National Library programme goes on tour
The National Library of Scotland is taking its collections beyond the central belt with the launch of its new OUTWITH programme.
‘OUTWITH: National Library around Scotland’ is a collaborative programme of feature loans, events and activities to be delivered as part of the National Library’s centenary celebrations.
The first destination is Aberdeen, where an early edition of the first printed book of secular music in Scotland, ‘Songs and Fancies’ will go on display in Aberdeen Art Gallery from Saturday 13 September until 4 January 2026. This significant songbook was published in 1682 by Aberdeen’s official town printer, John Forbes. Aberdeen Art Gallery selected this item from a range of national treasures to coincide with the centenary of their concert venue, Cowdray Hall. A programme of talks, discussions and a special concert featuring soprano Heloïse Bernard and lutenist Eric Thomas performing selections from ‘Songs and Fancies’ is available to book now via the Aberdeen Archives, Galleries & Museums website.
Then on Saturday 8 November, Aberdonians will have the opportunity to meet National Library staff in person at Aberdeen Central Library. Called ‘National Library Live’ the day will be packed full of taster talks, family story sessions, and drop-in games and activities for all ages. In partnership with Aberdeen City Archives, visitors will learn how they can get the most out of local and national archives for their own research. Aberdeen locals may also spot staff from the National Library around town as the Library’s Community Walking initiative hits the streets later in September, joined by librarians from the Aberdeen City Libraries team.
Director of Collections, Access and Research Alison Stevenson said:
“This is the third and final major programme of our centenary year. We began in February with our ‘Love Libraries’ campaign, with the aim of amplifying people’s appreciation of libraries throughout the country. And our major centenary exhibition, ‘Dear Library’ is a love letter to libraries too.
“We will take this positivity everywhere we go. We believe it’s never been more important to champion and support libraries and the OUTWITH programme maintains that. We are also delighted to take national treasures out around the country. As we approach the second half of our centenary celebrations, we see this as a most fitting way to demonstrate that we are a national library for everyone who lives in Scotland.”
Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, said:
“There are tens of thousands of National Library members around the country and this is a fantastic opportunity for people to get up close to the collections in person.
“The national collections are owned by everyone who lives in Scotland. Providing opportunities for people to view these treasures is an excellent way for the National Library to continue their centenary celebrations.”
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson, said:
“In this year that marks the centenary of both the National Library of Scotland and the Cowdray Hall, we are absolutely thrilled to have one of the National Library’s earliest publications of secular music on display at the Art Gallery. The fact that it was printed in Aberdeen and captured the most admired songs from Renaissance Scotland for the first time seems particularly appropriate for our celebration of 100 years of the Cowdray Hall concert venue. We’re also looking forward to welcoming the ‘National Library Live’ event to the Central Library on 8 November as part of the centenary celebrations. This is a chance for us here in Aberdeen to find out more about the National Library through free taster talks, family story sessions and drop-in games and activities.”
Find out more about OUTWITH on the National Library of Scotland website.
Contact Information
Hannah Knox
Notes to editors
More about OUTWITH: National Library around Scotland
From January to April 2026, the Library will head to Perth, where the much-anticipated loan of Mary, Queen of Scots’ last letter will take place. The letter, written by Mary, Queen of Scots on the eve of her execution, will be displayed alongside the Stone of Destiny in Perth Museum for three months.
At the same time, a range of material related to Mary, Queen of Scots – including works written in the hand of Robert Burns and Liz Lochhead – will be exhibited at AK Bell Library. National Library Live will take place in AK Bell Library on Saturday 7 March 2026.
The National Library then heads to Shetland later in March 2026, where Shetland Museum and Archives will showcase Library collections in a landmark exhibition exploring the lives of Scottish poet Hugh MacDiarmid and his wife Valda during their time in Whalsay, Shetland. National Library Live will also visit Shetland Library and a range of community venues.
OUTWITH: National Library around Scotland is supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation.
About the National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland is the nation’s living memory – preserving the past, enriching the present, and inspiring current and future generations through access to knowledge, culture, and innovation. We chart the DNA of Scottish society by documenting, preserving and sharing precious collections that capture our past and present. We support education, promote inclusivity, empower informed citizenship, and contribute to the economic and social fabric of the nation. We strive to understand Scotland’s place in the world and to explore connections with our neighbours near and far. We reflect Scotland. Rich, diverse, unfiltered.
About Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums
Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums is part of Aberdeen City Council. The city’s collection is recognised as being of National Significance. It has grown over centuries, and has been shared with the public since 1885, first through Aberdeen Art Gallery, then the wider service at Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives, Maritime Museum, Treasure Hub, Provost Skene’s House and Tolbooth Museum. Our purpose is to share the city’s collection in engaging ways. Our vision is to be a place for people to explore Aberdeen’s identity and culture, and its connections to the world – making Aberdeen a healthy, safe and prosperous city. We want to collect contemporary art and craft, objects with meaning and connection, and new and old stories about the city to reflect our city’s culture in its many forms – creating a record of our city and its place in the world for future generations. We want to open the doors to curiosity, enquiry and discovery, and look after the wonderful cultural collection and historic buildings we have been entrusted with.
www.aagm.co.uk
About Aberdeen City Libraries
Aberdeen City Libraries is a modern, vibrant network of libraries operating from the Central Library and ten Community branches, a Home Library Service, a Curriculum Resources and Information Service, and a satellite library point in the University of Aberdeen’s Sir Duncan Rice Library. Aberdeen City Libraries offer a wide range of activities, resources, and services all with the aim of improving opportunities for individuals, families, and partners, helping communities to prosper through engaging them to design, develop and deliver library and information services. For more information on the library service, visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/library, or follow @aberdeencitylibraries on Facebook and Instagram. For media enquiries, email Media@aberdeencity.gov.uk.