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Christmas in historical Edinburgh

Historical Christmas

18/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

Historical Christmas

We’re just about ready to close up for the Christmas holidays and it’s all we’ve been able to talk about here at the library. Besides thinking about our Christmas shopping, having to meet up with the family. And getting ready for Christmas dinner. We’ve also gave a bit of thought about how Christmas became what it is today, and the different ways that it has changed over the century. So we decided to have a quick look into it today.

Midwinter and the period stretching from the winter solstice (which usually falls around the week of the 21st) up to early January has long been a time of celebration and festivities across many cultures and faiths. Archaeological evidence indicates such celebrations were being held as far back as the Neolithic period (almost nine thousand years ago!) with the speculation being that ancient sites such as Stonehenge served as places to conduct such ceremonies and festivities.

Many religions have used this time as a period to commemorate the births of their respective deities as well, with the ancient Egyptians using this time to mark the birth of their god Horus.
In addition to religious connotations, holding festive celebrations during the period also served a practical purpose of lifting community spirits during the darkest and coldest time of year.

Roman Christmas

It is in such early winter celebrations that we can find the origins of Christmas, with early Christians in the Roman Empire likely drawing inspiration from the Roman festival of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, (held on the 25th of December), and the Roman holiday of Saturnalia, which was a gift giving holiday in the week up to the 25th of December in honour of Saturn.
At the same time, Christians living to the East of Rome primarily celebrated Jesus on the 6th of January, on an occasion known as Theophany, or The Epiphany, believed to be the date the three wise men visited Jesus.

Medieval Christmas

By the medieval period, the Catholic Church decided to unite both traditions by officially declaring the period of the 25th of December to the 6th of January as being Christmastide, or the Twelve Days of Christmas, with the weeks leading up to Christmas being marked as the Advent period. Which would serve as a time of preparation and anticipation for the upcoming Christmas celebrations.

Early Christmas celebrations would usually involve traditions associated with local pre-Christian winter festivals, especially the festival of Yuletide observed by the Norse and Anglo-Saxon people. To the point that today the name Yuletide is considered synonymous with Christmastime. It’s from these Yuletide celebrations that we get the Christmas traditions of decorating homes using seasonal fruits and plants and Yule log. It is even speculated that Christmas Carols have their roots in Yuletide singing, where it was custom to go door-to-door singing in exchange for gifts and alcohol. Although Yuletide singing is recorded as being a much rowdier affair than Christmas carolling usually is!

Over the centuries Christmas began to grow in popularity as many kings and emperors of Europe chose to be crowned on Christmas Day, and it soon became custom for monarchs and nobles to host lavish Christmas feasts every year.
It was from these Christmas feasts that we start to see some of the modern Christmas cuisine start to emerge, with King Henry VIII beginning the tradition of serving turkey for Christmas dinner shortly after the bird was imported to Britain, as a way of showing off his great wealth. Expensive birds soon became a staple of royal Christmas dinners, although many normal households would struggle to afford such food until many centuries later, instead usually settling for more affordable meat like duck.

As part of these feasts, it was expected that the host would hire a troupe of actors (called Mummers) to stage a play for the entertainment of guests. These plays would usually involve crude humour and stage fights, and would over time evolve into Christmas pantomimes that are still popular in Britain today. Of course, these wouldn’t be the only plays associated with Christmas time. The staging of a Christmas Nativity play depicting the birth of Jesus is a tradition that goes back even further to around the early 1200s when Saint Francis of Assisi oversaw the staging of such a play in Italy, with the practice spreading overtime to other Christian countries.

Back in the day, Christmas celebrations in Britain put a great emphasis on partying and “misrule”, with a member of the party being appointed the Lord of Misrule (called the Abbot of Unreason up here in Scotland) who was responsible for overseeing the party and encouraging drunkenness and unruly behaviour. This tradition was controversial at the time as it was seen as sinful and was outlawed in Britain by the 17th century. The tradition would be forgotten overtime as Christmas changed to become more centred on family and religious observance. This push to change Christmas from a time of drunken revelry to a time of faith and family is also part of the reason why we give each other gifts on Christmas.

1800s Christmas

Because early Christmas celebrations were more focused on partying and feasting, there wasn’t much time spent on the gift giving that we associated Christmas with today. Instead, gift giving was typically split between two different days. On the 6th of December presents would be given to the children in a community in celebration of St Nicholas Day, with adults being given gifts at New Years. The shift of gift-giving to Christmas Eve or Christmas Day came partially due to the Protestant reformation resulting in much of Europe stopping observing most Saint days, and partially the result of the aforementioned push to change Christmas from a period of drunken celebration to a more wholesome time.

