National Library to send Mary, Queen of Scots’ Last Letter to Perth

At 2am on Wednesday 8 February 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots wrote what is believed to be her last letter, writing to her brother-in-law in France to put her affairs in order. Her execution at Fotheringhay Castle was to take place six hours later.

Several centuries later, Mary remains a key figure of Scotland’s history and culture. Her last letter will go on display as part of ‘OUTWITH: National Library around Scotland’ – a special programme of loans, events and activities taking place at locations around the country to mark the National Library’s centenary.

Mary’s letter is rarely seen outside of storage. While the vast majority of the Library’s collections can be accessed by anyone in the reading rooms, the letter leaves the vaults only in very special circumstances, owing somewhat to its historical and cultural significance, but primarily for conservation reasons.

The letter will be on display at Perth Museum from 23 January until 26 April – which is also the home of the Stone of Destiny. The letter will form the centrepiece of an exhibition and events programme bringing Mary’s story and connections to Perthshire to life.

Some 500 metres away at AK Bell Library, other items from the National Library’s collections will be on display to complement the letter in an exhibition entitled ‘The Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots’. This will feature Robert Burns’ poem ‘Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, On the Approach of Spring’ written in Burns’ own hand, and early manuscripts from Liz Lochhead’s iconic play ‘Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off’.

Director of Collections, Access and Research, Alison Stevenson said “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for people to see the Last Letter. The last time it was on public display was back in 2017 for one day only, and there were queues of people forming along George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. We are delighted to partner with Culture Perth and Kinross to bring the letter to Perth Museum, as well as a range of collections and events to AK Bell Library.”

“The whole point of the ‘OUTWITH’ programme is to take our collections, our people and our services to parts of Scotland beyond the Central Belt. We were greeted with a warm welcome in Aberdeen in autumn this year – people were genuinely keen to learn more about what their national library could do for them. We hope those living in and around Perth will get as much out of our presence next year.”

Ashleigh Hibbins, Head of Audiences and Learning at Culture Perth and Kinross, said “We are so proud to welcome Mary, Queen of Scots’ last letter to Perth Museum, the first time this precious piece of history has travelled north of Edinburgh in the modern era. Perth and Kinross is at the heart of Mary’s story, particularly her imprisonment, abdication, and dramatic escape from Lochleven Castle. Mary’s poignant last words will be displayed within a wider immersive exhibition, directly above the Stone of Destiny and objects from the reigns of her son and grandson, so we really do view this as a homecoming.”

“Mary’s story continues to resonate with people, which is why we are also delighted to be able to share a companion display of original material from Robert Burns and Liz Lochhead at AK Bell Library, two equally iconic Scots who were inspired by the doomed queen. It’s an honour that the National Library has entrusted us to display these cherished objects as part of the OUTWITH programme, which will be such a boost for our local communities.”

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, said “Mary, Queen of Scots is one of the most well-known figures in Scottish history. Her last letter, penned just hours before her execution, is a priceless record from somebody who lived over 400 years ago and we owe an immense debt of gratitude to all those who have preserved it from her hand to the care of our national library.”

“Scotland’s history belongs to all of us so I am delighted that it is going on display in Perth, as part of the library’s centenary celebrations. Due to its age this letter is rarely on display, so I would strongly encourage people across Scotland and beyond to make the most of this opportunity, before it goes back into storage for safekeeping.”

‘The Last Letter of Mary, Queen of Scots’ will be on display from Friday 23 January until Sunday 26 April 2026 at Perth Museum. Access to the exhibition is free.

‘The Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots’ display will be held at AK Bell Library, Perth from Friday 23 January until Saturday 25 April 2026.

For more information about the loans, events, and activities as part of ‘OUTWITH: National Library around Scotland’, including National Library Live in Perth on Saturday 7 March 2026, visit the National Library’s website.

The National Library of Scotland’s OUTWITH programme has been kindly supported by The Gannochy Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, the NLS Foundation, P F Charitable Trust, Stichting Teuntje Anna (TA Fund), The Ettrick Trust, William Grant Foundation, Murdoch Forrest Charitable Trust, The Scottish Book Trust and by supporters of the National Library’s Centenary Appeal. The Perth component of OUTWITH was also generously supported by the Evelyn Ferris Mudie Trust and Perth and Kinross Council.