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Papercut ✒️

Explore the language, literature, people and places of Scotland through stories from and beyond our collections.
A woman with black glasses smiling and laughing against library shelves. Her hands are raised to touch her glasses.

Long read

Travelling the 'Red Dust Road': My connection with Jackie Kay

Explore the continued and lasting impact of Jackie Kay's work through personal reflections and literary connections.
The spread out pages of the handwritten manuscript of 'Poor Creatures' (original name for 'Poor Things'). Underneath these pages is a colourful illustration showing a large man sitting on a couch and and boy and a girl sitting on his lap.

Long read

'Poor Things': Alasdair Gray's postmodern classic

Manuscripts Curator Colin McIlroy explores the mind and inspiration behind the story on which the film 'Poor Things' was based.
A collage showing the book covers of many books. These include 'Personal' by Lee Child, 'Death Lands' by James Axler, and 'Man Trap' by Hans Vogel.

Long read

Pen names: A literary exploration of anonymity and identity

From the Classical era to the present day, writers have used pseudonyms for different reasons.
A piece of old yellowed paper with the name "Mariana Starke" written on it in ink. There are ink stains covering other writing on the page.

Short read

The John Murray Archive: Pioneering British publishing

Discover a legacy of British publishing excellence spanning more than two centuries.
A close up photo of grey cardboard folders with acid-free string tied around them.

Short read

Box clever: Inside our innovative boxing workshop

Innovative solutions preserving literary treasures, safeguarding history against time’s relentless march.

Long read, Video

Outlander's Scotland: Myth, romance and adventure in the Scottish film archive

Explore Scotland’s cinematic heritage through the lens of 'Outlander', uncovering hidden gems that bring history to life.