One of the few countries in Europe that continued to give gifts on St Nicholas Day was the Netherlands, who brought the tradition over to North America along with stories of Sinterklass, which was what they called St Nick. This would become our idea of Santa Claus by the 19th century, with American poems such as Old Santeclaus with Much Delight and A Visit from St. Nicholas (both published in the 1820s) creating a lot of the popular imagery around Santa and cemented the night before Christmas as being the day he would arrive to give presents to children. The popularity of both of these poems is what helped normalise Christmas Eve or Christmas Day as being the days gifts would be given and opened.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert Influence

The 1800s would see the popularisation of many other common Christmas traditions still in use today. With Christmas trees first seeing use in Britain in the early 1800s thanks to Queen Charlotte, who brought the tradition over from her home country of Germany. The royal family would continue to decorate a Christmas tree every year and the 1840s saw the publication of an illustration ofQueen Victoria and Prince Albert decorating a tree with their children. This illustration was very popular and is believed to have helped popular Christmas trees in Britain, spurred on by the industrialisation of Britain allowing for decorations to be made quickly and cheaply in large numbers. This same decade also saw the beginnings of the first Christmas cards
The Victorian era also saw the establishment of Christmas as a holiday period from work and education, with workers being granted Christmas and Boxing Day off work, thanks to industrialisation allowing for more time off work and the labour movement of the era pushing for greater reform in work laws.

That took some explaining, but from all this you can see how Christmas evolved into what we have today. It really makes you wonder what new Christmas traditions we might see emerge over the coming years (we’ve already had the Elf on a Shelf start to gain popularity over the past twenty years) and what it will look like centuries from now!

By Matthew Ferrie

We have lots of festive posts to keep you entertain this Christmas.

 

 

 

 

John Napier bronze bust at Merchsiton.

History of Napier

09/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

History of Napier

Ever wonder how the name Napier in Edinburgh Napier University? Ever wonder about the old tower on Merchiston Campus? Or the statue placed by the tower? Well, wonder no more.  We are going to look at the History of Napier.

John Napier

John Napier, eighth Laird of Merchiston, was born in Merchiston Tower in Edinburgh in 1550. He died in Merchiston Tower in 1617, the very tower that stands in the centre of Merchiston Campus.

John Napier is most ‘famous for his contributions to the world of Mathematics. His invention of logarithms decoded previously unexplored complexities within mathematics and inspired contemporaries, as well as future generations, to pursue and realise their own academic achievements in many fields of scientific inquiry. His later introduction of a series of calculating devices ensured mathematics was applied to common use and enabled the development of entrepreneurialism’ (Napier.ac.uk/ourHistory)

Today, logarithms are an internal part of Science, Engineering and Computing.

Napier’s dedication to the Protestant Faith is well-documented and it is suggested by some historians that he considered his book Plaine Discovery of the Whole Revelation of St John as his finest work.  It is his interpretation of the Protestant Christian Bible’s Book Revelation.  A time of change in Scotland including the dethronement of Mary, Queen of Scots and the coronation of James VI.

John Napier also had a number of other inventions including Machines of War and Archimedes Screw (one of the earliest hydraulic machines) and Common Salts.

John Napier died in 1617, nearly 350 years later, Edinburgh Napier University began it’s journey.

Edinburgh Napier University

Our foundations go all the way back to the 16th century. But in the last five decades has seen us grow into a globally renowned institution. Opened our doors as Napier Technical College in 1964, welcoming 800 students. To now, home to over 19500 students from over 140 countries. In 1992, Napier is officially inaugurated as a University. Lord James Douglas Hamilton and Principal William Turmeau unveil the new University sign at Merchiston.

In 2024, Edinburgh Napier wins the 2024 Higher Educational Institution of the Year.

At Edinburgh Napier University, we believe in the importance of making a difference. While we’ve risen in rankings and grown in scope over the years, we’ve stayed true to our heritage as an applied technical institution. For our students and researchers, this means that learning and discovery don’t just take place in the lab or the classroom, it happen in the real world.

We’ve come a long way from 1550.

A timetable of Edinburgh Napier University.

Read about our Heritage

 

International Students Day image of 4 students walking

International Students Day

17/11/2025 / / 0 Comments

International Students Day

As well as promoting diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism, International Students’ Day also acknowledges and commemorates the students who organised a peaceful protest at the University of Prague on 17 November 1939 against Germany’s occupation of Czechoslovakia (now known as the Czech Republic and Slovakia ). On that day, Nazi forces stormed the university; more than 1,200 student activists were arrested and sent to concentration camps, and their leaders were executed without trial. In retaliation, all Czech higher education institutions, including universities and colleges, were closed by the Nazis.

