The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

Welcome to the Edinburgh Napier University Library Blog 👋

12/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

We share friendly, practical posts from the Library team to help you study smarter, research with confidence, and make the most of the resources available to you at Edinburgh Napier University. We also have lots of fun, interesting posts on Scotland and on pretty much anything the Library staff find interesting!

Here you’ll find tips on things like finding good sources, referencing without the stress, using library spaces and digital tools, and navigating your way through assignments and deadlines. We also post updates about library services, new resources, and the occasional behind-the-scenes look at what’s going on in the Library.

Our aim is to keep things clear, helpful, and occasionally fun. Whether you’re new to university, deep into your dissertation, or just looking for a quick answer, this blog is here to support you throughout your studies.

New posts appear regularly during the academic year, so check back often — or dip in whenever you need a bit of library help.

Merchiston summer

Merchiston Library: Changes to access during Summer 2026 

05/05/2026 / / 0 Comments

Merchiston Library: Changes to access during Summer 2026 

 

During Trimester 3 (Summer 2026), essential building works will take place in Merchiston Library. 
These works mean access to library spaces, and resources will be limited over the summer. 

 

We also expect noise and disruption throughout. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will provide further updates as the works progress.

From Monday 18 May to Friday 4 September (inclusive):

Access to the Library 

  • Zone 1, the area near the helpdesk (including Group Study Room 8), will remain open. The Library helpdesk will remain open, with the usual Opening Hours.
     
  • All other library areas will be closed. This means no access to quiet, silent study spaces, print books, journals, and other items on shelves.  

 

Accessing library materials 

  • You can access many of our books and journals online using LibrarySearch. 
  • If you need print books from Merchiston Library, please request them in advance using the Click and Collect service, and library staff will have them ready for you near the helpdesk.  
  • Please allow extra time, as there may be delays and limited access to certain areas during the works. 
  • Access to some items, such as print journals, may be limited. 
    Please email library@napier.ac.uk if this will cause you any issues. 

 

Alternative study/work spaces 

 

You can also study or work in: 

  • The Jack Kilby Computer Centre at Merchiston 
  • Libraries or computer suites at Craiglockhart or Sighthill. 

 

Please note that you can find silent study spaces in Craiglockhart Library or Sighthill LRC and a Family Room is available at Craiglockhart Library. 

 

If you have any questions or need help, please contact the Library team. 
Email library@napier.ac.uk or call 0131 455 3500. 

Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival image of fire on top of a hill with people all around it

Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival

30/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival

Your Complete Guide to Scotland’s Ancient Celtic Celebration

Every year since 1988, the Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival draws up to 15,000 people to Calton Hill for a spectacular celebration marking the arrival of summer. The Beltane fire festival honours an ancient Celtic tradition that began on the evening before May 1st, featuring dramatic performances, sacred fire rituals, and mythological characters like the May Queen and the Green Man. What is Beltane, exactly? The Beltane holiday represents the transition from winter to summer through the powerful symbolism of death and rebirth. Over 300 volunteers now bring this ancient tradition to life, investing approximately 10,000 hours into rehearsals, costumes, and props. read on to explore the festival’s Celtic origins, key rituals and characters, and everything you need to attend.

What Is Beltane? The Ancient Celtic Fire Festival

Origins of the Beltane Holiday

Beltane translates to “bright fire,” referring to the bonfires central to this ancient celebration. The name derives from the Celtic god Bel (also known as Beli or Belinus), whose cult stretched from the Italic Peninsula across Europe into the British Isles. Historically observed in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, Beltane is one of four main Celtic seasonal festivals, alongside Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh.

The festival’s roots date back approximately 6,000 years, to when hunter-gatherers across Northern Europe transitioned to agricultural lifestyles. This ancient agrarian calendar predates the arrival of the Celts by millennia. Originally, Beltane was celebrated midway between the spring equinox and summer solstice, falling astronomically around May 5 or 6. Eventually, calendar codification fixed the celebration on May 1, aligning it with other European spring festivals like Floralia and Walpurgisnacht.

Traditional Beltane Celebrations Across Scotland

Communities gathered on hilltops where cattle pastured, cutting a round trench and leaving a central turf platform for the bonfire. The night before, villagers extinguished all hearth fires in their homes. On Beltane morning, priests or community leaders kindled the sacred “need-fire” using ritual methods, with traditional fires sparked from flint or friction.

