FROM THE EDITOR

The much-anticipated digital kirk session records release from National Records of Scotland has been welcomed by researchers around the country, particularly with so many libraries and archives still closed or working on reduced hours due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

Don't miss our exclusive feature (page 34) on how to use the records to explore the lives of ordinary Scots from the 16th century onwards. And from the everyday to the remarkable, we also explore the involvement of a ‘witch' in Sir Francis Walsingham's diplomatic mission to the court of James VI (page 10) and a jaw-dropping visit to Glasgow by the 'Queen of Demerara' back in 1810. Find out more on page 24.

Enjoy the issue and do join us next time, when we'll be celebrating twenty years of History Scotland.