To honour the bravery, actions, and sacrifices of these student activists, International Students’ Day is observed every year on 17 November—the anniversary of the 1939 protests. These tragic events ultimately sparked widespread public outrage and further demonstrations, which would later contribute to the fall of the communist government and the rise of a democratic state in Czechoslovakia.

Today, this international observance represents and promotes academic liberation, unity and the significance of equal access to education worldwide.

Celebrating International Students…

There are approximately over six million international students enrolled in universities across the globe today. While all students can face a range of difficulties and challenges throughout their school, college and university years, international students can often be faced with a high number of challenges and hardships, including visa limitations, language barriers, financial pressures, along with currency differences, and homesickness, which coincides with feelings of loneliness as well. They will often have to leave behind family and travel and live millions of miles away from home to study at university. They may also not have the same or any access to any of the loans or funding options which are made available to home students. International Students Day raises recognition of and acknowledges these difficulties that international students can face throughout their university careers and lives, and the importance of making education affordable and equal for all. It also encourages all educational establishments and fellow students to help create a supportive and welcoming environment for all as well.

At Edinburgh Napier University, we have many support services available and teams which can help and assist you with various fundamental aspects of university life as well as any upcoming assignments and exams. Some of these teams include:

  • Our Finance and Student Funding Team. They can provide advice and support regarding funding access, help when filling out funding application forms, budgeting advice and assistance with how to set up payment plans or pay in full for tuition and accommodation fees.
  • Our International Support Team. Can assist with visa applications and any advice relating to visa types and immigration. They can also provide important documents such as work, travel and graduation letters. Our international support team also recruit international student ambassadors who can talk to new and continuing international students about their own experiences of studying in the UK and provide an insight into university life as an international student at Napier, and helpful advice and tips alongside this.
  • Our Wellbeing and Inclusion Team. Our wellbeing and inclusion team are trained to offer a range of support, services and even a listening ear if there are some aspects of university life you are struggling with, or facing external struggles which are affecting you at university. We offer counselling and mental wellbeing services, advice on changing courses, and free and round-the-clock access to anonymous support services such as TogetherAll. We also have our Keep on Track team, which can support you if you are feeling overwhelmed or unsettled at any point in your university career and life as a student here.
  • Our Library Team and Campus Libraries! Our library staff can assist you with finding relevant resources for your research and upcoming deadlines, help with some fundamental aspects of digital access and printing and support you with any referencing and literature searching queries you may have.

Find out more information as well as contact details for our teams in our My-Napier webpages.

By Rachel Downie

Craiglockhart Remembrance

Remembrance Day

11/11/2025 / / 0 Comments

Remembrance Day

 

Remembrance Day takes place on the 11th of November each year. It is also known as Armistice Day.

 

The Armistice was an agreement signed by the Germans and the Allies to mark the end of fighting in World War I. The signing of the Armistice took place on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and is still recognised today with a two-minute silence held at 11am on that day.

 

Remembrance Sunday occurs on the second Sunday of November. It is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice made by those in the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, who have fought to protect our freedom and our way of life. We also remember the important role of emergency services and those who have lost their lives due to conflict or terrorism.

Memorial Services are held throughout the United Kingdom, bringing together people from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds

 

The poppy has been used as a symbol of Remembrance for over 100 years. It is also a symbol of hope for a peaceful future. During the devastation of World War I, the landscape became fields of mud where very little could grow.  Over time, the countryside healed, and beautiful, bright red Flanders poppies grew in their thousands. The sight of poppies growing in former battlefields inspired Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write his now famous poem, In Flanders Fields, after he lost a friend in Ypres in 1915.

 

Click the link to read the poem In Flanders Fields

 

We Will Remember Them

By Sharon McMichael

Our War Poets Collection

 

AI generated image of fireworks and Parliament for post Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

05/11/2025 / / 1 Comment

Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

In 2018, UK consumers spent £316 million on Bonfire Night, also known as Fireworks Night or Guy Fawkes Night, according to market research company Mintel. Most of that money went up in smoke, spent on fireworks and bonfires. Fireworks displays remained the most popular way to celebrate, with 38% of the population attending an event.

The Gunpowder Plot

Bonfire Night traces back to a 17th-century religious and political plot. In 1605, English Catholics, led by Robert Catesby, planned to blow up King James and his government during Parliament’s State Opening on November 6. They aimed to install a Catholic head of state to end Catholic persecution, following years of religious strife with the Roman Church.