Cattle were driven between two bonfires or made to leap over flames for purification and fertility blessings before being put to summer pastures. People themselves walked around or between the fires, jumping over flames for good luck, protection, and fertility. Following these rituals, the community relit their household fires from the Beltane bonfire, connecting everyone through the sacred flame.

The Meaning Behind the Sacred Fires

Fire served as purification, cleansing, and protection from supernatural harm, disease, and witchcraft. The flames symbolised the sun’s power, meant to ensure sunshine for people, animals, and plants while burning away harmful influences. These protective qualities extended to milk production, crops, and overall community well-being for the coming year.

Beltane’s Connection to Summer and Fertility

Beltane marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season, celebrated as “first of summer” when livestock moved to fresh pastures. The festival honoured the sacred union of masculine and feminine energies through figures like the May Queen and May King. Like Samhain, Beltane represented a liminal time when the veil between worlds grew thin, making it one of the two most sacred Celtic festivals.

The Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival: How It All Began

The 1988 Revival on Calton Hill

On April 30, 1988, a small group of enthusiasts brought Beltane back to Edinburgh after centuries of dormancy. Angus Farquhar of the musical collective Test Dept led the revival alongside choreographer Lindsay John, dancers from Laban, and Gaelic ethnologist Margaret Bennett. The School of Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh provided academic support.

The revival emerged from political resistance during the Thatcher era. Farquhar sought something beyond the “black/white narrative” of political battles, researching Beltane to create a public ritual that flew in the face of the idea that “there is no such thing as society” (Margaret Thatcher). That first event faced harsh conditions with a £500 budget, pouring rain, and gale-force winds, yet roughly 30-40 volunteers created a procession around the hill that culminated in communal firelighting.

From Arthur’s Seat to Calton Hill

Arthur’s Seat historically hosted Edinburgh’s Beltane celebrations. Organisers originally intended the revival to take place there, but practical considerations prompted a location change. Calton Hill offered better accessibility and centrality while maintaining a connection with nature.

The choice carried symbolic weight. In the 1980s, Calton Hill had a reputation for sex, drugs, and served as a no-go area connected to queer counterculture. Organizers aimed to reclaim that space for the community through celebration.

The Beltane Fire Society and Community Involvement

The Beltane Fire Society was formed in 1988 for the second festival as a registered charity run by democratically elected volunteers. All performers volunteer, joining through word of mouth or advertised open meetings. Senior performers lead workshops covering event production, prop construction, character performance, percussion, and health and safety.

How the Festival Has Grown Over the Years

From a core of a dozen performers and a few hundred audience members, the Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival grew to several hundred performers and over 10,000 spectators by 1999. The event now involves over 300 voluntary collaborators. Originally free and lightly stewarded, capacity constraints and funding requirements led to ticketing in recent years.

Key Characters, Rituals, and Performances

The May Queen: Mother Goddess of Summer

The May Queen embodies the maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess, presiding over the transition from spring to summer. The role passes to a performer for several years, with each May Queen crafting her own costume annually to reflect the festival’s theme. This goddess figure entices the Green Man during the ritual, uniting with him to rule over summer together.

The Green Man: Death and Rebirth

The Green Man represents life growing on earth, an archetypal figure appearing in folklore across Britain. During the ritual, he exposes his winter side to the May Queen in her maiden form, realising he must change to be with her. He surrenders his life, and the May Queen gives him life energy, bringing him back in his new summer form. This death and rebirth mirrors ancient fertility myths where spirits must die to ensure renewal.

The White Women and the Blues

The Blues serve as elder volunteers who hold knowledge and are respected within the community. They provide space for storytelling about the May Queen and Green Man’s narrative, acting as bridges between past and present traditions. The White Women protect the May Queen, representing order and discipline.

Fire Performances and Drumming

Performers, including acrobats, drummers, dancers, musicians, and puppeteers, create the striking display. The Processional drummers lay down beats that drive the march forward behind the May Queen, their rhythms carrying across Calton Hill. Torch Bearers dress head to foot in black with covered faces, trusted to carry purifying flames.

The Procession and Sacred Rituals

The May Queen leads the procession to the hilltop, with drummers alerting witnesses to their approach. The core narrative remains largely consistent, though additional elements emerge as new performers bring their own influences.

The Bonfire and Dawn Celebration

Fire plays the central role in the ritual, with torch bearers carrying flames and fire arches representing gateways between earthly and spirit worlds. The bonfire marks summer’s arrival, with celebrations continuing until dawn.

