The Advocates Library will open its doors next week to host an exhibition highlighting the link between the Scottish printing trade and the practice of law in Scotland.

Examples from the library’s 18th century collections of printed Session Papers will be on display. The papers often include non-legal documentary exhibits such as drawings, plans and maps, giving an insight into the social, economic, political and legal history of Scotland, during the period of the Scottish Enlightenment, many of the notable figures of which were advocates, like James Boswell and Walter Scott.

The Lord President has also agreed that the exhibition will be open to the public, and will form part of the Scottish Courts programme of events in Parliament House for Doors Open Day on 27th September.

"The Advocates Library, inaugurated in 1689, had the right of legal deposit until the formation of the National Library of Scotland in 1925. At that time, the Faculty of Advocates donated its non-legal collections to the nation," a Faculty statement said.

"This long history and their close connection with the courts meant that advocates and the Advocates Library provided much work for the printing industry. The exhibition highlights the closeness of this link, telling the story of Thomas Ruddiman who was Keeper of the Advocates Library and a printer." 

The exhibition will be on show in Parliament Hall, Edinburgh, from 11 August until 27 September 2008, Monday to Friday, 9am until 4.30pm.