Our friends at the National Museum of Scotland Research Library have kindly offered to run a small group tour of the library and view some gems in the collection for Fellows.

Places for this in-person, group visit are strictly limited to 15 people and are available on a first come, first served basis.

About the Library

The Research Library has study spaces, public Wi-Fi access and 30,000 books on open shelves which visitors can browse (~10% of the total collection), plus a display of 80 of the most regularly used periodical titles.

The books on display cover a range of topics including archaeology and Scottish history, museology and decorative arts and have been selected to support research and learning and assist visitors to further understand the National Museum of Scotland’s object collections and related activities. The remainder of the collection is in storage within the building and can be retrieved on request.

The library holds the finding facility for the Scottish Life Archive, and there is an index and guide available which lists the subjects covered in the Scottish Life Archive.

Join Us

Throughout the year, Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland are invited to exclusive online and in-person events. They are one of the benefits of Fellowship and provide opportunities to network, meet other Fellows, and learn and discuss areas of shared interests related to Scotland’s past.

If you are not a Fellow and would like to support our work as a charity while enjoying the many benefits of Fellowship, find out how to join or subscribe to our public e-newsletter.

When: Monday 11 May 2026, 2pm BST

Where: National Museum of Scotland Research Library, Edinburgh