Outwith – National Library around Scotland

To mark the Library's centenary, cultural partners in Aberdeen, Perth and Shetland have selected treasures to borrow from our national collections that resonate locally. People will be able to get up close to fascinating objects, explore their stories and find out more through programmes and events. 

'Outwith: National Library around Scotland' will begin in Aberdeen Art Gallery in September 2025. We will be loaning an early edition of Scottish secular music, 'Songs and Fancies', published by John Forbes in Aberdeen in 1682. This display will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Art Gallery’s concert venue, the Cowdray Hall.  

Celebratory events for both of these anniversaries will be announced in the summer. There will also be an engagement programme taking place in and around Aberdeen Central Library with National Library colleagues and partners.  

In January 2026, Mary Queen of Scots' last letter, written the night before her execution in February 1587, will leave the National Library for the first time in a generation. It will to go on display for three months in the heart of Perth Museum, close to the Stone of Destiny.  

We are collaborating with Culture Perth and Kinross on a series of complementary events and activities. This includes loans of related collection items to AK Bell Library such as archive material of Liz Lochhead's play 'Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off'.  

Shetland Museum and Archives will also be taking part in the 'Outwith' programme. We will be loaning Shetland-related artefacts alongside running other activities from late March 2026.

Further details to be announced.