A letter written by Mary Queen of Scots just hours before her execution will go on display for the first time in nearly a decade.
The former Queen penned what is believed to be her last letter at 2am on February 8, 1587, when she wrote to her brother-in-law Henri III in France to put her affairs in order.
Her execution at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire was to take place just six hours later.
The letter, which is written in French, is held by the National Library of Scotland and rarely leaves the library’s vaults, primarily for conservation reasons.
It last went on display for a single day at the National Library in 2017, when “queues of people” formed along George IV Bridge in Edinburgh for the chance to see it.
The public is now set to have the opportunity to cast their eyes on the famous manuscript once again when it goes on display in Scotland’s Perth Museum next year.
Alison Stevenson, director of collections, access and research at the National Library of Scotland, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for people to see the last letter.
“The last time it was on public display was back in 2017 for one day only and there were queues of people forming along George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.”
Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire | GETTY/FINE ART
Alongside the exhibition at Perth Museum, other items from the National Library’s collections will go on display in the nearby AK Bell Library.
The companion exhibition, called The Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots, will feature a manuscript of Robert Burns’ poem Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, On the Approach of Spring, and early manuscripts from Liz Lochhead’s play Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off.
Ashleigh Hibbins, head of audiences and learning at Culture Perth and Kinross, a charity which helps run Perth Museum and AK Bell Library, said the exhibition was a “homecoming” for the letter given Mary’s links with the region.
Ms Hibbins said: “We are so proud to welcome Mary, Queen of Scots’ last letter to Perth Museum, the first time this precious piece of history has travelled north of Edinburgh in the modern era.
The rare letter will be displayed at Scotland’s Perth Museum
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PA
“Perth and Kinross is at the heart of Mary’s story, particularly her imprisonment, abdication, and dramatic escape from Lochleven Castle.
“Mary’s poignant last words will be displayed within a wider immersive exhibition, directly above the Stone of Destiny and objects from the reigns of her son and grandson, so we really do view this as a homecoming.
“Mary’s story continues to resonate with people, which is why we are also delighted to be able to share a companion display of original material from Robert Burns and Liz Lochhead at AK Bell Library, two equally iconic Scots who were inspired by the doomed queen.”
Scotland’s culture secretary, Angus Robertson, described the ex-Queen’s letter as “priceless”.
“Scotland’s history belongs to all of us, so I am delighted that it is going on display in Perth, as part of the library’s centenary celebrations,” he said.
“Due to its age, this letter is rarely on display, so I would strongly encourage people across Scotland and beyond to make the most of this opportunity, before it goes back into storage for safekeeping.”
The letter will be on display from January 23 until April 26, while the exhibition at AK Bell Library will be open on the same day and run until April 25.