Scotland’s oldest surviving manuscript returns to the North East

For the first time in hundreds of years, the 10th-century Book of Deer has returned to the North East, where it may have originated.

The rare example of a pocket gospel will be on display at Aberdeen Art Gallery, on loan from Cambridge University Library. The exhibition is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Book of Deer is of enormous cultural importance to Scotland and has particularly strong links to the North East. Written primarily in Latin, it dates from between the years 850 and 1000 and is believed to be the earliest surviving manuscript produced in Scotland. 

It also contains the earliest known surviving examples of written Gaelic. They refer to the monastery of Deer in Aberdeenshire, and other places such as Pitfour and Ellon. 

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Councillor David Cameron, said: “I congratulate all the partners who have worked together to bring the Book of Deer ‘home’ to the North East for the first time in hundreds of years. There can be no doubt that the ‘splendid little book’ is one of Scotland’s greatest treasures.

“Visitors to the Art Gallery will have a rare opportunity to see it up close, as well as the chance to learn more about its significance and what it can tell us about this fascinating period in Scotland’s history through the associated programme of talk and activities.

“The Book contains the earliest examples of Scots Gaelic in its margins and to highlight the importance of the Gaelic language in Scottish culture the exhibition text is available in both Gaelic and English – a first for an exhibition at the Art Gallery.”

Anne Simpson, Chair of the Book of Deer Project, said: “The Book of Deer Project is delighted to realise its long-term ambition to have this precious wee book exhibited in the North East of Scotland where it can be seen by the many visitors to Aberdeen Art Gallery. It’s such an important part of Scotland’s history and culture, that’s perhaps not as well-known as it should be. This exhibition provides an opportunity for it to be better known and appreciated.”

Dr Jessica Gardner, University Librarian and Director of Library Services, Cambridge University Library, said: “The Book of Deer is of supreme cultural importance to Scotland generally, and to the North East of Scotland in particular.

“We are delighted to be a partner in this project, which offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect new audiences with heritage in an inspirational way that will leave a lasting legacy.”

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: " The Book of Deer may be a small book but it is a huge piece of history. Thanks to the marginalia it also has a very human and personal connection to a chapter in the story of Scotland from 1000 years ago. Those notes in the margins even let one individual speak to us, as readers, across the centuries.

“Thanks to National Lottery players the Heritage Fund has been able to support this project to bring the Book back to the North East for public display. I have no doubt there will be of huge amount of interest in seeing this genuinely unique little book.” 

The book is on display from July 9 to October 2 with free admission.