Guy Fawkes

Guy Fawkes, a minor conspirator, gained fame due to his role in guarding the explosives. After an anonymous tip-off, authorities searched the Palace of Westminster’s cellars and found him with 36 barrels of gunpowder. This discovery led to today’s ceremonial “search” of Parliament before each State Opening, carried out by the Yeoman of the Guard, who are rewarded with port.

The plot began in a pub, the Duck and Drake. Fawkes, a mercenary, was hired to ignite the gunpowder. The conspirators rented a cellar beneath the House of Lords and filled it with explosives, delaying their plan twice. Eventually, authorities discovered the plot, and Catesby was killed resisting arrest. Others were tortured, tried, and sentenced to be hung, drawn, and quartered. Fawkes escaped the full punishment by breaking his neck on his way to the scaffold.

Following news of the plot’s failure, Londoners celebrated spontaneously, lighting bonfires. A later Act of Parliament mandated annual commemorations with church services of thanksgiving, though it was repealed in 1859.

This ‘search’ continues today before every State Opening of Parliament, albeit ceremonially, with the searchers, the Yeoman of the Guard, rewarded with a glass of port.  

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picture of carved pumpkins for post A History of Halloween

A History of Halloween

31/10/2025 / / 0 Comments

A History of Halloween

Are you sitting comfortably? If so, let me begin with a fascinating history of Halloween.

People trace the origins of Halloween back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated around 2,000 years ago. This festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. During this time, the Celts believed that the boundary between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. To ward off ghosts and malevolent spirits thought to roam the earth, they lit bonfires and wore costumes. Moreover, the festival provided an opportunity to honour ancestors and seek their guidance for the coming year.

As Christianity spread, followers gradually incorporated Samhain into their traditions. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day, a day to honour saints and martyrs. This day was soon followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2, dedicated to praying for the souls of the deceased. Consequently, the Christian influence on Halloween led to the practice of trick-or-treating, which originated from the medieval practice of “souling.” In this practice, poor people went door-to-door on All Souls’ Day, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food.

Despite the Christian influence, many people continued to practise the pagan traditions and beliefs associated with Samhain, especially in Ireland and Scotland. Notably, Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween to the United States in the 19th century. Today, many countries around the world celebrate Halloween, embracing various customs and traditions that reflect its diverse origins. Ultimately, the holiday has become a time for dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and indulging in sweet treats.

Halloween Traditions

The Halloween holiday, as people celebrate it in the West today, features unique traditions that have developed over time. Celebrations often include bobbing for apples, trick-or-treating, making Jack-o’-Lanterns, wearing spooky costumes, and telling scary stories.

While some of these traditions originate from ancient practices, others have adapted and evolved over time. For example, people trace the tradition of bobbing for apples back to a Roman festival honouring Pomona, the goddess of agriculture and abundance. Similarly, the practice of carving pumpkins into Jack-o’-Lanterns evolved from the original custom of carving turnips and other root vegetables. Personally, I would advise against trying to carve a turnip, as it proves nearly impossible and takes forever!

Halloween Celebrations Around the World

Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that takes place on November 1st and 2nd. This vibrant festival allows families to remember and celebrate their loved ones who have passed away. Many believe that on these days, the souls of the departed return to the world of the living to be with their families. The holiday features colourful parades, elaborate costumes, and offerings of food and drink for the deceased. While people often compare Dia de los Muertos to Halloween, it undeniably holds its own unique traditions and cultural significance.

Guy Fawkes Night

Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night or Fireworks Night, is a British holiday that takes place on November 5th. You can read all about it in our article here. This holiday commemorates the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his associates to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. People celebrate with bonfires, fireworks displays, and the burning of effigies of Guy Fawkes. While it is not directly related to Halloween, this holiday shares some similarities in its focus on fire and celebration.

World Festivals

Additionally, many countries around the world host Halloween-like festivals. Each of these festivals features unique traditions and cultural significance. In Romania, for example, people celebrate the Day of Dracula instead of Halloween. This event includes costume parties and reenactments of scenes from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In Hong Kong, the Hungry Ghost Festival takes place in August and September, where families offer food and drink to appease the spirits of the dead. While these festivals may share some similarities with Halloween, they stand as distinct celebrations that reflect the unique cultural traditions of their respective countries.