Attending the Festival

The festival occurs annually on April 30th on Calton Hill. The show begins at sundown and runs until late. Wear warm layers and sensible shoes or go in a full bright costume, but be careful to keep away from the flames. Be aware that the event features semi-nudity and uninhibited behaviour, body-painted characters, and fire.

———————————-

The Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival connects us to 6,000 years of Celtic heritage while creating something entirely new each year. Equally important, over 300 volunteers transform ancient rituals into a living celebration that draws thousands to Calton Hill.

Whether you’re drawn to the mythological drama, the fire performances, or the communal energy, this festival offers an unforgettable experience. Book your tickets early, dress warmly, and prepare yourself for a night where ancient tradition meets modern spectacle under the Edinburgh sky.

The Library

We have lots of resources if you want to learn more about Beltain or Edinburgh. Check out Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk. You can read more about other Celtic festivals here on the blog too. Check out our post on lughnasa 

By Juliet Kinsey

Sources:.

International Jazz Day image of black woman with saxophone. bright colours

International Jazz Day

30/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

International Jazz Day

For the past fifteen years, the 30th of April has marked International Jazz Day, a day dedicated to promoting jazz music worldwide and the role jazz music has had in shaping culture and bringing together communities.
Officially started by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) after being proposed by legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, whose non-profit educational institute leads the programming and coordination of International Jazz Day celebrations. Over two hundred countries participate in International Jazz Day every year, with musicians and fans around the world coming together to put on events celebrating their nation’s history with jazz music. These celebrations can take the form of concerts, conferences, educational workshops and jam sessions, all of which serve to promote local and national jazz acts and raise awareness of the local jazz scene.

History of Jazz

Jazz is an interesting musical genre as it is very community-oriented, drawing on elements of local culture and adapting to the taste of the community. Jazz itself has its roots in the music culture of late 19th and early 20th century New Orleans, drawing influence from blues and ragtime music that was popular at the time and infusing it with the musical stylings and instruments of local marching bands.

From there, jazz would spread out from New Orleans in the 1910s, and different cities would become cultural hubs for emerging styles of jazz. First in Chicago, where the arriving jazz musicians from New Orleans began to develop a faster and more improvisational style, emphasising musical solos and swapping out their banjos and standing basses for guitars and tubas. This style of Chicago Jazz would eventually come to embody jazz in much of the popular consciousness, but it wouldn’t stop there.

By the 1940s in New York, a new generation of jazz musicians began to develop a style known as Bebop, a faster and more complex style of jazz that emphasised the rhythm section and was typically performed with a smaller number of musicians than earlier jazz ensembles. Bebop musicians wanted to push the boundaries of jazz away from its dance-oriented roots and towards a more “musician’s music” that required the audience to listen closely to appreciate what was happening.

Outside of the United States, one of the most popular jazz styles is Latin Jazz, beginning in the 1940s with Afro-Cuban musicians performing using more traditional instruments such as bongos or claves for percussion over the drum kit used in more traditional jazz. Additionally, in Brazil, the fusion of samba music with jazz stylings would help give rise to the genre of Bossa Nova.

Scottish Jazz

Now, with all this in mind, you might not know that here in Scotland we have our own history with jazz. In his essay “Swinging Scots: An Outline of Jazz in Scotland” Roger Craik recounts that Scotland actually encountered jazz quite early into the genre’s existence, with 1919 seeing American jazz bands start to travel the Atlantic to perform in Glasgow and Edinburgh. By the 1930s, Scotland was producing its own jazz artists, although many of these were required to travel south for work, and many of the most popular pre-war British jazz acts had Scottish performers.

Craik theorises that many of these may be due to the popularity of Scottish pipe bands and country bands during this period, as well as the brass bands that were common in Scottish mining towns. These bands would serve as a sort of training ground for Scottish musicians, who would become accustomed to playing percussion and brass before moving on to performing in jazz bands. This generation of Scottish musicians was also of an age to be called up to military service in the Second World War, where they would perform in military bands, performing at marches or entertaining the troops. In fact, a key figure in the history of Scottish jazz was Tommy Sampson, whose post-war orchestra would bring together many Scottish jazz musicians. Tommy himself spent much of the Second World War in a prisoner of war camp, where he led a band consisting of other captured soldiers.

The decades following the war would see the emergence of many other Scottish jazz bands, such as the Clyde Valley Stompers, who once played alongside legendary jazz musician Louie Armstrong at Kelvin Hall in 1956.
You can read Roger Craik’s history of Scottish jazz, along with several other in-depth essays at the Scottish Jazz Archives.

