In September 1507 King James IV granted a patent to Androw Myllar and Walter Chepman authorising them to set up a printing press in Edinburgh. The earliest known dated output from their press ('The Complaint of the Black Knight') is dated 4th April 1508.
PRINTING IS ONE OF SCOTLAND'S OLDEST SURVIVING INDUSTRIES
Celebrations to mark the 500th anniversary of the introduction of printing to Scotland began in 2007, and throughout 2008 institutions and organisations throughout Scotland marked the quincentenary with exhibitions and events: for a record of these celebrations click here
A book surveying the history of Scotland's printing industry is now available, price £5 including postage. For more information, email Helen Williams
Following the quincentenary year, this website brings together information about the history of one of Scotland's most significant industries. Links to websites and web-based exhibitions, developed as part of the celebrations, can be accessed through the page on Scotland's printing history. Links to permanent exhibitions and collections relating to the history of printing are available through the Calendar of Events page.
In addition:
- An Edinburgh Printing Trail leaflet is now available, published by the Scottish Printing Archival Trust: a sample page can be downloaded here, and the full leaflet is available from the Trust or by emailing Helen Williams
- A DVD of digitised facsimiles of The Chepman and Myllar Prints is available for sale through the Scottish Text Society's website or to personal callers at the National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
- A portfolio of prints made on 4 April 2008 is available from the Visual Research Centre at Dundee Contemporary Arts: see www.500years.co.uk or phone 01382 348065 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm).
- A limited edition of 500 mugs celebrating the quincentenary has been produced by Robert Smail's Printing Works
- The National Library of Scotland and Sandstone Press have published Antony Kamm's book, Scottish printed books 1508-2008.
Please note: all images on this website are the copyright of contributors to the project. If you have any queries about the celebrations, please email Helen Williams
Last updated: 25 January 2010