Want to learn more about spooky history? Why not check out our resources on Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

By Juliet Kinsey

Image: Photo by David Menidrey on Unsplash

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200-year anniversary of passenger railways

200-year anniversary of passenger railways

27/09/2025 / / 0 Comments

200-year anniversary of passenger railways

When you look at the sleek, high-speed trains that we have now it’s hard to believe that it’s been 200 years since the first steam locomotive carried passengers on the Stockton to Darlington Railway on 27th September 1825. Locomotion no. 1 was built by George Stephenson and his son Robert and it could travel at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. Around 40,000 people turned out to see the opening of the railway, which was the first public passenger railway in the world.

Seeing the potential for transporting goods and people several railway companies laid thousands of miles of tracks and operated passenger and freight services across the UK. The massive expansion of rail in the Victorian era brought distant towns and cities within reach of each other, transforming how people lived, worked, and interacted. It also accelerated the demise of the canal network as it was much quicker to transport goods by train.

The railways continued to expand and improve. The 1920s saw the ‘Big Four’ railway companies – LNER (London and North Eastern Railway), LMS (London, Midland and Scottish Railway), GWR (Great Western Railway), and Southern Railway (SR) – created following the Railways Act of 1921. This combined many small companies into four larger ones, aiming to improve services for customers. Also at this time railway companies were pushing for higher speeds to cut journey times and in 1934 the Flying Scotsman became the first locomotive in the UK to reach 100 miles per hour.

In 1948 there was a great change when railways became nationalised. The four major railway companies were amalgamated by nationalisation and became known as British Railways. There was increased use of diesel-powered trains in the 1950s as steam began to be phased out.

The 1960s saw great change to the railways. There was the end of steam on mainline routes and the Beeching Report was published. To cut costs and modernise, Dr Richard Beeching recommended that out of 18,000 miles (29,000 km) of railway, 6,000 miles (9,700 km)—mostly rural and industrial lines—should be closed entirely, and that some of the remaining lines should be kept open only for freight. This had a great impact on many communities that had poor road connections. In hindsight, keeping more of the network open would have reduced road usage, causing less congestion and pollution. With the expansion of commuter belts and increased interest in countryside living, some of the stations which were closed are being reopened due to demand. Many of the old track beds have become walks and cycle paths, such as Balerno to Colinton in the south of Edinburgh.

Modern changes

Passenger railways have come a long way since 1825. Tickets can be booked online and there are now trolley services offering food and there are toilets on board modern trains. We can travel under the English Channel from London to Paris. Many routes are being electrified to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. High speed networks such as HS2 are being built connecting London and Birmingham.

 

Railways didn’t just give us travel-look at what else they gave us!

Railway posters – These were produced as a marketing tool first by LMS. Artist Norman Wilkinson pointed out that fine art posters made for the European and North American markets had had a great impact and LMS adopted this strategy. The other railway companies noted this success and followed suit. Between the 1930s and 1950s a huge range of posters appeared, promoting rail travel to cities, seaside towns and areas such as the Highlands. Now original posters are sought after and sell for vast sums at auction.

Mallard – The engine Mallard is regarded as the height of art deco style. Designed by Nigel Gressley, Mallard had a sleek, streamlined appearance and it was even tested in a wind tunnel to perfect the design to reach high speeds. It entered service in 1938 and broke the world speed record for a steam locomotive reaching 126 mph. The record still stands today. Mallard is now on display at the National Railway Museum, York.

Bridges and viaducts – Bridges are vital to carry railways across valleys and expanses of water. In Scotland we have one of the most famous of all railway bridges. The Forth Rail Bridge opened in 1890 is a multispan cantilever bridge crossing the River Forth estuary. It’s style and red colour makes it instantly recognizable. It is still in use today and has achieved UNESCO world heritage status. The Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Line is 380 meters long and has 21 spans. It is built of concrete and it has always been a spectacular sight but became world famous when it was used in the Harry Potter films. Today it draws many tourists to watch trains crossing over it.

Stations – In Victorian times no expense was spared on railway stations, they often had expansive and impressive glass roofs, intricate ironwork and impressive facades. Many such as London St Pancras and Wemyss Bay have achieved listed building status.

Edmondson railway ticket – Initially railway companies used handwritten tickets, but this was laborious for clerks and resulted in long queues. While working as a station master,  Thomas Edmondson the handwritten paper tickets by using pasteboard and printing them with an inked ribbon, a woodcut block and a mallet.  He later designed all the equipment needed to mass produce tickets. The tickets in each series were individually numbered. When a ticket was issued, it was date-stamped by a custom-made machine. The tickets to different destinations and of different types were stored in a lockable cupboard, and the lowest-numbered remaining ticket of each type was visible. Different colours and patterns helped distinguish the different types of tickets. In 1839 he set up his own ticket printing business.  His tickets and equipment came to be used throughout the world.