The Edinburgh Jazz Festival

This tradition of Scottish jazz will continue this summer with the 45th annual Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival being held in July. This will see performances of local and international jazz acts being held throughout the city, ranging from classical jazz acts to more experimental performances. These include paid and free performances, so you can pop along to something even if you just want a taste of the genre. I can promise you’ll hear something memorable.

By Matthew Ferrie

Read more about the Edinburgh Festival here

Bringing back your lapsafe laptop

28/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Bringing back your lapsafe laptop

Summertime is upon us – followed by the coming end to the exam and deadline season, hooray! You may have borrowed a Lapsafe laptop from us during this period to work on assignments, finish writing up essays and reports, or ultimately to study for upcoming exams and deadlines. If you were also lucky enough to get one during exam season (they go out so quickly at this time of year!), you may still have it on loan and may also be ready to return it to us again. The good news is that the return process is very quick and straightforward!

 

How to borrow a Lapsafe Laptop…

 

If you are in urgent need of a laptop, no matter what the reason may be, you can borrow a Lapsafe laptop from us at all three of our campus libraries, the JKCC and Bainfield Student Accommodation. Ensure that you have your physical or digital student ID card with you when borrowing from our self-service laptop lockers on campus. If there are any laptops available inside the Lapsafe tower you have scanned your card at, you will be assigned a locker that will flash when you click the ‘Borrow’ button. You will then be able to open the locker and retrieve your laptop and charger. This laptop is now yours for two weeks!

 

How to return a Lapsafe Laptop…

 

To return your Lapsafe laptop to us, you must go to the Lapsafe locker on campus or to the building where you originally borrowed the device. You must also have your physical or digital student card ready to scan at the Lapsafe locker. Once you have done so, click the ‘Return’ tab on the screen. The locker from which you borrowed the laptop will then start to flash, which means you can then open it and return the laptop along with the charging cable that came with it. There is a short USB-C cable in all Lapsafe lockers as well – please ensure to plug the device you are returning into this lead as this will fully process the device as returned!

 

If you feel it may be difficult or unfeasible for you to return the Lapsafe laptop by its due date, you can arrange for a courier or friend to return the device for you – just make sure they have your student card to hand when they return it. Still unsure if you will be able to return the laptop to us on time? Email us at library@napier.ac.uk or phone 0131 455 3500 to speak to one of our friendly library staff here at Edinburgh Napier University libraries.

 

Lapsafe Laptop Loan Policy…

 

Our Lapsafe laptops can be borrowed for up to two weeks maximum if needed. Due to these laptops being in such high demand, we cannot offer extensions on their loan periods as we generally can with our books and other physical resources. You can, however, take out another Lapsafe laptop right after you return the one you had on loan previously for another two weeks, provided that you do not have any fines or blocks on your library account. This is also dependent on the availability of our Lapsafe laptops as well – you can check if we have any available to borrow in all campuses and buildings by going into the Napier app, signing into your Napier account and selecting the ‘Laptop Availability’ tile.

 

All Lapsafe laptops must be returned to us on time – otherwise, access to the laptop, including the ability to log in, will likely be blocked. See our laptop loan guidance and terms and conditions on our Laptops to loan My Napier webpages.

 

By Rachel Downie

Exam support, we have a wide range to support 

 

 

 

 

English language

English Language Day

23/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

English Language Day

Whether English is your first language or you have learned it as a second language, you will be using a language that is spoken worldwide by billions of people. The United Nations first established English Language Day (ELD) in 2010 to inform people about the history, culture and achievements of English as it is one of the two working languages of the UN Secretariat and one of the organisation’s six official languages. ELD takes place on 23rd April, the date was chosen as it is the date of Shakespeare’s birth and death, and he is one of the most famous writers in English.

History of English

English has absorbed many influences over the centuries. It can trace its roots to a Germanic language which would have come to Britain when tribes such as the Angles, Saxons and Jutes began to arrive in Britain around the 5th century. Later, the language absorbed Norse vocabulary from Viking invaders, Latin from Christian missionaries, and French following the Norman Conquest in 1066. By the time Shakespeare was writing in the 16th and 17th centuries, English had many influences.

In later centuries, colonialism and trade fuelled the spread of English, and it gained prominence across the globe. In modern times, music, film, and social media continue to extend the reach of the language. Since 1932, the BBC has broadcast its World Service across many parts of the world, and this is how many living abroad with no access to language education have been able to learn English.

