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.

Category: Celebrations (Page 2 of 7)

zap the super cat wearing a red collar and staring lovingly at the camera for Pets of the Library

Pets of the Library

07/08/2025 / / 0 Comments

Pets of the Library

With International Cat and Dog Day coming up this month, we decided to celebrate all the pets of the Library. Inclusivity for pets, too, we say! So it is my genuine honour to introduce you to just a wee scattering of the lovely animals we share our lives with.

Smokey

Pets of the Library image of Pets of the Library the hamster“He is a very good boy.” Jane Haigh

First up is Smokey the Syrian hamster. He is nearly 2 years old and the pet of Jane, our Learning and Research Services Manager. Smokey is in tune with his health and well-being, so his favourite snack is broccoli. Take note, kids, healthy eating is for all species. He also loves cuddles, which we all know releases endorphins. I think I may have found my next wellness influencer in Smokey.

Luffy and Maggie

Maggie and Luffy the cats in their cat tree for Pets of the Library Luff the cat sitting on a windowsill looking cute for Pets of the Library Maggie the cat looking adorable for Pets of the Library

Gina is excited to introduce her fluffy babies, Luffy and Maggie. Their hobbies include balcony time and getting treats from the neighbours. It’s good to be sociable. Both kitties are 2 years old. Luffy is a stubborn but loveable little brute who loves to torment their owners by knocking over the water fountain. Water for all, says Luffy! Maggie, on the other hand, is a little Romanian princess who loves a nap in the sun. A lady knows what she likes. She is also in the running for the highest-pitched meow in a teeny kitty. New Olympics category, anyone?

Georgie and Ed

Ed the cat sitting on a box for Pets of the Library Georgie the dog looking wistfully out the window for Pets of the Library

Next up are Kieran’s companions, Georgie (the Collie dog) and Ed (the cat). Ed has been with Kieran for just over 8 years now, and Georgie coming up to 2 years. Like any siblings, they have good days and bad days with each other. Ed is a bit of an older sister and gets sick of Georgie’s excitement at times. Ed is a cool cat and likes the chill, whereas Georgie, being a collie, is desperate to be best friends.  It’s tough having different personalities in a family, but they love each other nonetheless. A shout-out to all the siblings out there who get this!

Kieran put it best, saying:

“Both are amazing animals, but with very different temperaments. He’s very excitable, she isn’t. He’s young, she’s old. He loves his toys, but she prefers boxes. He will eat anything (we have to be careful where we leave our snacks), but she’s incredibly fussy. She puts him in his place – fair enough, she’s a lot smaller than he is, and he is pretty irrepresible at times…But more to the point, they have enriched our lives in so many ways. We’re lucky to have them in our lives and, despite the stresses (looking at you in particular, Georgie!), we love them both deeply.”

Well, I have all the feels <3

Luna

Luna the dog in a wee harness outside for Pets of the Library

Luna is the family dog of Vivienne. She is a rescue Jack Russell/chihuahua cross. She is a shy girl around strangers but adores being with her family. Luna likes eating, sleeping in the sunshine, chasing squirrels and barking. Get those pesky squirrels, Luna, get ’em! Sounds like a lovely life. Luna is one of the few puppies out there who isn’t into walkies and sniffing other dogs. She’s a homegirl, and darn right, it’s the best place to be. All the scratchies for our girl Luna.

Shout out to all the lovely folks out there re-homing pets. Why not support our very own Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home if you can?

Brindle and Zap

Brindle the cat looking over it for Pets of the Library zap the super cat wearing a red collar and staring lovingly at the camera for Pets of the Library

Now to my lovely girls. Brindle and Zap the Super Cat (full name), comic book pending.

Zap is our newest family member, and she is the light of our universe. She’s 2 years old and still everyone’s baby kitty yumyum face. Yes, that’s what we call her, no, I am not ashamed. She is a sleek black kitty cat who likes to hide under blankets and scare the life out of you when you try to go to bed. We call her the Ninja, and as a Halloween kitty, that works well with her vibe. She also enjoys attending most online meetings and standing on the keyboard at inconvenient moments.