Heritage railways

Across the country heritage railways run on routes abandoned during the Beeching cuts. Often run by volunteers they are seen as a great outing for all the family. Older generations can reminisce about the trains of their childhood and younger ones are fascinated by the old engines and rolling stock. Some of the trains offer lunches or afternoon tea so a trip on board can be a part of a birthday or anniversary celebration. In Scotland both the Strathspey Railway and the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway offer trips along short stretches of track and food is available at certain times. They also offer special days and footplate experiences.

Railway time

Railway time is the standardisation of time across the railway network in Britain, in November 1840. Before railway time was introduced towns on railway networks had their own local time determined by a sundial – obviously a very inaccurate way to measure time. This method was then replaced by local mean time which did allow for longitudinal and seasonal differences, but it still did not produce a uniform time throughout the country. This created confusion caused by having non-uniform local times in each town and station stop along the networks and may have contributed to the increased incidence of accidents and near misses as the network expanded. In November 1840, The Great Western Railway told all stations to use London time. The standardisation made a huge impact on daily life – almost all public authorities, including town halls and churches, used railway time by 1855.

Railway tv shows

There’s also the celebrity railway journey tv shows. It seems there’s always some celebrity jumping on a train and stopping off at various locations on a route to show us interesting places around the UK and beyond. Perhaps the one who kicked it all off was former politician Michael Portillo whose railway journeys have now been running on the BBC since 2010. Sometimes he’s touring the UK with Great British Railway Journeys but he has also done continental, American and Asian journeys. Actor Alan Cumming enjoyed a luxury train journey around Scotland in Scotland’s Poshest Train and Actor Bill Nighy narrates World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. However these are just a few of the many celebrity railway journeys to be found on screen.

It seems we can’t get enough of railways and trains so here’s to the next 200 years of railway travel. Railway 200 marks the bicentenary of the world’s first public railway. Check online  to find out if there are any events running near you.

You can use Library Search to find books and articles on railways, transport, engineering and design.

Use the Box of Broadcasts database to watch Secrets of Flying Scotsman.

Photo by Richard Horne 

We have a ton of history articles on the blog

Image of hands for article The Power of Left-Handedness: Exploring the Advantages of Being Left-Handed

The Power of Left-Handedness

21/08/2025 / / 2 Comments

The Power of Left-Handedness

Left-handedness, a natural phenomenon that has intrigued scientists and societies for centuries, refers to the preference of using the left hand over the right hand for various activities. Approximately 10% of the global population is left-handed, making it a relatively rare trait. While left-handedness is often seen as a unique and intriguing characteristic, it has also been associated with certain advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will delve into the advantages of being left-handed, explore its presence in different cultures, examine famous left-handed individuals, discuss its impact on sports, address the challenges and misconceptions surrounding left-handedness, explore the concept of ambidextrousness, and highlight specialized products and tools for left-handed individuals.

The advantages of being left-handed

Being left-handed can provide individuals with various advantages. One significant advantage is enhanced creativity. Studies have shown that left-handed individuals tend to have a more developed right brain hemisphere, which is associated with creativity and artistic abilities. This may explain why a significant number of artists, musicians, and writers are left-handed. Additionally, left-handed individuals often possess increased problem-solving skills and are adept at thinking outside the box, which can be advantageous in many professional fields.

Another advantage of being left-handed is improved spatial reasoning. Left-handed individuals typically have a more developed right parietal cortex, which is responsible for spatial awareness and visualization. This enhanced spatial reasoning can be beneficial in activities such as architecture, engineering, and sports that require precise coordination and understanding of spatial relationships.

Left-handedness has also been linked to better multitasking abilities. Research suggests that left-handed individuals have a higher degree of interhemispheric connectivity, allowing for more efficient communication between the brain’s two hemispheres. This enhanced connectivity enables left-handed individuals to excel in tasks that require simultaneous processing of multiple sources of information, such as driving while talking on the phone or multitasking in a fast-paced work environment.

Left-handedness in different cultures

Throughout history, left-handedness has been viewed differently across various cultures. In some cultures, being left-handed was considered taboo or associated with negative connotations, leading to discrimination and attempts to convert left-handed individuals to right-handedness. However, in other cultures, left-handedness was celebrated and considered a sign of uniqueness and special abilities.

