Events at NLS
Browse the list below to find out about talks, workshops and more organised by the National Library of Scotland.
Book online or phone 0131 623 3918. Places are limited, so we recommend that you book in advance. For more information, or to join the events mailing list, email events@nls.uk.
List updated: 2 February
- 7 February: 'Ossian — An epic controversy'
- 9 February: Shakespeare poetry reading group
- 23 February: Inspirations at NLS: Liz Lochhead
- 6 March: 'Bound for Antarctica: Robert Falcon Scott and his polar reading'
- 15 March: John Murray's 'Handbooks for travellers'
- 22 March: 'A night in the Gutter — Scottish independence: Irish consequences'
- 26 March: 'The importance of being awkward'
- 11, 12 March: NLS roadshow
Talk: 'Ossian — An epic controversy'
With Allan Burnett and Linda Burnett Anderson
It is 250 years since 'Fingal', an ancient Gaelic epic poem by the harp-playing Highland bard Ossian, was revealed to the English-speaking world. It caused a sensation throughout Europe — yet within a few years was dismissed as an elaborate hoax. But is that reputation deserved? Historians Allan and Linda Burnett, the editors of a new edition of the poems, entitled 'Blind Ossian's Fingal', discuss.
7 February
18.00
Free. Book online or
phone 0131 623 3918.
Shakespeare poetry reading group
Come along for a friendly, informal reading group to explore some poetry relating to the Shakespeare exhibition at NLS. The exhibition's curators will choose the material and the discussion will be facilitated by the Scottish Poetry Library. No expert knowledge needed. All welcome. Places limited — please book in advance.
9 February
18.00
Free. Book online or
phone 0131 623 3918.
Inspirations at NLS: Liz Lochhead
McBeath.
Spend time with Scotland's Makar, as she tells us about who and what has inspired her throughout her incredible life and creative career. Liz Lochhead is one of Scotland's best known poets and playwrights. She has had great success not only with her collections of astounding poems, but also with her formidable plays such as 'Mary Queen of Scots got her head chopped off'. This will be a very special evening.
Refreshments will be served.
23 February
18.00
£5 booking fee. Full pre-payment needed at the time of booking. Book online or phone 0131 623 3918.
Talk: 'Bound for Antarctica: Robert Falcon Scott and his polar reading'
When it embarked on its famous journey to the Antarctic in 1901, 'HMS Discovery' carried on board a library of over 11,000 titles. The surviving library catalogue, expeditionary diaries, and correspondence provide detailed evidence of the expedition's daily reading practices. This talk will provide an illustrated account of the literary pursuits of Captain Scott and his men during their two-year sojourn in the south.
6 March
18.00
Free. Book online or
phone 0131 623 3918.
John Murray's 'Handbooks for travellers'
Murray III.
Murray's 'Handbooks for travellers' are remembered as some of the most prestigious and pioneering guidebooks of the 19th century. Given their iconic status, why then was the series sold to Edward Stanford in 1901? Dr Gordon Johnston and Dr Gráinne Goodwin delve into the John Murray Archive and the Victorian press to explore how the handbooks’ commercial and critical fortunes hold the key to the sale of the series.
15 March
18.00
Free. Book online or
phone 0131 623 3918.
'A night in the Gutter — Scottish independence: Irish consequences'
Three Irish writers and three Scottish writers will discuss the issue of Scottish independence and its likely impact on Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Hosted by 'Gutter' magazine in conjunction with Ireland's leading literary magazine, 'Irish Pages', this will be a fascinating and, no doubt, robust examination of the issues. Unmissable for anyone with an interest in culture and politics.
22 March
19.00 (Readings start at 19:30)
Free. Book online or
phone 0131 623 3918.
Talk: 'The importance of being awkward'
Tam Dalyell in conversation with Brian Taylor
Veteran Labour MP Tam Dalyell retired as Father of the House of Commons in 2005 after a 42-year-old parliamentary career. The Commons lost not only one of its most colourful and outspoken politicians but also one of its most deeply principled members. Join us as Tam Dalyell discusses his memoir, which is based on personal papers and official documents, with BBC Scotland's Political Editor.
Refreshments will be served, and there will be book signing after the event.
26 March
18.00
£5 booking fee. Full pre-payment needed at the time of booking. Book online or phone 0131 623 3918.
NLS roadshow
Explore NLS collections and services at the annual NLS roadshow. In March 2012, the roadshow is staged in partnership with East Renfrewshire Libraries.
Sunday 11 March: Local history fair at Giffnock's Eastwood Theatre, bringing together national and local library services and displays to celebrate local history. Includes talks by NLS Maps Collections and Scottish Screen Archive staff. Monday 12 March: Workshops for local schools, teachers and librarians.
To find out more email, events@nls.uk or phone 0131 623 3846.
11 and 12 March
East Renfrewshire Libraries, Giffnock
Free. No need to book.