Highland Libraries’ Special Collections showcase unique material reflecting notable individuals, the rich culture and history of the Highlands, and its places and traditions. Inverness Reference Library holds several collections of both local and national significance, complemented by important collections located in our libraries across the Highlands.
Inverness Reference Library
Charles Fraser-MacKintosh collection
The collection of Charles Fraser Mackintosh offers a unique insight into Victorian life in the Inverness and the Highlands.
Cape Breton collection
A twinning partnership between Highland Libraries and Cape Breton Regional Library to share knowledge and cultural understanding.
Highland Geological Society
The Highland Geological Society collection holds books and journals on geology and earth sciences.
Gaelic Society of Inverness
Gaelic Society of Inverness promotes and preserves Gaelic language, arts, and heritage in the Highlands.
Inverness Field Club
The Inverness Field Club collection features titles on natural history, geology, archaeology, and local history.
The Kirk Session
The Kirk Session Library began in the 18th century as part of the Church of Scotland’s library network across the Highlands.
Loch Ness Monster collection
Titles about the Loch Ness Monster and related Highlands and global folklore.
Scottish Community Drama Association (SCDA)
Putting the community centre stage. Access plays and resources related to volunteer-led theatre arts in Scotland.
Collections at other Highland Libraries
North of Scotland Archaeological Society (NoSAS) Library
NoSAS Library within the Dingwall Community Library including books, reports and journals related to Highland archaeology.
John Mowat collection - Wick Library
Mowat compiled comprehensive references on Caithness, preserving its rich history, geography, archaeology and literature.
Dornoch collection - Dornoch Library
Covering Gaelic literature, Sutherland and Caithness heritage, Celtic folklore, early travel writing, and natural history.
Robert MacDonald collection - Portree Library
Featuring The Celtic Magazine, Gaelic poetry, traditional verse and dance, and the natural history of Scotland’s west coast.
Dualchas collection - Skye & Lochalsh Archive Centre
Comprise a wide range of material, including photographs, archaeology, postcards, paper archives, antiquarian books.
Miller collection - Thurso Library
Books on Scottish geologist Hugh Miller, whose inspired scientific insight revealed the deep history of Scotland’s ancient rocks.