Discover Issue 50, Summer 2024

Excerpt from 'Best Barr none', page 3:

Damian Barr has been a good friend of the Library for some time. We worked with him to highlight and champion the importance of working-class voices at the Edinburgh International Book Festival and welcomed him to George IV Bridge when he was filming his BBC Scotland documentary, ‘In Search of Sir Walter Scott’. We’re also the proud home of his literary archive.

Now, as the adaptation of his renowned memoir ‘Maggie & Me’ takes to the stage around the country, he speaks to us about re-engaging with the book that catapulted his career. He also tells us about the importance of championing diverse voices and making sure to balance that with commitment to the personal story.

Many authors tell us that libraries were their lifeline growing up and Damian is no exception. We are thankful to him for his unwavering support for libraries and book festivals. Read all about him on pages 12–15.

We recently hosted an event by the RSE (Royal Society of Edinburgh) at George IV Bridge, chaired by author Dr James Robertson, at which I joined panellists from CILIPS (the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Scotland) and the Scottish Book Trust to talk about the current challenges faced by libraries and their future role
for the benefit of society. As we celebrate our centenary next year, we will be championing the role of all libraries in Scotland not just the National Library. Read more about this event on page 6.

Our next major exhibition is all about Scotland’s relationship with Europe, specifically during the Renaissance. Scotland emerged from the Middle Ages alongside its continental cousins in a flurry of science and innovation, poetry, craft, music and philosophy. On pages 16–19, Manuscripts Curator Dr Heidi Egginton tells us about one of the major players – Esther Inglis, a celebrated artisan and writer, with a speciality in exquisite calligraphy. A Huguenot refugee, she worked tirelessly to ensure a decent quality life for her and her family, even entreating the king (James VI and I) himself.

Finally, we have a treat for Alasdair Gray fans or those new to the man and his works with our ‘Curator’s Choice’ by Dr Colin McIlroy, writing about ‘Poor Things’ from manuscript to the silver screen. A critically acclaimed box-office hit from the get-go, Yorgos Lanthimos’s movie of the book achieved a slew of awards for its luscious design, plus the Best Actress Oscar for Emma Stone. Read pages 25–29 for more.

If you’re in Edinburgh this summer, do make sure to check out our exhibitions. ‘Images of Italy’ opens in May (see pages 20–23) and ‘Renaissance: Scotland and Europe’ opens in June. As always, there’s something for everyone in our ‘Treasures’ exhibition. Have a wonderful summer!

Amina Shah

National Librarian and Chief Executive