Historic letter on show at Museum

Rare showing for Mary, Queen of Scots'last manuscript

- STAFF REPORTER

Visitors to Perth Museum will get to see the letter of Mary, Queen of Scots (inset)

Mary, Queen of Scots' last letter will go on display in Perth Museum next year, giving people a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see the manuscript up close.

At 2am on Wednesday, February 8, 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.

It was written in French and is addressed to Henri III of France, brother of her first husband, Francois (Francis) II, who had died of an ear infection in 1560 at the age of 16.

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 January 23 until April 26 - which is also the home of the Stone of Destiny.