The Special Collections Reading Room will be closed 10am to 1pm on Wednesday 16 September. It will then reopen until our usual closing time of 7pm.

National Library of Scotland
Words from a page raining down on a woman holding an umbrella.

When people think of Scotland, they often think of rain. Scots, in turn, have always had a lot to say about it! Our relationship with rain is both practical and deeply woven into our culture, landscape and national identity.

This exhibition makes a splash as we dive into Scotland's relationship with rain. From weather forecasting, fashion, and film, to rain-soaked love stories, climate emergencies, and everything in between.

Due to an event taking place in this exhibition space, it will open later at 11:30am on the following dates:

  • Thursday 6 August

  • Monday 10 August

  • Thursday 13 August

  • Thursday 20 August

  • Thursday 27 August

Our Treasures exhibition is still open at 10am.

Exhibition highlights

You may be interested in

Whiskies Galore! An author talk with Ian Buxton

Talk
3 September 2026, 5:30PM to 6:30PM
A book cover titled 'Whiskies Galore' by Ian Buxton.

A celebration of the dreich

Status: Fully booked
Talk
24 September 2026, 5:30PM to 6:30PM
Book cover with the title "Scotland the Dreich, a celebration of all that is dreich". Showing a caravan on the side of the road in a drizzly landscape.

Nine ways of looking at rain

From weather forecasting to rain-soaked love stories, dive into Scotland's relationship with rain in nine objects from our collection.
A film still close up of raindrops on grass.