Local studies
Family history resources
Books
Midlothian Local & Family History Library (in Dalkeith Library) holds books, magazines and pamphlets about all aspects of life in Midlothian, past and present. The collection is particularly strong in these areas:
- Biographies about local people
- Books produced by Local History Societies
- Poetry and fiction by local authors
- Post Office and Trade Directories
- Programmes of local Gala Days
- Scottish History Society and Scottish Record Society publications
- Statistical Accounts of Scotland.
Access all titles on the online catalogue
Historic newspapers
Visit the Local & Family History Library to see:
- The Advertiser (Dalkeith Advertiser), 1869 to date
- Midlothian Journal, 1884 to 1932
- South Midlothian Advertiser, 1932 to 1952 and 1960 to 1973
- many other local newspapers from 1860 to 1950.
Local newspapers let you see what peoples lives were like long ago, look for birth, marriage or death notices, or search for articles and adverts.
Photographs and postcards
Midlothian Local & Family History holds a large collection of images of the Midlothian area providing an impressive visual record of life in Midlothian in bygone days.
It is possible to make copies of many of our images for private use and study. We can also advise you on the use of any of our images in a publication.
Maps and plans
Maps show how places have changed over time and where your ancestors lived.
The library holds a large collection of maps including:
- John Wood's plan of Dalkeith, 1822
- Thomas Sharp's Plan of Edinburghshire, 1828
- First Ordnance Survey of Midlothian, 1850s
- Second Ordnance Survey of Midlothian, 1890s
You can also view early maps of Midlothian on the National Library of Scotland website.