In modern times, English has continued to absorb words from other languages. There are also new words created to reflect changing technology and culture, which, through general widespread use, get added to the dictionary. In the past few years, words such as meme, deepfake and selfie, along with many more, have become so commonly used that they are now found in English dictionaries.

Common words from other languages

Some of our everyday English words have their roots in other languages – you may be surprised!

Shampoo – Originates from the Hindi word champo, meaning to massage or knead.

Rucksack – German

Cafe – French

Lemon – Arabic

Accents and dialects

Throughout the English-speaking world there are a huge range of accents and dialects. An American or Australian accent is instantly recognizable. Within the UK itself there’s a diverse range of accents – Scots, Geordie (Newcastle and surrounding area, England), Yorkshire, Cockney (London), and dialects which can reflect past influences in that area:

Scots/Geordie – The word “bairn” meaning child comes from the Norse “barn”. Barn is still used in Norwegian and Swedish to mean child.

Yorkshire – If someone from Yorkshire refers to laiking they are talking about playing. This comes from the Norse leika. Today in Norway “leke” means play.

Scots – Many Scots people talk about the “kirk” meaning church coming from the Norse “kirkja”. Today “kirke” is still used in Norwegian for church.

 

English Literature

Many of the world’s classic novels and texts have been written by authors using the English language. These texts are still read, taught and studied today.

Literature

William Shakespeare – Wrote 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems. Works include Hamlet, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.

Charles Dickens – Through his vivid depictions of London life Dickens raised awareness of the poverty and hardships faced by the poorest of the population. Works include Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol and David Copperfield.

Bronte Sisters – Classic novels Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall all feature strong female characters and touch on societal expectations and emotions of the time, all set in the dramatic Yorkshire countryside.

Mary Shelley – Her novel Frankenstein is an early example of the science fiction genre. She wrote other novels, short stories and travel books.

Jane Austen – Her novels’ plots often focus on the importance of a good marriage for women to secure financial stability and social standing.

JK Rowling – The Harry Potter series has become a modern literary classic.

Scientific texts

Many respected and influential scientific texts were written and first published in English, some of which are mentioned below:

Charles Darwin – On the Origin of Species. Fundamental texts on evolution and natural history.

Stephen Hawking – A Brief History of Time. Explores cosmology, the Big Bang, and black holes for a general audience.

Isaac Newton – Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica. Established the laws of motion and universal gravitation.

Social commentary

Many writers have used their works to raise awareness of issues important to them. Examples include:

George Orwell – Animal Farm. Focuses on Political Corruption & Totalitarianism.

William Golding – Lord of the Flies. Features social breakdown.

Aldous Huxley – Brave New World. Explores technological control.

Classic films

There are endless classic films in the English language, probably because Hollywood in America is one of the most prolific centres of film production. Some of the novels written by the authors mentioned above have been turned into films, some with multiple versions.

Would you like to take part in ELD? Why not try:

Reading a classic English Literature book, watching the film version or doing both to compare.

Attending a classic play at the theatre.

Have a listen to some regional dialects.

Hosting or joining a book club.

Whether it’s for study or pleasure, we hope you find English interesting, and there are many novels available to borrow from Merchiston campus library.

By Vivienne Hamilton

We have more language posts if you are interested? 

library study skills

The Library for New Staff

20/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

The Library for New Staff

Hello and welcome to all of our new (and long-standing) staff members here at Edinburgh Napier University! We would like to introduce you to as well as familiarise you with the facilities, resources and services which our three campus libraries have to offer you, and how we can help and benefit you as well. Our libraries are not just for students of Edinburgh Napier University! All members of staff also have access to our books, a majority of our library spaces and PCs. Let us walk you through what we have to offer…

Physical and Online Resources…

We have a vast range of physical resources and online material which students and staff can borrow and access: books, DVDs, articles, journals and newspapers, to name a few. You can borrow physical books and resources from us using your staff card – they will then automatically renew for up to four months unless they are recalled to fulfil another patron request. You will be notified via email if this is the case and have seven days to return your item or items from when this email is sent. Good news is that when you do need to return a book to us, you can drop it off at any campus which is nearest or most convenient for you, regardless of which campus you got the book from. You can drop it off in our return boxes and scan it through as a return by using our self-service kiosks. Do not worry if, for any reason, you forget to do this, though – our library staff process every book found in our return bins, so your item will be fully registered as a return regardless!

