The rain-soaked streets of Edinburgh are about to get even wetter – but this time it's not just about the downpour. A groundbreaking new exhibition at the National Library of Scotland delves into the profound impact rain has had on Scottish life, from its role in shaping geology and culture to its darker history as a catalyst for persecution.
Rooted 250 years ago in the pioneering work of James Hutton – often hailed as the father of modern geology – 'Rain' takes visitors on a journey through Scotland's scientific understanding of rain. Hutton's early theories, outlined in his 'theory of rain' from 1784, demonstrate an early fascination with the nation's abundant rainfall, which averages between 100 billion and 160 billion cubic metres annually.
But rain's influence extends far beyond science. The exhibition weaves together literary and cultural threads, featuring the works of Robert Burns, whose antihero Tam O'Shanter was famously washed away in a storm. Beano fans will also be treated to Minnie the Minx educating children about storms – while those with an eye for fashion can admire tartan samples of Mackintosh fabric, invented by Glasgow chemist Charles Macintosh in 1823.
Historical documents, including a rare original copy of King James VI's 'Daemonologie' from 1597, offer a darker perspective. Written amidst severe persecution, this treatise attributes months of storms to sorcery – an idea famously explored in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', which also features in the exhibition.
Alison Stevenson, director of collections at the National Library of Scotland, highlights rain's omnipresence: "Rain is in our manuscripts, our maps, poetry, prose, vast newspaper collections, films – you name it. Rain is such an intrinsic part of life in Scotland." The exhibition runs until 30th April 2027 and features historical rain maps, a weather forecast wall for interactive play, and personal accounts from diarist Mary Cumming Bruce.