Women are still relatively under-represented in the fields of science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM). Why is this so? Unfortunately, there are still negative stereotypes surrounding nerdy scientists, and there is a lack of encouragement and awareness for girls potentially interested in studying science subjects.
1776: a revolutionary year for Scottish newspapers
Can you imagine living in a time where the news only appeared three days a week? In 18th-century Scotland that was normal; but for us, living in an era of 24-hours rolling news, 365 days a year, it would be very strange. In 1776 one Edinburgh newspaper owner, John Robertson, dared to be different. He […]
Breaking the news in the 1710s: The Scots Courant
Ever wondered about what kind of news people were reading in Scotland over 300 years ago? What kind of small advertisements were appearing in print? How, in an age where travel and communications were slow and difficult, a newspaper’s editor managed to find news to print while worrying about government censorship?
Marks, manicules and more: interactions with our collections
By Ash Charlton, collaborative PhD student on placement with Rare Books. Please note that some material in the collection and the language that describes them may be harmful. Read our statement on language you may encounter when using the collections. The National Library of Scotland holds a wealth of information, including a substantial collection of […]
Some new football books for the collections thanks to Cammy Murray of St Mirren, Motherwell, and Arbroath Football Clubs
The Library is home to almost certainly the largest collection of books on Scottish football in the world. We have biographies, annuals, club histories and match programmes dating from the mid 19th century to the present day covering all levels of the game from amateur to the national team. We are always keen to add […]
The slavery debate and pamphlet wars
By Ash Charlton, collaborative PhD student on placement with Rare Books. Please note that some material in the collection and the language that describes them may be harmful. Read our statement on language you may encounter when using the collections. The National Library of Scotland holds a wealth of information, including a substantial collection of […]
Women & the Anti-slavery Movement
By Ash Charlton, collaborative PhD student on placement with Rare Books. Please note that some material in the collection and the language that describes them may be harmful. Read our statement on language you may encounter when using the collections. The National Library of Scotland holds a wealth of information, including a substantial collection of […]
Myth, romance, adventure: An Outlander inspired trip through the Scottish film archive
This blog, inspired by the television series Outlander, will take you on a time travelling tour of Scotland on film! The National Library of Scotland has a world-class collection of moving images available to all. Whether a scholar or fan, explore the romance and reality of Scottish history recorded in both documentary and imaginative works. […]
Introducing our Virtual Reading Room – another way to view the collections
Whether you are scholar, learner, or just a little curious – the virtual reading room allows you to immerse yourself in the Library’s collections anywhere. We have added quotes from readers throughout this blog. “Great opportunity for people who cannot visit the library…“ Our new virtual reading room allows you to explore our collections without […]
![Handel's Overtures 11th Collection Set for the Harpsichord or Organ ... Time and Truth, Jephtha, Theodora, Deborah, to which is added the Coronation Anthem. London: I. Walsh, [1758]. NLS reference: BH.266](https://blog.nls.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Almut4-750x410.jpg)
George Frideric Handel and his coronation anthems
It is coronation time again after seventy years! It will be a grand ceremony with old and new elements of the service and its music. Let us introduce you to a coronation anthem which was composed by German-British composer, George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) for the coronation of George II in 1727: Zadok the Priest. It […]