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

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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

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.