Edinburgh Napier University libraries have institutional subscriptions to a variety of academic databases, journal articles and webpages offering a range of credible research articles and papers. You can access these by signing into LibrarySearch via your staff account. If the book or article you are looking for is available online, this will come up in the item record when you search for it – when you go into this record, it will then show you an individual or range of links to databases or webpages from which you can access the desired resource, often in full text.

Inter-Library Loans Service…

It may be the case sometimes that we do not have access to the specific book or article you are looking for – not to worry! Staff are also able to use our Inter Library Loan service to request a book or article if it is the case that we do not have access to the desired item or have it in our library stock. The form for requesting a book or article as an Inter-Library Loan can be found in LibrarySearch and once, we have processed the form you have completed, we aim to have it ready for you to access or borrow through us within 3-15 working days. However, delivery cannot always be guaranteed within a specific time frame. Journal articles, which are often digital, are emailed to you.

Training and Events Calendar…

Our Training and Events Calendar is another resource we have which is not just available for students! In this calendar, we have a range of advertised and often bookable training events and workshops which staff and students can enrol in. Most of these advertised events are usually library-related – these include and are not limited to our Getting Started with the Library Sessions, library help sessions for specific schools and referencing workshops covering referencing styles such as APA 7th as well as software such as EndNote and Mendeley. Some advertised sessions also cover other aspects of academia, research and technologies within Edinburgh Napier University. These sessions are often run by our subject librarians but are sometimes run by staff in other disciplines and departments such as our academic skills team or IT teams.

Our Library and IT Helpdesks…

Got a question about our library resources, services or databases? Or something IT-related? Edinburgh Napier University staff can come by our helpdesks in each campus library if you need help with any of these specific kinds of queries. Our Opening Hours can be found in our My Napier webpages. You can also contact us via email by emailing library@napier.ac.uk or by phoning 01314553500.

By Rachel Downie

Trimester Two

Merchiston Tower

18/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Merchiston Tower

In the centre of Merchiston Tower, you will find Merchiston Tower.

It’s a bang in the middle.

Have you ever wondered what’s inside? What’s its history? Want to peek inside?

Let us take you on a brief digital walk through the Tower in the blog post. But before we go any further, we would like to add that you can tour the Tower in person and see its 500 years of history in person for free. Email us at heritage@napier.ac.uk or library@napier.ac.uk. Please bear in mind that we need at least 24 hours’ notice. Group tours are available, but no more than 15 people can attend.

*update*

Tours are available for Friday mornings. If you are interested in a tour but this is not a suitable date, please contact us, and we can rearrange.

History of Merchiston Tower

Merchiston Tower has stood firm for over 500 years. Built in the middle of the 1400s, either by Andrew Napier or his son, Sir Alexander Napier, both of whom served as Provost of Edinburgh and both of whom moved in royal circles.

John Napier (Alexander’s grandson) was born in the Tower in 1550. Specifically, the University is named after John Napier. His inventions and contributions to Mathematics are longstanding, with his most known invention being logarithms. There is a lot of “myth, mystery, and intrigue” (John Napier napier.ac.uk) about the man, and you can read about him in a previous blog post on Edinburgh Napier University’s webpages.

The Tower remained in the Napier family until the beginning of the 1800s. It was then owned by the Merchiston Castle School, followed by the Edinburgh Council. For a while, it was also a storage space for fire hoses during the Second World War. By the 1950s, the Tower was set for demolition. It was in ruins. However, in 1958, a new technical college was coming to Edinburgh. A college that needed a campus. Napier College was formed around the Tower, saved from demolition and beginning a work of restoration. These restorations would uncover ceilings and stairwells that had been hidden for a century.

The hallway ceiling of the Tower now proudly displays the University’s crest and showcases the Tower’s timeline, a nod to the Napier family, Merchiston Castle School, and the Edinburgh Council.

Napier Crest

Inside the Tower

Can’t wait to have a look? Let’s go on a digital walkthrough. And while we have lovely pictures, nothing compares to seeing it in person.

The original great hall stands to the left as you enter. In this hall, you will find a stunning, decorative ceiling that was commemorated during the reign of Charles II, the decorations showcasing the Napier family’s loyalty to the crown. The massive fireplace is thought to be original to the Tower. The north and south windows are original, while the east window dates from the 17th century. During the restoration in the 1950s, a staircase in the thick walls was found.

The once hidden staircase leads to the Boardroom that now stretches across the third and fourth floors. The fourth floor would have been a loft area, home to servants, but it has now been opened up to make the room fell bigger and to properly showcase.