To quote Zap, “lCUHSDUJDKFHWO3I092QWpa08923740&*£$^%$” I’m sure you can all agree with that statement. We’ve all been in those meetings…

Brindle is both my fluffy fuzzy baby AND an Elder Queen of Cats at the ripe old age of 17 this year. She is a regal Siberian from the frozen tundra who likes to be left the hell alone by everyone but me. Something I am eternally proud of and am considering putting on my CV. She will not eat any food that she senses may have hidden plans to help her; she knows the vet is out to get her and will not take her medicine. She has zero time for Zap and will regularly bop her on the head if Zap is foolish enough to be walking past. Maybe that’s why Zap has developed such good Ninja skills? Her main hobby is sleeping and looking at me with annoyance if I try to leave a room, as I cannot be left unattended. Trust issues, no doubt stemming from all the medicine I keep trying to hide in her food.

Cooper

Cooper the dog after his fun run for pets of the lirbary

Our last lovely chap is Cooper. Maya’s family dog. Cooper is a Vizsla with Rizz.

Cooper puts us all to shame with his recent sportsdogmanship, winning the top Dog category in a 6-mile fun run…go Cooper! Admittedly, he was the only dog competing, but a win is a win, Coop!

Cooper’s hobbies include chasing stuff, most any stuff, including bubbles, despite the dangers of landing in burns (that’s a Scottish term for a small stream to you non-Scots folk, don’t worry).

Cooper is very Loud and unaware that he is very loud. Something I can empathise with. He also loves cuddles despite being a big boy and has acquired the nickname Velcro Vizsla from his loved ones.  Lovely to meet you, Cooper!

That’s the first installment of pets of the library. Hopefully, we will be able to let you meet some more lovely animals in the future.

Read more about past pets of the Library in our articles on Cats and Dogs in the Library

Also, check our LibrarySearch.napier.ac.uk for resources we have available on animals.

By Juliet Kinsey

All pet photos copyright of their owners

Image of crops for blog post Lughnasa Celtic Harvest Festival

Lughnasa Celtic Harvest Festival

31/07/2025 / / 0 Comments

Lughnasa Celtic Harvest Festival

Lughnasa is one of four traditional Celtic harvest festivals.  It happens at the end of summer when the grains are ripening, but have not yet been harvested. Usually celebrated on the 1st of August, it marks the end of summer and the beginning of the second half of the year. It occurs halfway between the summer solstice and autumn equinox.

A History of Lughnasa

Lughnasa is an ancient Gaelic holiday, said to be in honour of the pagan god Lugh, and his mother Tailtiu. As well as the usual traditions of feasting and gathering, it is believed that this was when the Tailteann Games were held. Games included “the long jump, high jump, running, hurling, spear throwing, boxing, contests in swordfighting, archery, wrestling, swimming, and chariot and horse racing. They also included competitions in strategy, singing, dancing and story-telling, along with crafts competitions for goldsmiths, jewellers, weavers and armourers.”[Source]

Lughnasa is still celebrated today in Ireland as a holiday. It includes music, dancing, stories and crafts. Furthermore, One modern-day legacy of Lughnasa is “Reek Sunday”. This involves climbing up a mountain or hill. In Ireland, many people climb up Croagh Patrick in Co. Mayo., also known as “the Reek” hence the name “Reek Sunday.”

The Myth

The myth that the Lughnasa Celtic Harvest Festival is based on, according to Máire MacNeill, who wrote on it back in 1962 is the following:

“[it involves] a struggle for the harvest between Lugh and Crom Dubh, another mythical god who stores the grain, which Lugh seizes for humanity. Often, this is portrayed as a struggle for ‘Eithne,’ a woman who symbolizes the grain. Also, Lugh combats and destroys another figure representing blight. ‘Óenach Tailten’ or ‘Aonach Tailteann’ was a ceremony held during Lughnasadh in commemoration of Tailtiu [Lugh’s mother].” Source  

The four feast days

As well as Lughnasa, there is Samhain, Imbolg and Beltane. These are all based on the harvest periods and seasons. Samhain is celebrated on the 31st of October and is linked to Halloween celebrations. People leave gifts for the dead to appease their spirits and festivities and bonfires are often lit. Imbolc or Imbolg is celebrated on the 1st of February and is a lesser know celebration. It marks the beginning of spring and rebirth of the land. The final festival, and a very big one for Edinburgh is Beltane. It happens on the first of May and involves a lot of dancing and bonfires. Why not visit Edinburgh this year and attend our Beltain event on the top of Carlton Hill.