For example, ancient Egyptians believed that left-handedness was a divine characteristic, associating it with the goddess Isis. In certain African cultures, left-handed individuals were believed to possess spiritual powers and were revered as healers or shamans. In contrast, many Western societies historically viewed left-handedness as a sign of evil or witchcraft, leading to societal pressure to convert left-handed individuals to right-handedness.

Fortunately, the perception of left-handedness has evolved over time, with greater acceptance and recognition of its natural occurrence. Today, many cultures celebrate left-handedness and highlight the advantages and unique qualities associated with being left-handed.

Famous left-handed individuals

Left-handedness has been prevalent among numerous famous individuals throughout history. From artists and athletes to politicians and scientists, left-handedness has not hindered the success of these individuals but has often contributed to their achievements. Some notable left-handed actors include Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, and Julia Roberts, who have captivated audiences with their exceptional acting skills and charisma.

In the realm of music, left-handed musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, and Kurt Cobain have left an indelible mark on the world of music with their innovative styles and groundbreaking compositions. Their left-handedness brought a unique perspective to their craft, contributing to their iconic status in the music industry.

From a scientific standpoint, left-handed individuals such as Albert Einstein and Marie Curie have made significant contributions to their respective fields, showcasing that left-handedness is not a hindrance but rather a characteristic that can coexist with exceptional intelligence and groundbreaking discoveries.

These examples serve as a testament to the fact that left-handedness is not a limitation but rather an asset that can contribute to remarkable achievements in various domains.

Left-handedness in sports

Left-handedness can provide a competitive edge in the world of sports. In many sports, left-handed athletes possess a natural advantage due to their opponents’ relative lack of experience in facing left-handed competitors. This unexpectedness can disrupt the opponent’s usual strategies and provide left-handed athletes with a higher chance of success.

For instance, in tennis, left-handed players often have an advantage over right-handed players due to the difference in spin and angle of the ball when it is struck by a left-handed player’s racket. This can create difficulties for right-handed opponents in adjusting their shots and positioning on the court.

Similarly, in combat sports such as boxing or martial arts, left-handed fighters, known as southpaws, often pose challenges for their right-handed opponents. The reversed stance and different angles of attack can catch right-handed opponents off guard and require additional adaptation and strategy.

Left-handedness can also be advantageous in team sports such as basketball or soccer. Left-handed players can provide a unique playing style and contribute to the team’s tactical diversity. Their left-handedness can create unpredictable situations for the opposing team, as they are accustomed to defending against right-handed players.

Challenges and misconceptions about left-handedness

Despite the advantages associated with being left-handed, there are also challenges and misconceptions that left-handed individuals may encounter. One common misconception is that left-handed individuals are less intelligent or more prone to certain health conditions. However, scientific research has debunked these myths, reaffirming that left-handedness is simply a natural variation in human development with no inherent disadvantages.

One challenge that left-handed individuals may face is the lack of left-handed products and tools in a right-handed dominant world. Many everyday objects, such as scissors, can openers, and desks, are designed for right-handed individuals, which can make certain tasks more challenging or uncomfortable for left-handed individuals. However, with increasing awareness and demand, there has been a growing availability of specialized products and tools designed specifically for left-handed individuals, alleviating these challenges to some extent.

Ambidexterity: The ability to use both hands equally well

While left-handedness is often associated with a preference for using the left hand, some individuals possess the unique ability to use both hands equally well. This phenomenon is known as Ambidextrousness. Ambidextrous individuals are not strictly left-handed or right-handed but have a high degree of ambidexterity.

Ambisinistrousness can be advantageous in various situations. Individuals with this ability can effortlessly switch between hands, allowing them to adapt quickly to different tasks and situations. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial in activities that require fine motor skills or coordinated movements.

Ambidextrous individuals often excel in musical instruments that require both hands, such as a piano or a guitar, as they can seamlessly navigate the keys or strings with either hand. Additionally, ambidexterity can be advantageous in sports that demand bilateral coordination, such as fencing or archery.

Left-handed products and tools

There is a growing market for specialised left-handed products and tools. From left-handed scissors with reversed blades to left-handed keyboards and computer mice, these products are designed to provide comfort and ease of use for left-handed individuals.

Left-handed desks and writing instruments with a slant towards the left are also available, enabling left-handed individuals to write without smudging the ink or experiencing discomfort. Additionally, specialised kitchen utensils, such as left-handed can openers and peelers, have been developed to facilitate food preparation for left-handed individuals.

The availability of these specialised products and tools has significantly improved the overall experience for left-handed individuals, allowing them to navigate a right-handed dominant world with greater comfort and efficiency.