The magnificent Prestongrange Ceiling it dates from 1581. A rare example of a Scottish Renaissance painted ceiling, it was moved from Prestongrange House to Merchiston Tower in 1964 for preservation purposes. The ceiling is filled with art, featuring many motifs from folk plays. Truly Unique!

 

 

 

Prestongrange ceiling

 

Merchiston Tower and John Napier

In 1550, John Napier was born in the tower house. Over 400 years later, the Tower was saved from demolition and restoration work began for a new college to be named after John Napier. Now, it stands proud in the middle of our biggest campus, home to two of our schools: School of Arts and Creative Industries and School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment.

 

Doors Open Day

On the 28th of September, we opened up the Tower to the public to celebrate Doors Open Day. In our second year running, we were delighted to welcome over 180 visitors.

 

 

If you are interested in visiting Merchiston Tower in person, please get in touch by emailing heritage@napier.ac.uk or library@napier.ac.uk. Tours are available on Friday mornings, but date and time can be rearranged if requested. And are available for individuals or groups of up to 15.

Please note that, due to the steep and uneven medieval staircases, the Tower is not wheelchair accessible.

For more information about the University’s Heritage Collections, have a look at our website.

Read more about the Heritage Collections

 

References

 

Merchiston Tower Edinburgh

The Napier Estate Past and Present

wellbeing area support craiglockhart library

Library Exam Support 2026 – Wellbeing

16/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Library Exam Support 2026 – Wellbeing

For our final instalment of Library and Exam Support 2026, we wanted to focus on something that is just as important as studying during this time, your wellbeing.

Exams and deadlines tend to bring pressure and stress.

While it’s important to stay focused, taking care of yourself is equally important.

Library Wellbeing Collection

Here in the Library, we believe that looking after your physical and emotional health is just as important as your studies. We are committed to supporting positive mental health and wellbeing, and believe that the key to wellbeing is the care and balance of different aspects of our lives.

With this holistic view of health in mind, we have curated a collection of books and other resources to support the different areas of your wellbeing. We’ve gathered together these resources in the hope that they help you feel happy, healthy and comfortable at Edinburgh Napier.

Our wellbeing collection includes both physical and ebooks that you can access anytime.

You will find a collection at each campus library, making it easy to browse while you are studying or just taking a break. And if you are not on campus, it can be accessed on the mynapier webpages.

This collection is here to support you during university life. Feel free to explore when you need.

 

And if you have any recommendations that you think might benefit others, please email library@napier.ac.uk

Library and relaxation spaces

We also have our relaxation spaces.

These are small, colourful areas we’ve designed for you to sit back and enjoy the benefits of natural light and soft seating.

Each of our three campus libraries has its own dedicated space. Ask the helpdesk for directions. In these spaces, we’ve provided puzzles, jigsaws, craft materials and colouring books and pens to help you feel relaxed and explore your creativity. Maybe you just pull up a beanbag and let your mind wander. want to sit and do nothing for a while. That’s fine too. You’ll feel all the better for a break and ready to tackle your next assignment.

If you prefer studying at home, you can access our relaxation spaces virtually through the blog. We’ve got you covered.

 

Don’t Stress!

Please do not panic or become overly stressed about your exams. A small amount of stress can be good for us but not when we are overwhelmed by it.

There are several services available to support you if you feel you need help.

Find out more about our support services here: Counselling & Mental Wellbeing

 

Good luck with everything, we are all rooting for you!

exam support

Library Exam Support 2026 – Exams

14/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Library Exam Support 2026 – Exams

We are at the second part of the Library Exam Support series, the jam of blog sandwich. So we thought, why not make it about the exams themselves? We will be looking how the library can help you tackle the exams themselves.

Exam Skills

In a previous post, we covered some exam skills.

Set aside time for studying. Create a revision timetable where you can have specific blocks of time to focus on particular topics. Set goals for what you want to achieve during each study session. Prioritising your studies will ensure that you get the most out of each session.

Do not make your study sessions too long. It is better to study for short periods. For example, three one-hour sessions with breaks in between will be more productive than one long three-hour study session.

Use flashcards to remember key information, phrases or concepts on a subject and use these to test your knowledge. This helps you to not only retain the information but to be able to retrieve it quickly.

Regular revision will help you build and retain knowledge. It will also help to keep you focused and avoid panicking.