Read more on Scottish history at librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

By Juliet Kinsey

Photo by Polina Rytova on Unsplash

Read more on Scottish history and Festivals with articles on:

The Edinburgh Festival

create

Create Week

02/07/2025 / / 0 Comments

Create Week

 

“Every human being is an artist”. This is a quote from the German artist, philosopher and environmentalist Joseph Beuys from a lecture he delivered in 1973. What I understand this to mean is that every human is a creative being, can thus understand and reflect the world, and craft an artistic vision on their own terms.

Interestingly, Beuys worked across a wide variety of fields – painting, sculpture, but also environmental art (his 7,000 Oaks project, which involved planting – you guessed it – 7,000 oak trees). He also has a connection to Edinburgh, famously visiting the Edinburgh College of Art in 1970.

Nearly 40 years on from his death, this eclectic vision of art is now commonplace. It is rare nowadays for people working as artists to only pursue one medium (e.g painting) – think of the work of Tracey Emin, or the recent winner of the 2024 Turner Prize, Glasgow artist Jasleen Kaur.

Likewise, social media platforms – especially video streaming platforms such as Youtube and Tiktok – are full of creators doing their thing, with the freedom to upload what they like, without gatekeeping.

Of course, being creative is not just confined to what is thought of as Art and Culture (note the capital letters!). In 2005, the critic and Oxford don John Carey wrote a book called What Good Are The Arts? In it, he argues against the elitism of ‘High Art’, and advocates for the valuing of pursuits of everyday creativity and technical skill: things like gardening, woodwork, and knitting. These are, of course, creative activities that require dedication and time. And anyone who has watched Interior Design Masters will know, designing and planning a room is something that requires a hell of a lot of creativity, focus and skill. Perhaps more importantly than anything else, it can really lift our spirits.

As we are now in Create Week, do something that scratches that creative itch: write a poem (it can even be something as simple as capturing a single image, like William Carlos Williams does here). Make sounds on your laptop with GarageBand. Take a photo of the environment around you, and draw a sketch. Make a story, or, like me, write a blog post.

By Kieran Curran

Photo by russn_fckr

Read more Arts-based posts

International Women in Engineering Day image of woman doing some engineering

International Women in Engineering Day

23/06/2025 / / 1 Comment

International Women in Engineering Day

Celebrating Women Engineers: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Every year on 23 June, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day. First launched in the UK by the Women’s Engineering Society, it’s now a global movement. It shines a light on the achievements of women in engineering and encourages more girls and young women to see this as a path for them.

The numbers are improving, but slowly. According to EngineeringUK, women make up 16.5% of the engineering workforce. In 2010, it was just 9%. There’s progress, but much more work is needed.

So, why does it matter?

Diverse teams are better at solving problems. They bring fresh ideas, challenge assumptions, and drive innovation. In engineering, where solutions shape lives—that matters. Gender diversity isn’t a tick-box exercise; it’s essential for future-ready industries.

The UK is home to many trailblazers. Dr. Nike Folayan MBE, co-founder of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK), champions inclusion across STEM fields. Professor Sarah Hainsworth, a forensic engineering expert and senior leader at the University of Bath, is another standout figure. Their stories are powerful. But for many young women, engineering still feels out of reach.

Education

To get women into engineering, we need to start with early education. A 2022 WISE report showed that girls are much less likely to choose A-level physics, despite doing just as well as boys in GCSE science. Why? A lack of role models. Limited exposure. Persistent stereotypes.

This is where schools, universities, and employers can make a real difference.

Edinburgh Napier University and Women in STEM

At Edinburgh Napier University, change is happening. The School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment offers strong support for women entering technical fields. From dedicated mentoring schemes to outreach in schools, the university actively promotes gender balance. Female lecturers and researchers at Napier lead projects in sustainable energy, transport systems, and digital engineering.

Take for example, the work of female PhD students at Napier who are developing smart materials for construction or working on green transport solutions. Their research not only contributes to global challenges but also inspires the next generation of engineers.

Sarah Taylor, a lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University, has been conducting research in smart, light-emitting textiles since 1995. Her work involves integrating optical fibres into woven textile structures, contributing to advancements in smart materials applicable in various fields, including construction.

In 2023, a team of Edinburgh Napier University students participated in a pioneering construction project in Guangxi, China. They collaborated with local universities to build the world’s first bamboo-timber composite gridshell structure. This innovative project aimed to explore sustainable building methods to combat climate change. Among the participants were female students like Devika Vijayan, Alice June Davyson, and Zara Anam Rafiq, who contributed their expertise in architectural technology and civil engineering. The project was led by PhD student Yanghao Pei and supervised by faculty members, including Dr. Ahmed Mohamed.

