Thursday September 11th 2025
Early edition of the first printed book of secular music in Scotland, 'Songs and Fancies' on display in Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
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 and Museum 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.
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