Exam Stress

We have a previous blog post by Raquel Bryne on beating exam stress.  Detailing a good plan below from the article:

1. Timetable and prepare a study plan.

2. Create a study space that is comfortable, quiet, well-lit, organised, and has no distractions nearby.

3. Put your information into a format that allows you to absorb it best.

4. Take regular study breaks. Alternating subjects you’re studying will also help.

5. Remember self-care!

6. Schedule fun activities to reduce your stress.

7. Eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly to keep your brain power and energy up!

8. Make sure you have all the items you need for any exams. Get them ready the day before to avoid rushing on the day.

9. Remove anything distracting to help you focus. Try putting your phone in a different room when revising.

10. Write down revision targets for the day, review your progress, and update your revision timetable and targets appropriately.

Training and Events Calendar = Drop-in Support sessions

We offer a wide range of exam support resources to help you feel prepared and confident.

A great place to start is our Training and Events Calendar, where you’ll find everything from introductory sessions to more advanced research support. You can also book one-to-one appointments with subject librarians and academic skills advisors, giving you personalised support throughout your studies.

Sessions run both online and in person, so be sure to check the details before booking. And if the scheduled times don’t work for you, you can always get in touch with your subject librarian directly.

Not sure who your subject librarian is? You can find their details on the myNapier pages.

 

More information about exams at Napier, from guidance to timetabling

Good luck with the upcoming exams

World Art Day in Scotland post image of The Shepherd Boy (1891), Phoebe Anna Traquair, oil on canvas

World Art Day in Scotland

14/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Art Day in Scotland

Art does more than decorate walls. It influences how we feel. It inspires us and makes us rethink our views on the world. Art is magic, it is politics, it is hope in the darkness. We have made it since the beginning of time, and we continue to create it no matter what happens in our world.

Edinburgh Galleries

To celebrate World Art Day in Scotland, why not visit some of Edinburgh’s incredible galleries?

The Scottish National Gallery sits right in the city centre. It offers calm, light-filled rooms and world-class collections. You can move from European masters to Scottish favourites in one visit. Clear layouts make it easy to explore at your own pace.

Then, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery shifts the focus. Here, art tells stories through people. The building itself feels dramatic, with high ceilings and rich detail. Meanwhile, exhibitions connect past and present through powerful portraits.

Just a short walk away, the City Art Centre offers something different. It focuses on Scottish art across time. Rotating exhibitions mean there is always something new. It feels accessible and welcoming, especially for first-time visitors.

Next, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art opens things up. Two separate buildings sit in wide green grounds. Inside, you will find bold, contemporary work. Outside, sculptures invite you to slow down and wander.

Just outside Edinburgh, spaces like Jupiter Artland take art beyond walls. Here, installations live in the landscape. You walk between them. You experience them physically, not just visually.

Together, these galleries offer variety, space, and accessibility. So, whether you want quiet reflection or fresh ideas, Edinburgh has a place for you.

Some important Scottish artists of Edinburgh

Phoebe Anna Traquair

Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852–1936) was a leading figure in Scotland’s Arts and Crafts movement. She was born in Ireland and later settled in Edinburgh, where she created some of the city’s most remarkable artworks. She worked across many forms. These included murals, embroidery, and illuminated manuscripts. Her style drew on medieval art, rich colour, and symbolic detail. Her best-known work can be seen at the Mansfield Traquair Centre in Edinburgh. There, her murals transform the space into an immersive, peaceful environment. Today, she is celebrated as one of Scotland’s most important artists. She also stands out as a pioneering woman in a male-dominated art world.

Eduardo Paolozzi

Probably one of Edinburgh’s most well-known artists. His work is everywhere. Eduardo Paolozzi (1924–2005) was a Scottish artist and sculptor, widely seen as a pioneer of pop art. He was born in Edinburgh to Italian parents and studied at art schools in Edinburgh and London. He became known for bold collages and sculptures that mixed popular culture, technology, and mass media. His early work helped shape the visual language of modern pop art. Later, he created large public sculptures and mosaics, including works for London Underground stations. Today, Paolozzi is recognised as one of Scotland’s most influential modern artists, with a lasting impact on contemporary art.

Sekai Machache

Sekai Machache is a contemporary visual artist based in Scotland. She was born in Zimbabwe and raised in Scotland.

Her work focuses on identity, belonging, and representation. She often uses photography and performance, especially self-portraiture.

Her images challenge how Black women are seen in art. They create space for visibility and self-definition.

Machache has exhibited across Scotland, including in Edinburgh. Today, she is part of a new generation of artists shaping a more diverse Scottish art scene.

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