Women in Engineering  campaigns

Elsewhere in the UK, campaigns like Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, run by EngineeringUK, and events such as She Can Engineer at UCL, continue to highlight female success in the field. INWED itself is packed with virtual events, talks, and case studies—many of them accessible to teachers, students, and parents.

At the same time, the industry is evolving. Companies like Arup, Rolls-Royce, and AtkinsRéalis are investing in inclusive hiring, leadership development for women, and mentoring programmes. But culture still matters. A welcoming workplace—where all voices are heard—makes it easier for women to succeed and lead.

And it’s not just about big firms. Start-ups and SMEs across Scotland and the UK are building inclusive teams, often led by women who studied at universities like Edinburgh Napier.

So, what can you do this International Women in Engineering Day?

  • Share a story of a woman engineer who inspires you.

  • Encourage a girl to explore STEM subjects.

  • Attend a local or virtual event through WES or your local university.

  • Support or volunteer with STEM outreach programmes.

  • Thank the mentors, colleagues, and leaders who make a difference.

Small actions lead to big changes.

Because the future of engineering isn’t defined by gender—it’s built by collaboration, creativity, and courage. Edinburgh Napier University and institutions across the UK are proving that when you back women in engineering, you’re backing innovation for everyone.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on women in Science on our blog here: Scottish Women in Science

Pride Month Picture

Celebrating Pride Month

01/06/2025 / / 0 Comments

Celebrating Pride Month

The start of June is upon us which means the start of Pride month. After all, June is the month of pride. Why June you may ask? Well…

The History of Pride 🏳‍🌈🌈🏳‍🌈

Celebrating Pride month in June is to commemorate the Stonewall riots that happened on the 28th of June 1969. New York Police raided the Stonewall Inn which was a prominent gay club in Greenwich Village, in the early hours of the morning. As police turned violent, and a build-up of social discrimination and continuous police harassment grew, the raid became a riot and a protest. Led by Marsha P. Johnson, it lasted for 6 days. It saw large media coverage and spilt out onto the streets of Greenwich.   This was the ‘catalyst for gay rights and activism in the United States and the world’ (Source)

Known as ‘Mother of Pride’, it was Brenda Howard who organised the first pride march to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Stonewall riots. This became America’s first ever Pride parade. It was not until the 1990s however that Pride Month became more popular (Source). Bill Clinton became the first President to acknowledge June as Pride Month.

Pride Month is not necessarily recognised internationally. However, it is increasingly becoming more recognised outside the United States.

Avoiding Tokenism 

Here at the Library, we love to celebrate Pride month, but we acknowledge that working towards equality is something that needs to happen all year round. We are working hard to promote and diversify our collections to be inclusive of all people, and to redress the imbalances we find in our collections to become more representative of everyone.

Library Resources

The Library has a wealth of books and articles on the subject. From the history of LGBTQ+ rights to current Legal information to keep you informed. Use LibrarySearch to find what you are looking for, or contact us for help with any of your research needs. 

Here are some items available through the Library to get you started: 

Same-sex, different politics: success and failure in the struggles over gay rights

Lgbt Activism and the Making of Europe A Rainbow Europe  

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people (LGBT) and the criminal justice system

University Support

If you are an LGBTQ+ student you can join Edinburgh Napier’s Queer Society or find out more about the student Queer community on the Queer Napier site.  

More Resources here on the Blog

Check out our Diversity Bookshelves to see some of our available books.

Or read more articles on Pride, LGBT+ History Month and Alan Turin.

By Maya Green & Juliet Kinsey

Image of R2D2 from Star Wars for May the Fourth be with you! Star Wars Day

May the Fourth be with you! Star Wars Day

04/05/2025 / / 1 Comment

May the Fourth be with you! Star Wars Day

May the fourth is commonly known around the world by Star Wars fans as Star Wars Day. This is because May the 4th sounds a bit like “May the fourth”. Part of a very famous quote from the film “May the force be with you”.

