlig' collection > movingimage.nls.uk/search?featu...

23.02.2026 16:51 👍 4 🔁 1 💬 1 📌 0
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What's on filtered by for | National Library of Scotland Find out about our events and exhibitions in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and online.

...through our events 📚

Explore the importance of Gaelic media with us on Thursday evening, or bringt the whole family for a storytelling session on Friday. Book your tickets > www.nls.uk/whats-on/?f=...

23.02.2026 16:51 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
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Treasures of the National Library of Scotland | National Library of Scotland Visit the National Library of Scotland's permanent exhibition. It showcases treasured items from our vast collections.

His work was a powerful call for respect for the Gaelic language during a time of suppression after the Battle of Culloden. Plan your visit to see his writing > www.nls.uk/whats-on/tre...

23.02.2026 16:51 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
A double page spread from Alexander McDonalds ‘Galick and English Vocabulary’ dictionary written to support schoolchildren’s Gaelic education.

A double page spread from Alexander McDonalds ‘Galick and English Vocabulary’ dictionary written to support schoolchildren’s Gaelic education.

Celebrate Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) with us! 🗣️

...through our collections 🏛️
We're currently showing items that tell the story of Alasdair mac Mhaighstir Alasdair (Alexander MacDonald, c.1698–c.1770), a schoolmaster, poet, and Jacobite captain.

23.02.2026 16:51 👍 24 🔁 8 💬 1 📌 0
poster advertising Map Fest on Friday 6th February 2026 with logos for participating organisations. National Records of Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh City Archives, National collection of Aerial Photography and National Library of Scotland

poster advertising Map Fest on Friday 6th February 2026 with logos for participating organisations. National Records of Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh City Archives, National collection of Aerial Photography and National Library of Scotland

Ever wondered what secrets lie in a map? 🗺️

Join us for a day dedicated to all things cartographic. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our map collections, attend talks, and get hands-on with our drop-in activities!

📅 6 February 2026
⏰ 10:30am-4:00pm

Plan your visit > www.nls.uk/whats-on/map...

04.02.2026 09:01 👍 31 🔁 13 💬 2 📌 1
The Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots. 23 January - 25 April 2026. AK Bell Library, Perth.

The Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots. 23 January - 25 April 2026. AK Bell Library, Perth.

What? Exploring the Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots
But really, what? A display of original material from Robert Burns and Liz Lochhead exploring Mary’s story and legacy
Where? AK Bell Library, Perth
When? From today, Friday 23 January
How to visit? www.culturepk.org.uk/library/ak-b...
How much? Free

23.01.2026 16:01 👍 10 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0

This exhibition would not have been possible without the generous support of The Gannochy Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

23.01.2026 12:45 👍 6 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Visitor looks at Mary, Queen of Scots last letter in display case at Perth Museum exhibition

Visitor looks at Mary, Queen of Scots last letter in display case at Perth Museum exhibition

What? The Last Letter of Mary, Queen of Scots
Where? Perth Museum.
When? From today, 23 January
Why? A rare chance to see an evocative treasure and a legendary piece of Scottish history.
How? perthmuseum.co.uk/plan-your-vi...

📷 Julie Howden

23.01.2026 12:45 👍 24 🔁 3 💬 1 📌 0

The Queen also met with Library staff and local schoolchildren taking part in Beano workshops. The visit culminated in Her Majesty officially launching the National Year of Reading in Scotland.

19.01.2026 17:20 👍 5 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
Her Majesty The Queen stands alongside National Year of Reading ambassadors at the National Library of Scotland.

Her Majesty The Queen stands alongside National Year of Reading ambassadors at the National Library of Scotland.

Her Majesty The Queen talks to school children in the foyer of the National Library of Scotland.

Her Majesty The Queen talks to school children in the foyer of the National Library of Scotland.

Her Majesty The Queen shakes hands with author Jackie Kay.

Her Majesty The Queen shakes hands with author Jackie Kay.

Her Majesty The Queen is shown items from the National Library of Scotland's collections.

Her Majesty The Queen is shown items from the National Library of Scotland's collections.

We were delighted to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to the Library today. The Queen was here to officially launch the National Year of Reading in Scotland.

Led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust, the UK-wide campaign aims to help people rediscover the joy of reading.

19.01.2026 17:20 👍 17 🔁 4 💬 1 📌 0

This free display is part of our OUTWITH programme, getting our collections out around Scotland. Will we see you there? 👀

#MaryQueenOfScots #PerthMuseum #NLS100 #History #ScottishHistory

16.01.2026 10:01 👍 4 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0

From 23 January, see this incredibly powerful document at the Museum, and travel along the road to AK Bell Library to see accompanying items written by Robert Burns and Liz Lochhead, exploring Mary's enduring legacy.

16.01.2026 10:01 👍 3 🔁 1 💬 1 📌 0
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📜 A queen's final words.

In one week, Mary, Queen of Scots' last letter, written just six hours before her execution, goes on public display in a once-in-a-generation exhibition at Perth Museum.

16.01.2026 10:01 👍 30 🔁 7 💬 2 📌 0
map of United Kingdom showing coverage of Ordnance Survey maps, with maps just added to the website shown in orange.

map of United Kingdom showing coverage of Ordnance Survey maps, with maps just added to the website shown in orange.

detail from historic Ordnance Survey map with copyright statement crown copyright 1975

detail from historic Ordnance Survey map with copyright statement crown copyright 1975

This #MapMonday we're taking you back in time ⌛

We've just added over 9,000 out of copyright Ordnance Survey maps published in 1975 to our Map Images website.

What did your neighbourhood look like fifty years ago? 🗺️

🔗: maps.nls.uk/additions/#191

#MoreMaps

12.01.2026 09:00 👍 89 🔁 35 💬 1 📌 6

We're taking a break from social media until 5 January and wish you a peaceful festive season ❄️

Please view our website for our festive opening hours > www.nls.uk/visit/season...

Ask about our collections and services > auth.nls.uk/contact/ask-...

See you in 2026! 🎆

19.12.2025 17:00 👍 21 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0