National Records of Scotland is lending two items from Scotland’s National Archive for an exhibition on the early reign of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Accounts of the Royal Treasurer from 1546 and a cipher or code used for writing secret messages will go on display at Wardlaw Museum at the University of St Andrews as part of a larger exhibition opening on Saturday [7 March].
NRS Chief Executive Alison Byrne said:
“We proudly preserve Scotland’s historical records for the nation. I’m delighted NRS is able to lend these items for this fascinating exhibition about the early reign of Mary, Queen of Scots.
“At almost 480 years old and relating to one of Scotland’s most iconic historical figures they are without doubt treasures worth seeing.”
Mary was three years old when the ledger was filling up with the expenses of protecting her kingdom. The Earl of Arran, Regent of Scotland, had renounced an earlier treaty promising her in marriage to Prince Edward of England. She was to marry the Dauphin of France instead. This triggered war with England which was expensive and disruptive.
The ledger shows the money spent on soldiers, spies and sending messages. The work of the state had to be conducted in coded letters. The cipher to be displayed is connected to the siege of Broughty Castle – an English stronghold near Dundee.
Dr Amy Blakeway, senior lecturer in 16th century Scottish history at the University of St Andrews said: "These two loans from the National Records of Scotland tell the story of a country under enormous pressure. The Treasurers' Accounts show how Scotland was stretched to its financial limits by war. Prices and government spending rose. People faced higher taxes and demands for military service.
"The cipher shines a light on espionage during the conflict. It survives in papers linked to the English garrison at Broughty Castle. Perhaps it was captured by Scottish spies, or found when the castle fell in 1550.”
The loans will be placed alongside records from communities throughout the country.
Eilidh Lawrence, Head of Collections, at the Wardlaw Museum, said: ‘Loans from the National Records of Scotland are central to telling the stories of Scotland’s people during a violent period of warfare. We are grateful to NRS for supporting the exhibition.’
‘War, Destruction and Reform: the Early Years of Mary, Queen of Scots’ runs seven days a week from 7 March to 20 September 2026 10am to 5pm at Wardlaw Museum, St Andrews.
A programme of talks and events for people of all ages accompanies the exhibition. This includes an escape room inspired by the cipher that will run in the summer.