The History of Star Wars

The Star Wars film franchise is probably one of the biggest, if not the biggest in the world. Created by the founder, former chairman and CEO of Lucasfilm, George Lucas. The first film came out way back in 1977. It was widely expected to be a flop and in fact, Lucas made a bet with Steven Spielberg that ended up costing him £40 Million! He traded a percentage of the takings that turned out to be the best bet Spielberg ever made. Here’s Spielberg talking about it

“[He  said] All right, I’ll tell you what. I’ll trade some points with you. You want to trade some points? I’ll give you 2.5% of Star Wars if you give me 2.5% of Close Encounters.’ So I said, ‘Sure, I’ll gamble with that. Great.’”

The film and its franchise have gone on to become one of the most beloved cult classics of our time. It still continues to grow and expand. The biggest spin-off so far is The Mandalorian and its scene-stealing star”Baby Yoda” aka Grougru.

Fun fact, did you know The Last Jedi was called “Space Bears” during its filming?

Why not have a quick Google search will have you lost for hours in all the amazing facts associated with this movieverse.

Star Wars Day

Events are held all over the world every year to celebrate this beloved Universe. From large get-togethers to home-based movie marathons. Why not host your own celebration this year? Get on some costumes and maybe try out some Star Wars recipes.

Library Resources

Want to watch the films right now? We can help! If you are an Edinburgh Napier University student or staff member then log into Box of Broadcasts (BoB) and you will be able to watch many of the films for free.

Also, check out librarysearch.napier.ac.uk for loads of fascinating items relating to Star Wars! We have a wealth of books, scores and articles.

All that’s left to say is “May the Force/fourth be with you!”

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/star-wars-movie-log-support-r2d2-2172948/

Read more form our blog on Geeky fun with our post on the History of Lego

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

International Jazz Day

30/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

International Jazz Day: A Celebration of Rhythm and Soul

Every April 30th, the world comes alive with the smooth, swinging sounds of jazz. International Jazz Day (IJD) celebrates the rich history, cultural influence, and improvisational brilliance of jazz music. From smoky clubs to grand concert halls, jazz has shaped global music for over a century. Let’s explore its origins and the vibrant celebrations, including the renowned Edinburgh Jazz Festival.

The Birth of International Jazz Day

In 2011, UNESCO declared April 30 as International Jazz Day. The goal? To highlight jazz’s role in uniting people and promoting peace. Legendary pianist Herbie Hancock led the charge as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, ensuring that jazz received the recognition it deserved. Since then, IJD has become a worldwide phenomenon, with concerts, jam sessions, and educational programs taking place in over 190 countries.

The Magic of Jazz

Jazz began in the early 20th century in New Orleans. It blended African rhythms, blues, and ragtime to create something entirely new. Improvisation became its defining feature, allowing musicians to express themselves freely. Legends like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald paved the way for future generations. Today, jazz continues to evolve, fusing with hip-hop, funk, and electronic music.

Global Celebrations and Star-Studded Events

International Jazz Day isn’t just a day—it’s an experience. Every year, a host city organizes the main global concert, featuring top jazz artists. Past hosts include Paris, Havana, and Melbourne. But the celebration isn’t confined to one place. Schools, theatres, and street corners around the world are filled with live performances and workshops. Fans, musicians, and educators come together to honour jazz’s legacy and future.

Edinburgh Jazz Festival: A Must-Visit for Jazz Lovers

Scotland swings hard when it comes to jazz. The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival is one of Europe’s top jazz events. Held every summer, it attracts international stars and emerging artists. From lively street parades to intimate club gigs, the festival captures jazz’s essence. It’s a melting pot of styles, featuring everything from traditional Dixieland to cutting-edge fusion.

Local venues host jam sessions, lectures, and concerts, bringing Scotland’s rich jazz culture to life. Whether you’re a hardcore jazz aficionado or a casual listener, the Edinburgh scene offers something special.

How to Join the Celebration

Want to be part of the fun? Find an International Jazz Day event near you. Support local musicians, visit a jazz club, or simply put on your favourite record and let the music transport you. If you’re in Scotland, don’t miss the Edinburgh Jazz Festival—it’s a jazz lover’s dream!

Resources

We had a wide variety of resources in the Library for you to access. We have books, sheet music and digital resources for listening online. Check out LibrarySearch to find out more.

So, tap your feet, snap your fingers, and let the music play. Happy International Jazz Day!

