The National Archives of Scotland, in partnership with The National Library of Scotland, National Museums Scotland, The National Trust for Scotland and The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, has developed Scotland’s Images. The online image library, which will commercially license select visual content from these national collections, was launched on Tuesday, Feb. 3, by Member of the Scottish Parliament Linda Fabiani, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture.
The content of Scotland’s Images ranges from national treasures—such as Mary Queen of Scots’ jewels and original manuscripts by Robert Burns—to historical and contemporary images of people, places and objects. The library offers photographs, illustrations, drawings, plans, maps and visuals of original documents. Many of such images are unique and have not been previously published.
The National Archives, whose mission it is to lead the development of archival practice in Scotland, contributes graphical materials that document Scottish life, history and culture, as well as a collection of iconic documents.
The National Library of Scotland, which holds over 13 million items, offers newspapers, manuscripts, maps, rare books, music, official publications, business resources, foreign publications and moving images.
National Museums Scotland brings the collections of five distinct museums, devoted to history, war, rural life, flight and costume.
Devoted to conservation, The National Trust for Scotland contributes imagery of the Scottish landscape and historic buildings, including castles, battlefields and properties associated with famous Scots.
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland surveys the nation’s built heritage. It also manages Scotland’s largest collection of historical aerial photographs.