Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Mary, Queen of Scots’ Final Letter to Be Exhibited at Perth Museum in 2026

The National Library’s centenary Outwith programme will loan the fragile manuscript with free entry under strict conservation limits.

Overview

  • Perth Museum will display the letter from January 23 to April 26, 2026, with a companion show at Perth’s AK Bell Library running through April 25.
  • The French-language letter was written at 2am on February 8, 1587 to Henri III of France, six hours before Mary’s execution at Fotheringhay Castle.
  • The National Library of Scotland confirms the loan as part of its centenary touring initiative, noting the document rarely leaves secure storage.
  • The last public viewing in 2017 lasted one day at the National Library in Edinburgh and drew long queues on George IV Bridge.
  • Culture Perth and Kinross describes the display as a regional homecoming, with the letter shown above the Stone of Destiny, and Scotland’s culture secretary hails it as a priceless record.