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on Music here on the blog with: The Article: Music and Edinburgh Napier

 

Image of Radio stuff for National Amateur Radio Day

National Amateur Radio Day

18/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

National Amateur Radio Day

Radio perhaps does not have the ubiquity in people’s lives as it did before. It was once the premier mass medium for music as well as information, until the 1960s at least. Spotify playlists tend to rule the roost in cafes and pubs nowadays, with playlists often generated by algorithm. Now, television as well as micro news from social media is the predominant way we consume our news, fake or otherwise – whether we like it or not. Radio has been at the heart of musical innovation too, from the Radio Ballads made by the BBC (1958-1964), to the over-layered noise experiments of John Cage’s Radio Music (1956), using transistor radios as instruments. In a similar spirit, Radiophrenia, the Glasgow-based sound art and radio initiative of Timothea Armour, Mark Vernon and Stevie Jones, is currently broadcasting as part of its annual festival of left of the dial material.

Pirate Radio

Pirate (i.e unofficial or unlicensed) radio was also key to certain periods of genre innovation and expansion in music – for example, Radio Luxembourg and rock n roll in the late 60s; jungle, drum & bass etc were promoted by local London pirate stations at a key time for electronic music innovation in the late 80s/early 90s. Student Radio stations have also attained legendary cult status – e.g WFMU in New Jersey, and KEXP in Washington State. WFMU is known for it’s ‘freeform radio’ approach, which prioritizes eclectic and unusual, non-commercial music as well as talk radio. KEXP, another station that has its roots in university education, was a major promoter of grunge music as it broke through to the mainstream in the early 1990s. To this day, it regularly hosts up and coming as well as more established bands (these have attained a high level of popularity on YouTube). Some still broadcast on radio frequency, such as the college station in my home town of Galway (Flirt F.M).

Online Radio

However, there has been an explosion of online stations which do not broadcast on any radio frequency. Due to licensing costs as well as the limited bandwidth on radio frequency, many radio producers opt to stream on the internet. Close to home, our own Edinburgh Napier Radio Group (ENRG) is an incredibly active radio station that broadcasts online only. This year, it celebrates 10 years of operation, the product of the innovative, productive tendencies of the staff and students that brought it into being. Their work spans a range of topics, from news to music; fittingly, it is a professional operation, with an ‘all action’ website that has an eye on the cutting edge of mass media today.

By Kieran Curran

Read more fascinating articles on the Library Blog Like: International Forest Day

International Record Store Day image of record player on a turntable. AI generated

International Record Store Day

12/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

A Celebration of International Record Store Day

Vinyl lovers, rejoice! Every year, music fans around the world celebrate International Record Store Day (RSD). It’s a day dedicated to independent record stores, rare vinyl releases, and the joy of discovering music the old-school way. But how did this tradition start? Let’s take a spin through its history.

The Birth of Record Store Day

International Record Store Day (RSD) started in 2007 when a group of record store owners had an idea. Streaming was on the rise, and digital music threatened physical sales. They wanted to remind the world of the magic of vinyl. So, in 2008, the first Record Store Day was held. It featured exclusive vinyl releases, live performances, and packed indie shops. It was a hit! Music fans of all kinds flocked to local stores, eager to grab limited-edition records and experience the thrill of crate-digging.

The event wasn’t just about sales. It was about celebrating music culture, independent artists, and the unique charm of brick-and-mortar record shops. Stores that once faced the threat of closing saw a resurgence of interest. Record collectors, both young and old, came together to share their love of vinyl.

The Growth of a Global Phenomenon

What started in the U.S. quickly spread worldwide. Today, Record Store Day happens in countries across the globe. Every April, artists release special editions, fans queue outside their favourite shops, and live music fills the air. Big names like David Bowie, Taylor Swift, and Prince have all had exclusive RSD releases. But it’s not just about the stars. Independent and underground artists also use RSD as a platform to reach new audiences.

The event has helped drive the vinyl resurgence. Over the past decade, vinyl sales have soared, proving that physical music is far from dead. Collectors appreciate the superior sound quality, the detailed album art, and the joy of flipping through records in a store.

Why Vinyl Still Matters

There’s something special about vinyl. The crackle of the needle, the album artwork, the feeling of holding music in your hands—it’s an experience. Record Store Day keeps that alive. It supports small businesses and keeps music culture thriving. In a world of instant streaming, RSD reminds us to slow down and savour music in a more meaningful way.

Join the Celebration!

Want to be part of the fun? Find a participating store near you. Get there early, hunt for hidden gems, and maybe even catch a live show. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just curious, RSD welcomes everyone.