Tips for left-handed individuals

If you are left-handed, here are a few tips to enhance your experience and make daily tasks more manageable:

  1. Embrace your left-handedness: Recognise that being left-handed is a unique and valuable trait that contributes to your individuality. Embrace it with pride and celebrate your differences.
  2. Seek out left-handed products and tools: Invest in specialised left-handed products and tools that cater to your needs. This will make everyday tasks more comfortable and efficient.
  3. Develop ambidexterity: Practice using your non-dominant hand to improve your ambidexterity. This can be done through simple activities such as brushing your teeth or writing short notes.
  4. Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to the layout of objects and tools in your environment. Make adjustments, if necessary, to ensure optimal comfort and functionality.
  5. Educate others: Inform friends, family, and coworkers about the challenges that left-handed individuals may face. By raising awareness, you can help create a more inclusive and accommodating environment for all.

Embracing and celebrating left-handedness

Left-handedness is a fascinating characteristic that has both advantages and challenges. It is important to recognise and celebrate the unique qualities that left-handed individuals bring to the world. By understanding the advantages of being left-handed, appreciating its presence in different cultures, acknowledging the accomplishments of famous left-handed individuals, and addressing the challenges and misconceptions surrounding left-handedness, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for all individuals, regardless of their dominant hand. So, let us embrace and celebrate the power of left-handedness.

Celebrate your left-handedness! Share this article with your friends and family to spread awareness and appreciation for the advantages of being left-handed.

Read more on Scientific studies in Left-Handedness on our Library Catalogue LibrarySearch

By Juliet Kinsey

Image Source: Photo by Sebastian Dumitru on Unsplash

Read more on our Blog from Juliet with articles like Stress Awareness Month

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

studio photo

Capturing History

09/05/2025 / / 0 Comments

Capturing History: A work placement photographing the Heritage Collections.

From February to May 2025, the Heritage Collections welcomed Yzella Landry, a third-year student from the BA (Hons) in Photography, for a trimester-long work placement. As part of the placement, Yzella photographed objects and books from the University’s collections and took images to help promote the department’s wider work. Here, Yzella talks about her experience of her placement.

From February to May, I had the opportunity to work with the Heritage Collections department developing my photography skills through hands-on experience during my third-year university placement. After reading the placement advert, I became curious about this side of photography and decided to use this opportunity to learn about the conservation and digitisation of heritage items.

Through the placement team, I applied for the role and arranged a MS Teams call to discuss the work and what I would be doing further. We started the placement with research days where I spent the day on my own going over materials on how to properly handle the objects. which was then followed by an in-person handling training the following week before going into the studio to begin photographing the heritage items. We had two studio days, which spanned over two normal working days and then the following weeks I spent editing and cataloguing the items photographed.

ECC E575).
[Caption: Printing block of playing cards from 1800 (ECC E575).]

The studio days were a lot of fun; I got to set up the studio space for the first time and got to see the heritage items for the first time too. I photographed a set of wooden printing blocks with fantasy cards carved into them along with various printing tools such as a locked-up forme featuring a graduation announcement. The metal type (i.e. individual letters) is held together to complete a full block of text, keeping it preserved in the state that it would have been used for printing.

 

 

A forme featuring a 1988 Industrial Design graduation announcement

[Caption: A forme featuring a 1988 Industrial Design graduation announcement.]

My favourite part of the placement was being given a tour of Merchiston Tower by Laura (Senior Curator). She shared the history of the medieval tower, and I got the opportunity to see the original ceiling boards up close. We even took a few loose boards to photograph and catalogue them as part of the archival process. It was curious to be able to see the hand-painted details that were both not just engaging pieces of artwork but also held a surprisingly playful aspect to them.

Tower board

[Caption: Example of a loose board from Merchiston Tower’s painting ceiling, dated to 1581.]

I also got to use the book scanner to scan single leaves that were taken from their original fifteenth and sixteenth-century books. Each page had been placed into large card mounts, with the leaves inside and a window cut through the card to showcase the page along with a label for the year and title of the books they came from, the card being used to prevent damage to the leaves and to minimise handling of each leaf directly.

It was interesting to take a closer look at the prints and the detailed illustrations they were often followed by. The illustrations of the landscapes, buildings and dragons were stunning, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to go through each page and seeing the variety of font styles and the vibrant use of colour in some of the drawings.

Through meetings and regular check-ins, I was given a realistic experience of what it would be like to work in this side of the industry, and it has made me want to further explore it. If I could continue this placement I would as I found myself enjoying the work and getting to learn the history behind the objects I was working with.

By Yzella Landry,

 

More from our Heritage Collection. and here.

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