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From crime to collection: Burke and Hare at the Library

Learn about the Westport Murders by Burke and Hare that reverberated through Edinburgh in 1828 and how our collections explore them.

A collection of anatomical images from Encylopaedia Britannica published in 1823.

Life, letters and low tide in Shetland: Valda and MacDiarmid

Letters between Valda Trevlyn Grieve and her husband, poet Hugh MacDiarmid, shine a light on a story of hardship, creativity, and devotion.

Christopher and Valda Grieve standing facing each other in a field on Shetland.

Bearing and begetting

Inspired by a Gaelic poem in our collections, author Mairi Kidd has written her own fictional account of the origins of the poem.

A painting of a person riding a horse towards a group of people.

The last letter of Mary, Queen of Scots

Read about the emotional farewell from a queen who claimed martyrdom and a rightful crown.

Close-up of Mary's last letter, written in French and showing her signature.

Discover endless stories and resources.

Join the Library to get access to our reading rooms, visit us to get a Library card, order books online and access our digital resources wherever you are and at anytime you need them.

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Talk Exhibition Screening

Visit the Library

Whether you're a student, researcher, or curious visitor, the Library offers a space to learn and be inspired. Uncover the treasures waiting for you at the heart of Scotland's literary heritage.

George IV Bridge, Edinburgh

Join the Library, view collections in our reading rooms, access eResources, and enjoy our exhibitions, events, café and shop.

The building exterior at the entrance of the National Library of Scotland with people outside

Maps at Causewayside, Edinburgh

Visit the Maps Reading Room in our Causewayside building in Edinburgh to access our extensive maps collection.

The exterior of the National Library of Scotland's Causewayside building

Kelvin Hall, Glasgow

View films from our Moving Image Archive, attend workshops and events, and access online Library resources.

The exterior of the entrance of Kelvin Hall in Glasgow during early morning

Help with research

Start your research journey using our vast collections with these guides, tools and resources.

Get started

We'll guide you

Our helpful guides will get you started with your research

A reader consults a large book from the collections in the reading rooms

Find the tools you need

Everything you need to start searching and using the collections

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Get expert advice

Talk to one of our knowledgeable librarians

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Our work and community

Learn about the National Library of Scotland, who we are, opportunities to join us, and how you can support our mission.

Find out more about the Library

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