So, dust off that turntable and get ready to spin. Happy Record Store Day!

Resources

Local Edinburgh Record Stores:

Vinyl Villains: An Edinburgh Staple
Assai Records Edinburgh
Underground Solution
Thorne Records: Just round the corner from our Merchiston Campus!

We have a wide variety of resources in the Library for you to access. We have books, sheet music and digital resources for listening online. Check out LibrarySearch to find out more.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on Music here on the blog with: The Article: World Music Day

 

Image of people in kilts for Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath

Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath

04/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath: Scotland’s Legacy of Freedom

Every year on April 6th, Scots and their descendants celebrate Tartan Day. It honours Scotland’s rich heritage and the lasting impact of its people worldwide. But the date is no accident. April 6th marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, a historic document that shaped the fight for Scottish independence.

The Declaration of Arbroath: A Bold Statement of Freedom

On April 6, 1320, Scottish nobles sent a letter to Pope John XXII. It declared Scotland’s right to exist as an independent nation. The letter, now known as the Declaration of Arbroath, was addressed to the Pope because he had the power to influence King Edward II of England. Scotland had fought for decades to break free from English rule. This document was a plea for recognition and support.

Written in Latin, the declaration made a passionate case for self-rule. It stated that Scotland had always been free and would remain so. The most famous line reads:

“As long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.”

This was a radical statement for the time. Kings ruled by divine right, but here was a document saying a king’s authority depended on the will of the people. If he failed to protect their freedom, they could choose another leader.

The Lasting Impact of the Declaration of Arbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath didn’t immediately win Scotland’s independence. But it strengthened the country’s resolve. Eventually, in 1328, England recognized Scotland’s sovereignty through the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton.

Centuries later, the declaration’s words still inspire. Some historians see echoes of it in the American Declaration of Independence. The idea that government exists by the will of the people resonates strongly today.

A History of Tartan

Tartan has a deep history. The Celts wove early versions over 3,000 years ago. By the 16th century, Scots wore it widely. Each region had its own patterns. Families later claimed unique designs.

In 1746, the British banned tartan after the Jacobite uprising. The law aimed to weaken Highland identity. Scots defied the ban in secret. In 1782, the government lifted it. Tartan returned stronger than ever.

By the 19th century, Queen Victoria embraced tartan. It became a symbol of Scottish pride. Today, designers use it worldwide. From kilts to catwalks, tartan remains iconic.

Kinds of Tartan

1. Clan Tartan: Each Scottish clan has its own tartan. Families wear their specific patterns with pride.

2. District Tartan: These represent regions, not families. People from a certain area can wear them.

3. Hunting Tartan: Designed for outdoor wear, these use muted earth tones. They blend into nature.

4. Dress Tartan: Brighter and fancier, often with more white. Traditionally worn for formal events.

5. Mourning Tartan: Darker shades, usually black and grey. Worn to honour lost loved ones.

6. Royal Tartan: Reserved for the British royal family. The Balmoral tartan, for example, is exclusive to them.

7. Corporate Tartan: Businesses and organizations create custom tartans. They use them for branding and uniforms.

The Witches of Scotland Tartan

The Witches of Scotland tartan has recently been released. It honours those accused of witchcraft in Scotland. It features deep purples, blacks, and greys, symbolizing mourning and justice. Designed in 2022, it supports the campaign for a formal apology and pardon. The tartan raises awareness of past injustices and sparks conversations. Many wear it to show solidarity with victims of the witch trials.

Tartan Day: A Modern Celebration

Tartan Day originated in Canada in the 1980s. The idea was to recognize the contributions of Scottish immigrants and to celebrate Scotland around the world.

Parades, Highland games, and cultural events mark the day. People wear kilts and display their family tartans. Pipe bands march through cities, and Scottish heritage groups educate the public about their roots. The day is a reminder of Scotland’s influence around the world.

Why Tartan Day Matters

Tartan Day isn’t just about history. It’s about identity. Millions of people around the world have Scottish ancestry. They take pride in their heritage and in the values of perseverance, independence, and freedom.

Whether you have Scottish roots or simply admire the culture, Tartan Day is a chance to celeb

Resources

Read more on Librarysearch about Tartan and more on Scotland here on our Blog with articles like:

Bridges of Scotland or Scottish Women in Science

By Juliet Kinsey

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