- The printed collections of the National Library of Scotland comprise over 14 million items, and the library is open to all.
- The earliest item in the library's collection of rare books is a Gutenburg Bible of 1455. Among its special collections are books on such diverse topics as mountaineering, witchcraft, beekeeping and baking!
- The library's manuscript collections (items from which I saw on a special visit today) begin with a letter, written on papyrus, dating from around the sixth century.
Shown here are three of the allegorical figures which decorate the building's otherwise austere façade. Designed and carved by Hew Lorimer (of Kellie Castle) between 1950 and 1955, the full seven represent Medicine, Science, History, Poetry, Law, Theology and Music.
