The Archivists’ Garden – A Peaceful Spot

Open Book

Both General Register House and New Register House are familiar sights to Edinburgh locals, even if those who pass remain unaware of the many treasures held within. Housing the archives and public services of the National Records of Scotland (NRS), these buildings give access to a rich store of records relating to all aspects of Scottish life. Nestled between them remains one of the surprising secret spots of Edinburgh, the Archivists’ Garden.

Reflecting the work of NRS, this garden houses 58 different plant species, each connected in some way to Scotland’s history, whether through myth and folklore, heraldry, or association with individual famous Scots.

For example, standing sentinel along the back wall are the apple trees, ‘James Grieve’ and ‘Worcester Pearmain’. ‘James Grieve’ is the namesake of a respected Edinburgh nurseryman and plant hybridiser born in Peebles c.1840.