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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.

Sentenced and silenced: The criminalisation and transportation of queer lives

Discover how 19th-century Scottish law silenced queer voices and controlled identity through class, power, and punishment.

Historic photo of soldiers in uniform standing in formation before a castle, with people and horses nearby, overlaid with a soft rainbow gradient.

From morse code to Shirley Temple: Unboxing hidden collections

Why did 17th-century Royal Proclamations share a box with Foxy Grandpa comics? Uncover the mystery of the Library’s unusual ‘Series 7 collection’.

A collection of vintage items including comic books ("Pip," "Roisin," "Percy"), a vinyl record, a Shirley Temple book, "British Air Forces," and a "Moscow News" newspaper, all arranged together with other printed materials.

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.

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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.

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We'll guide you

Our helpful guides will get you started with your research

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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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