Built in 1776, the former parish church in Saltcoats, houses our principal museum collection.
Archive and Library
Archive and Library
What is it?
Archives and Libraries are generally physical locations in which there are expansive collections of certain objects, most commonly books and historical records. There can be more specific types of archives and libraries with more specialist content, but the most largest and most popular types encompass a wide selection of topics.
What does it involve?
Visiting an archive or a library generally comes from a desire to further research a specific subject, but it can also be to use the resources available, such as computers, scanners or a newspaper microfiche machine.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Libraries are incredibly important places for learning, as they can provide a safe space for studying and the freedom for the students to educate themselves in pretty much whatever topic they have interest in. A lot of libraries and archives also put on activities and groups to encourage independent reading and learning.
What equipment do we need?
You shouldn’t need to provide any equipment for a visit to a library or an archive! The venue should have everything you need, but if you have a specific study activity in mind you should always check beforehand to see what they are set up for.
Who is it suitable for?
Archives and libraries are generally reasonably quiet places, so noisier groups of young children may not be as welcome – however, it will depend on the venue, as some will have dedicated children’s corners!
Costs?
Libraries are generally free to access! Some more specialist archives may have an entry fee, but if you research beforehand you shouldn’t come across any surprise costs.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Make sure to tailor any trips to an archive or a library to the needs and interests of the group of students!
How do we include?
Most venues will have great disabled access! Everybody should be able to join in with a visit, but always check beforehand if you have concerns about your group of students.
Doing it abroad?
There are libraries and archives all around the world, and visiting one whilst abroad can be fantastic for getting some more detailed information on local history and culture!
Main website:
Consult individual venue websites to see their specifics.
Venues with this Activity
In 1898, Lieutenant Colonel Robert William Inglis gifted the Inglis Memorial Hall and its library to Edzell. The former library, which is considered to be one of the best preserved examples of a Victorian public library in the United Kingdom, has recently been restored and opened as a visitor centre.
Angus Archives is the storehouse for 800 years of the area's written and photographic heritage. These records can be used for researching Scottish history, local history, family history, house history and social history. Also available are the records of the seven Angus Burghs of Arbroath, Brechin, Carnoustie, Forfar, Kirriemuir, Montrose and Monifieth and also of Angus County Council.
RFC/RAF and wartime artefacts, pictures, memories and memorabilia housed in the wartime RAF Montrose HQ, depicting the story of the historic aerodrome which opened in February 1913, and various aircraft on display outside. Also recently opened to the public is a wartime pillbox with working field telephone.
History
Located in the old Town House in Kirriemuir, the museum describes the social, architectural and political history of the town and the Angus glens, using touch screen technology and CD-ROMS.
A richly diverse collection forms an encyclopaedic view of past Glen life: a kitchen; dairy and farming equipment; a parlour; costume display; children’s room; bothy; and superb archives covering every aspect of the Glen’s social history.
Signal Tower Museum is located near Arbroath’s picturesque and busy harbour, in a complex of buildings originally used as the shore station and family accommodation for the Bell Rock Lighthouse. Built in 1813, Signal Tower served the lighthouse until 1955.
University collection: art, design, architecture, pharmacy, engineering collections
The University holds an extensive collection of artistic and historical artefacts. These include paintings, models, teaching equipment, student drawings and photographs that will allow staff, students and visitors to explore Robert Gordon University’s history.
The Centre is housed in part of a Victorian school dating from 1837. The Corbett Museum offers changing displays relating to the history of the area – domestic and farming, peoples and their trades, education and the kirk. Visitors can view the extensive photographic archive and browse the comprehensive collection of newspaper cuttings.
Relive the great days of steam trains at the former Maud Railway Station
Relive the great days of steam trains at the former Maud Railway Station. Sound effects add to the nostalgia of varied displays of railway memorabilia. GNSR memorabilia; photographs of Maud railway heydays; browsing corner with books and photographs.
Maud Railway Museum is housed in the former station buildings at Maud Junction in rural Aberdeenshire.
Situated in the Railway Station building, the volunteer-run museum encompasses both railway and local Insch history, including a scale model of the railway, photographs, artefacts, archive material and everyday stories of how life used to be in Insch.
The Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust was set-up in 2007 to take over the remaining building of the former Ferryhill locomotive depot, restore it and transform the site into a working railway heritage site for the North East of Scotland. In this endeavor, the Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust has the active support of Aberdeen City Council and the Ferryhill Community Council.
Founded in 1871, the Falconer Museum is one of the oldest in the district. The museum houses a wealth of Moray’s heritage and features displays on local history, social history, geology and archaeology.
A local museum with material relating to the social and natural history of the town
A local museum with material relating to the social and natural history of the town and immediate district. Collections include scientific instruments which belonged to the astronomer James Ferguson and the natural history collection of Thomas Edward.
Gateway to Royal Deeside
Learn about the history of Banchory and its most famous son, musician and composer, J. Scott Skinner, the "Strathspey King".
In our permanent collection you will also see:
Discover the wealth of Peterhead's maritime history in one of Aberdeenshire's oldest museums. See models showing the development of Peterhead fishing boats and find out about:
A purpose-built storage unit housing up to 35,000 historic objects and 60,000 photographic images
Aberdeenshire Museum Service HQ (AMS) is the first publicly accessible store for the county’s museum service, and was built with a substantial grant from Heritage Lottery Fund.
Museum relating to the history of the region. Includes geneaological resources, documentation on local issues, maps and information relating to the Ross of Mull.
Set in a renovated cottage next to a 17th Century corn mill in the village of Bunessan with parking for up to 6 cars and disabled access.
Oban War & Peace Museum contains a fascinating collection of artefacts and photographs depicting the rich cultural history of the busy port town and its people.
This award-winning museum is situated in the conservation village of Port Charlotte. The exhibitions illustrate life and work on the island from pre-historic times to the early part of the 20th century, together with items from the many shipwrecks found around Islay’s shores.
A stunning ecologically friendly building, opened in March 2007, housing a museum charting island life throughout the ages
Experience Gaelic culture at the award winning Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre’s museum, library and historical archive.
Come visit our fascinating new exhibition about the Life and Work of the Women on Lismore throughout the ages, which opens on the 29th of March 2015.
We have a unique gift shop with local crafts & a café with beautiful panoramic views. Free WiFi.
Kilmartin Glen, in the heart of Mid Argyll, is one of Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscapes. Over 800 historic monuments, cairns, standing stones, stone circles and rock art dating back over 5000 years have been recorded within this area.
The Trust has a comprehensive range of photographs and artefacts from Grangemouth's past
The Trust has a comprehensive range of photographs and artefacts from Grangemouth’s past. There is a 12 × 8 ft model of Grangemouth Airport with facts and books of World War II. Slide shows are arranged by the Trust historian for local organisations.
This small local history museum has a comprehensive collection of photographs of the Devon Valley...
This small local history museum has a comprehensive collection of photographs of the Devon Valley Railway, and much reference material on Dollar Academy and on Lavinia Malcolm who was the first Lady Provost in Scotland. Free entry.
A small showcase for the treasures of Clackmannanshire
The collection is stored in the former Liberal Club, Mar Street, Alloa, a fine building of 1904.
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