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'Discover' stories

'Discover' is our award-winning full-colour magazine. Enjoy some of our recent story highlights below.

David Olusoga: The Ties That Bind Us

Professor David Olusoga delves into the Library’s collections for his new TV series, ‘Union’ – and tells us why we can’t shy away from facing “shameful” chapters in history.

Issue 49, winter 2023

The Iron Laddie

Damian Barr on bringing his magnificent memoir 'Maggie & Me' to the stage – starring his 'other mother' Mrs Thatcher, a dash of Dolly Parton and heaps of Scottish humour.

Issue 50, summer 2024

Celebrating Gaelic culture

Meet young Scottish band Duan, who are bringing traditional Gaelic songs and music to new audiences.

Issue 49, winter 2023

A photograph of Liz Lochhead standing next to a desk in a room with books.

Tae a Bard

Poet and playwright Liz Lochhead talks Robert Burns and visits the Library to find out more about the Bard.

Issue 48, summer 2023

The saviour of Gaelic folklore

Ulrike Hogg tells us about Gaelic folktale collector and artist John Francis Campbell (1821 to 1885).

Issue 48, summer 2023

A photograph of Muriel Spark lying on the floor writing in a notebook.

Muriel Spark and the curious work of writing

Learn about author Muriel Spark's unique approach to writing and research.

Issue 48, summer 2023

2023 Scots Scriever Shane Strachan sitting on the stairs of the National Library at George IV bridge holding a book.

Reviving lost and rare voices

Shane Strachan talks about the work he's been doing during his residency as Scots Scriever.

Issue 48, summer 2023

A photograph of the front Milestone house with a driveway and roses in the front.

Smashing stigma of HIV and AIDS

Criz McCormick talks about his work with Waverley Care, Scotland's HIV and Hepatitis C charity.

Issue 48, summer 2023

Working class hero

'Shuggie Bain' author Douglas Stuart explains why winning fans in Scotland's housing schemes means more to him than taking home the Booker Prize.

Issue 47, winter 2022

Making waves

Scottish Asians remain an underrepresented group in broadcasting. Scottish Asian actor and broadcaster Atta Yaqub shares his experiences.

Issue 47, winter 2022

A person with a speech bubble saying 'you must always be yourself'

Marvel-lous

Respected Scots comic book artist Frank Quitely was drawn into the craft at a young age after reading homegrown staples such as ‘Oor Wullie’ and ‘The Dandy’. 

Issue 47, winter 2022

A woman in a man's world

Heidi Eggington explores the important work of Scottish suffragist Helen Fraser through her archive.

Issue 47, winter 2022

All the world's a page

Helen Vincent celebrates four hundred years of Shakespeare with a closer look at the 'First Folio' of his plays.

Issue 47, winter 2022

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