Blairs Museum

The Blairs Museum, Scotland's Catholic Treasury, holds an internationally renowned collection of fine and decorative art, embroidered vestments and church plate. Visitors can see objects and paintings relating to the Stewarts and Mary, Queen of Scots.

An exciting and challenging exhibition, 'Survival and Revival', examines the theme of the Post-Reformation Catholic Church in Scotland. Part 1 looks at the survival of the Faith after the 1560 Reformation, using the flight of Mary Queen of Scots to England as the launching point. We are proud to hold the unique Memorial Portrait of Mary Queen of Scots. Through 'places of Refuge' we examine how pockets of Catholicism remained in Scotland, particularly in the North East of Scotland where our museum is located and also the establishment of Scots Colleges on the Continent, where young men could by educated as Catholics. Many of our treasures have come from these Colleges. Displays highlight portraits and artefacts relating to 'Old Pretender' James III and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Part II deals with the mysteries of Roman Catholic liturgy, examined and illustrated for visitors through our magnificent collection of 16th to 20th century church gold and silver plate and vestments; and the story of Blairs College, the only national junior seminary in Scotland. Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the beautiful church of St Mary's, formerly Blairs College Chapel, itself a wonderful example of late Victorian neo-gothic architecture.

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