National Library of Scotland

Through music and poetry Andrew Greig recounts the tale of his open dinghy voyage from Stromness to Cava. By sailing small boats in scary open waters Andrew Greg found a new activity and a new metaphor for life. Written in six weeks, Found at Sea is a ‘very wee epic’ about sailing, male friendship and a voyage. The evening will also include readings from Greig's Getting Higher: The Complete Mountain Poems, with musical accompaniment from Jim Hutchinson.

When

6-7pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

Scotland's Mountains Before the Mountaineers

21 May 2013

Scotland’s Mountains Before the Mountaineers reveals the hidden story of the Scottish Highlands in the days before mountaineering became a popular sport: a time when Jacobites, bandits, poachers and illicit distillers sought asylum in the dark nooks and crannies of Scotland’s mountain landscapes. Mountaineer and author Ian Mitchell discusses those who lived, worked, travelled and fought in the Highlands before Walter Scott. Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking.

Suitable for

• Any age

When

6-7pm

Learn more about the varied and often surprising range of material held in the Library's manuscripts collections.

When

10:30-11:30am

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

Welcome to NLS

22 May 2013

Learn about the collections and hear more about our range of services, exhibitions and events.  Includes a tour of the reading rooms and behind the scenes.  Please let us know if you may need special access arrangements. The NLS collection includes paintings featured on the Your Paintings website. Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

Suitable for

• Any age
• Family friendly

When

2:30-4pm

Learn how to access hundreds of quality reference books online. This workshop provides a basic introduction to the key features of these two major online resources.

When

2-3pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

Designs on Your Money

23 May 2013

Iain Harrison, RSA Fellow and Member of the Chartered Institute of Banking, has a passion for all Scottish banknotes, both as an avid collector and as The Royal Bank of Scotland's banknote person over the last 25 years. During this time Iain was responsible for project managing all eleven of the RBS's commemorative banknotes, as well as other banknotes. Iain's remit often involved coming up with both the original idea and the original design features, as in the case of the hugely successful £5.00 note in 2005 celebrating the career of Jack Nicklaus.

Suitable for

• 18+

When

6-7pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

Following the recent addition to the Library of the personal collection of maps of Everest belonging to the late Dr Michael Ward, curator Paula Williams uses them to examine the modern history of exploration on Everest. Dr Ward’s research laid the foundations of the route for Hillary and Norgay’s successful final conquest on this very day, sixty years ago.

When

6-7pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

This lecture, illustrated with musical examples from complete songs of Robert Tannahill, concentrates on a unique collection of songs – with their irish melodies and subject matter written in defence of the early 19th-century Irish emigrants to Scotland. Tannahill contributed to changing perceptions of the Irish
and, at the same time, left us with a lovely body of Irish song. Tonight's lecture will be given by Fred Freeman. Fred is a sometime Fellow in English at University of Edinburgh, he is a graduate of Aberdeen and Edinburgh Universities (PhD Edinburgh) and has taught Scottish Literature at The School of Scottish Studies and in the English Department.

When

6-7pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

The spoken word and performance poetry scene is thriving in Scotland. Tricolour is a new monthly night showcasing three different poetry and spoken word talents. Three different voices, three different styles, three different takes on life. The event will eventually settle into its regular slot of the first week of every month. If you enjoyed the Burns night Poetry slam, you’ll love this.

When

6:30-8pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

Find out about the range of resources that the Library holds to help you with your family history research. The workshop include some practical information on how to become a reader and using the Reader Rooms.

When

2:30-4pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

Join exhibition curator David McClay for an illustrated talk on NLS’ summer exhibition which examines how the nineteenth century missionary explorer David Livingstone, with the help of artists, photographers, engravers and publishers, created some of the most interesting and iconic images of Africa. These illustrations ranged from the terror of lion attacks and the horrors of slavery, to the abundant wildlife and magnificence of Victoria Falls. These images were used to make Livingstone’s books bestsellers and were also reproduced in biographies, newspapers and magic lantern slides, making them some of the best known images of Africa.

When

6-7pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

“Learn how to register as a reader*, find your way round the Library, request materials and find out about other services. The workshops include a short tour of the Reading Room and will last approximately 90 minutes. If you have any specific access requirements or other additional needs please let our staff know when you book your place. *If you are planning to register to use the Library afterwards, please bring evidence of identity i.e. a current driving licence or recent utility bill.

When

10:30am-12pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

John Francis Campbell's Popular Tales of the West Highlands

11 June 2013

He was an aristocrat, polymath, traveller, inventor and editor of the landmark four-volume Popular Tales of the West Highlands (1860-62). Using the riches of Campbell’s archive, Dr Domhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart will recount the inside story of Iain Og Ile (Young John of Islay), his groundbreaking project, and his struggles with collectors, informants, translators, and publishers to bring his vision into print. Dr Domhnall Uillearn Stiubhart lectures on material cultura and Gaidhealtachd history at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, University of the Highlands and Islands. Call 0131 623 3734 or book online.

Suitable for

• 16-17
• 18+
• Not suitable for children

When

6-7pm

Website

http://www.nls.uk/events/booking

Find out how maps can help with your family history or local history research. Learn about the range of historical maps held by the National Library of Scotland, and the information they provide. Includes an introduction to the Maps Reading Room

When

2-3:30pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

Through this beautiful and powerful storytelling performance, discover the life of one of Scotland's greatest explorers David Livingstone, from the perspective of some of his African friends. Why was he so loved? What made him so different to other European explorers of the time? Get ready to travel in the footsteps of this remarkable man, going literally where no white man had ever gone before. This is an exclusive preview to one of the NLS Fringe events taking place in August.

When

6-7pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

This session includes demonstrations of a selection of resources and tips on how to search and discover the information you need.

When

2-3pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

The Ryder Cup is coming home. The 40th staging of golf ’s showpiece event is returning to Gleneagles – where it all began. Ed Hodge traces the history of the Ryder Cup back to the first encounter at Gleneagles in 1921 and examines the impact that the 2014 tournament will have on the local community and the wider Scottish society, culture and economy.

When

6-7pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking

The continuing vitality of the Scots language is demonstrated in a lively new anthology of 21st-century poems, The Smeddum Test. Contemporary issues and evergreen themes are tackled with energy and wit by the 60 poets represented. Joint editors Lesley Duncan and Alan Riach will introduce the book and poets Sheila Templeton and Rab Wilson will read from their own and others’ work.

When

6-7pm

Admission

Call 0131 623 3734 or book online www.nls.uk/events/booking