National Library of Scotland events are free and take place in our George IV Bridge Building, unless we state otherwise.
February events | March events
List updated: 26 February.
February events
See also:
Workshops and tours
Kelvin Hall events
Mountaineering and meteorology
A history of the Ben Nevis observatory
Dr Simon Naylor, the 2019 National Library of Scotland Graham Brown Research Fellow presents a history of the Ben Nevis observatory. The station operated from 1883 until 1904, housing a small number of permanent staff. It attracted notable meteorologists, mountaineers and thousands of tourists. Some came to collect weather data and conduct experiments, others came in the hope of dramatic sunrises and sublime landscape views.
Thursday 27 February
14.00
Free. This event is fully booked.
March events
See also:
Workshops and tours
Kelvin Hall events
21st-century periods
Unfortunately this event, scheduled for 2 March, has had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Present but peripheral
Women and the Scottish Enlightenment
Dr Rosalind Carr explores women's involvement in the Scottish Enlightenment. She reasons that, although women were active participants in public life during this period, it would be wrong to view the century as an era of burgeoning equality. Instead, she argues, the Enlightenment was a largely male affair. Examining 18th-century masculinity, Rosalind suggests the exclusion of women resulted from Scotsmen's anxiety around effeminacy and the Enlightenment focus on the masculine worlds of the universities and law.
Tuesday 3 March
14.00
Free. This event is fully booked.
How books shape relationships
Professor Tom Mole considers the ways books structure and mediate our relationships, whether professional, social, familial or romantic. Beginning in childhood, books become intimately tangled up in our relationships with others. We inherit books, gift them, loan them, borrow and bequeath them. Drawing on a variety of historical and contemporary examples, Tom explores the place of books as material objects that connect people. He asks whether those connections will change in the digital age.
Thursday 5 March
17.30
Free. Book 'How books shape relationships' on Eventbrite or phone 0131 623 3734.
Who Taught Her That?
An interactive digital exhibition to celebrate Women's History Month. Edinburgh University MSc students present 'Who Taught Her That?' — an immersive exhibit and provide a conversation space to explore advice given to women throughout modern history. They consider how advice received by women can be shared through new media and technologies. In preparation for the event, join the conversation and share advice you have received — both good and bad — on social media using '#WhoTaughtHerThat'.
Friday 6 March 12.00-17.00
Saturday 7 March 10.00-17.00
Monday 9 March 10.00-17.00
Free. Either drop in, register your interest for 'Who Taught Her That?' on Eventbrite or phone 0131 623 3734.
Secret histories of the West Indies
A thought-provoking examination of Leonora Sansay's novel, 'Secret History; Or, The Horrors of St. Domingo' alongside Henrietta Liston's account of her 19th-century Caribbean tour. Comparing the texts, Dr Dana Van Kooy suggests each invites its readers to bear witness to suffering while encouraging complicity in blotting out the past. She argues both authors offer their readers a precarious 'safe place' from which to view the terrifying events of the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804).
Tuesday 10 March
14.00
Free. Book 'Secret histories of the West Indies' on Eventbrite or phone 0131 623 3734.
Alexander Bain
The real father of television
Ivan Ruddock, President of the Kirkintilloch and District Society of Antiquaries, discusses Alexander Bain's life and legacy in this talk. Recognised as the father of television, Alexander was born in Caithness and died in Kirkintilloch. After serving his apprenticeship, he became an entrepreneur and inventor, creating the electric clock and fax machine and contributing towards the development of the electric telegraph. In 2016, Alexander Bain was posthumously awarded an Emmy. Join us to learn more about this fascinating Scotsman.
Thursday 12 March
14.00
Free. This event is fully booked.
Falling between the cracks
Researching Scotland's mountain women
National Library of Scotland Maps Curator, Paula Williams explores the stories of early female mountaineers through the Library collections. Paula describes how women's writing and voices are often hidden and hushed in cultural heritage collections. She presents evidence to show how women have been obscured, vanishing behind their husband's names, publishing for a socially critical audience, or simply being banished to a footnote. Her talk is in preparation for a forthcoming exhibition at the Library, opening later in 2020.
Tuesday 17 March
14.00
Free. This event is fully booked.
Wilson's Ornithology & Burds in Scots
An evening to launch a special book of Scots poetry inspired by 'American Ornithology' by Alexander Wilson, first published in 1808. Alexander Wilson (1766-1813) was an ornithologist, poet and illustrator. He was born in Scotland and later emigrated to America. Author Hamish MacDonald and Paul Walton, Head of Species and Habitats at RSPB Scotland are presenting the launch. The event is being held at the National Library of Scotland, hosted by the book's publisher Scotland Street Press.
Wednesday 18 March
17.00-18.30
Free. To book a place, please email scotlandstreetpress@gmail.com.
The history of the lady
Historian, writer and feminist campaigner, Sara Sheridan, talks about 'the lady'. Often viewed as an icon of British womanhood, 'the lady' has been the subject of Sara’s research, previously discussed on BBC Radio Four's 'Woman's Hour'. Considering the role of 'the lady' in female history Sara explores how this connects to what being a lady means today. Drawing on examples from Kate Middleton to Kate Adie, she questions if the term 'the lady' still has relevance in today's society.
Thursday 19 March
14.00
Free. This event is fully booked.
Knit night at the National Library
An evening of knitting at the National Library of Scotland. Bring along your latest project to work on while you enjoy a cuppa and a chat with fellow knitters. Peruse a range of interesting knitting items from the Library collections to inspire your creations. You can also enjoy a compilation of films on 'all things woolly' being screened from our Moving Image Archive. Refreshments are provided.
Thursday 19 March
18.00-20.00
Free. This event is fully booked.
Allan Ramsay: Writing the Scots Enlightenment
Collections in Focus display event
An event to formally launch the National Library of Scotland's display about Allan Ramsay and his work. Professor Murray Pittock and a team of researchers from the University of Glasgow are working on a project 'The Collected Works of Allan Ramsay', funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Together they speak about their research and editing work, revealing interesting insights into Allan Ramsay's work. The event is followed by a drinks reception. The display runs from 20 February until 16 May.
Thursday 26 March
16.30-18.00
Free. This event is fully booked.
