Scottish Catholic Heritage Collections Trust and Heritage Commission

The Scottish Catholic Heritage Collections Trust looks after the historical, current and semi-current, objects and documents of the Catholic community. We present to the world Scottish Catholic experience as recorded in official and donated papers and objects, and in personal artefacts and documents from all available periods. Offers to donate objects etc., will be considered.

Our museum and archives collection is of national and international significance and includes:

PAINTINGS

Our important collection of paintings spans more than four centuries and features some of Scotland’s most renowned historical figures.

One highlight of the collection is a full-length memorial portrait of Mary Queen of Scots dressed as she was on the day of her execution. The colourful history behind this painting captivates the imagination of all when they discover that it was saved from the mob during the French Revolution by being hidden up a chimney.

The Stuart family’s fate and their association with Catholicism in Scotland played a vital part in the development of Scotland’s history. The Collection contains portraits of three generations of the family, complimented by Jacobite relics and memorabilia from Bonnie Prince Charlie’s time in Scotland.

SACRED SILVER AND GOLD

Our collection of sacred vessels comprises of objects made in Britain and Europe and dates over many centuries.

Precious vessels of gold and silver play an important role in rites and ceremonies, and many of the items in the museum were used as part of seminary life.

CHURCH TEXTILES

Our impressive collection of hand embroidered vestments spans more than 500 years with some rare examples of church embroidery surviving from the 15th and 16th centuries. Each garment displays highly skilled needlework, with delicate scenes and symbolism enriched with gold and silver thread.