An exhibition marking 200 years of rail travel opens its doors today at National Records of Scotland (NRS).
"Scots on the Move: Railways and Tourism in Victorian Scotland" is free to visit in the Adam Dome at General Register House on Princes Street.
Part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the exhibition reveals how steam trains revolutionised Victorian Scotland between 1837-1901.
Visitors can browse treasures from the national archives including train tickets, timetables, posters, colourful tourist guides, private letters and photographs.
The items on display show how rail transformed holidays from an elite privilege into a pastime for all. The Victorian railways connected communities, spawned iconic routes like the West Highland Line and helped create a whole new industry – tourism.
The exhibition also explores Victorian reactions to the rail revolution, from anti-rail protest pamphlets to private letters describing newfound freedoms.
Outreach Archivist Veronica Schreuder said: "This exhibition draws on National Records of Scotland’s vast Scottish railway archive – the largest in existence. These unique records transport visitors directly into the Victorian era, revealing how steam trains didn't just change how people travelled – they transformed Scottish society itself.
“A highlight for me is an original timetable recording one of Queen Victoria's final train journeys from her beloved Balmoral to Windsor in 1899.
“I hope visitors will come and visit us in the Adam Dome, a magnificent architectural gem and one of Edinburgh’s best kept secrets, just across from Waverley station.”
Three free talks will accompany the exhibition, exploring Scotland's tourism history, the first railway construction, and aristocratic influence on railway development. The talks will be held at General Register House, with online recordings made available where possible.
The exhibition runs weekdays 9:00-16:00 until 26 September in the Adam Dome, with late opening until 18:30 on 7 and 21 August. Entry is free and the exhibition is suitable for ages 12+.
Find out more in the Exhibitions & Displays section of the NRS website.
