Historians of the National Library, Robbie and Ralph, explore some of the five centuries of history that made your National Library what it is today.
2025 marks the 100th birthday of the National Library of Scotland as it currently is – a public resource tasked with preserving the literary heritage of a nation. However, the Library's story did not begin in 1925.
Robbie and Ralph will guide you through five centuries of change, featuring stories of books, manuscripts, people, and ideas.
This event is part of our 100th birthday celebrations.
About the speakers
Robbie Mitchell is a member of the National Library of Scotland's Reference Service. As well as working in the Library's Reading Rooms and on the remote enquiry service, Robbie takes tours of the National Library building at George IV Bridge. He is part of the team which co-ordinates the Library's Doors Open Day every September. He has also written on the topic of the history of the National Library for the Library's website.
Ralph McLean is Manuscripts Curator for the Long 18th Century Collections at the National Library of Scotland. Among other collections, he looks after materials relating to Robert Burns and the Jacobites, currently featuring in the Treasures Gallery. Along with Heidi Egginton, he is responsible for the Gallery display on the foundation of the National Library.
Celebrating 100 years
Find out more about how we're celebrating our history this year and also looking ahead to how we can ensure the National Library of Scotland continues to thrive for the next 100 years.
