Rare old books unveiled in digital collection

More than 200 manuscripts dating back as far as the 9th Century have been digitised by the National Library of Scotland.

The collection boasts a 15th-Century medical almanac, a 12thCentury manuscript of the Rule of the Knights Templar order – including advice on the “superfluity” of beards and moustaches – and a 15th-Century psalter written and illuminated at Culross Abbey, Fife.

The work was made possible due to a donation from library supporter Alexander Graham.

Ulrike Hogg, manuscripts curator at the National Library, said: “This fascinating digitised collection is international in origin, though a large part of the volumes were written in Scotland.

“The survival rate of medieval Scottish manuscript volumes is generally low. For example, only 1% of religious manuscripts of Roman Catholic use – many of which were systematically destroyed during and after the Scottish Reformation – are believed to still be in existence.

“It is difficult to estimate how many cultural treasures were lost during these times.

“The collection includes a number of those fortunate survivors that have endured subsequent centuries.”

Volumes produced in England, France, Italy and north-west Europe are also in the 240piece collection.

Dr Hogg added: “The digital images provide a new opportunity to gain some insight into medieval Scottish book production.

“The interests, tastes and knowledge of medieval scribes can be seen in these images.”

The collection can be viewed under Early Manuscripts at the website www.nls.uk