The National Galleries of Scotland and National Library of Scotland are in the process of cataloguing the 14,000-strong MacKinnon Collection of photographs. Jointly acquired by the organisations in 2018, the collection - also known as Scotland's Photos - provides a snapshot of life in Scotland between 1840 and 1940.
In 2020, as we continued to open windows into the MacKinnon Collection, we posted images connected to specific locations across Scotland from the collection on our website and Facebook page.
Our aim was to seek the public's range of backgrounds and experiences to identify unknown people and landmarks, lend knowledge of historic industries, businesses, transport, costume, sport and more, spot historic inaccuracies and contribute relevant descriptive information.
We are delighted by the response we received and your diverse knowledge, expertise, insight and interest is helping us document the MacKinnon Collection with the goal of providing greater access to this remarkable photographic resource. Scroll down to take a look at the images below. Do you recognise anything or anyone? Please email: [email protected]
Edinburgh
There are a great number of photographs of the capital held within the MacKinnon Collection. We can't wait until you can browse these online. Until then, here is a selection, taken between around 1860 - 1910. Recognise a person or landmark? Please email us: [email protected]
Oban
We are excited to share these images of late nineteenth century Oban as part of our ongoing exploration of the 14,000-strong MacKinnon Collection of photographs. Please share your observations with us by email: [email protected]
Stornoway
We're thrilled to be able to share these images of Stornoway from the MacKinnon Collection. As the documentation process continues, we hope to be able to share more with you. For now, if you recognise a person or landmark, please email us: [email protected]
Perth
Our latest exploration of the MacKinnon Collection of photographs brings us to Perth. Share your views with us via email: [email protected]
Stirling
These images were taken in Stirling between 1890 and 1926. If you recognise anyone, or would like to comment on the photographs, we'd love to hear from you! Please email us: [email protected]
Aberdeen
Passionate collector Murray MacKinnon steadily built the 14,000-strong MacKinnon Collection of photographs at his home in Dyce, near Aberdeen. Unsurprisingly, the collection contains a great number of wonderful photographs showcasing life in the Granite City.
We're thrilled to share this first selection of them as we continue to ask for the public's help to document the collection. Recognise a person or landmark? Please email us: [email protected]
Elgin
We are thrilled to share images of Elgin (taken between 1860-1940) as part of our ongoing exploration of the 14,000-strong MacKinnon Collection of photographs.
Glasgow
Braemar
The popularity of Braemar as a destination in the late nineteenth century is reflected in these shots taken by photographers George Washington Wilson and James Valentine. As we continue to shine a light on images from the MacKinnon Collection, we're keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help us apply more specific dates to these photographs. As ever, please get in touch via email: [email protected]
St Andrews
We're really enjoying our exploration of the MacKinnon Collection, and are thrilled to share these images taken in St Andrews between the 1860s and 1930s.
As always, we'd love to hear from anyone who recognises a person or landmark in these photographs!
Shetland
Do you recognise anything (or anyone) in these images of nineteenth century Shetland? As we continue to open windows into the MacKinnon Collection, we're asking you to contribute any observations you may have on the photographs. Recognise a person or landmark? The team would love to hear from you! Please email: [email protected]
Ayr
Dundee
These snapshots were taken within the City of Discovery between around 1904-1940.
Brechin
Inverness
These fascinating snapshots were taken in the Highland capital between around 1860-1930. We have featured a couple of images by George Washington Wilson and James Valentine, but there is also work here by unknown photographers, such as the shot of the High Street, pictured right. Do you recognise anything, for example a business, that might help us more accurately date these images? We're really excited about these images and can't wait to hear from you.
North Berwick
We were thrilled to discover a number of photographs of North Berwick within the collection.
Kirkwall
Buckie
We were thrilled to share these images of Buckie, particularly those of the town's railway station, which closed in 1968.
The main image shows a group waiting on the station platform with creels. Professor Peter Reid of Robert Gordon University explained that they were likely to be travelling inland on the train to sell fish door to door.
The other images, taken by George Washington Wilson, show views of the town that are little changed today. Professor Reid noted that the boats on the shore will be Zulus and Fifies. This could be ahead of the advent of the steam drifters in the 1900s, dating the image in the late 1880s.
Week one
We began this project in early May 2020 by sharing these three images. Almost immediately, visitors were able to identify the main photograph. It shows the path running between Crovie to Gardenstown, east of Banff. We are updating the photograph's catalogue entry accordingly!
The MacKinnon Collection was acquired jointly with the National Library of Scotland with assistance from National Lottery Heritage Fund, Scottish Government and the Art Fund.
