Printing in Scotland is 500 years old.
Androw Myllar and his partner Walter Chepman set up their press in Edinburgh in 1507, and their first prints are dated 1508.
Much has changed since then but the story and traditions of Scottish Printing have endured. The aim of the Trust is to ensure that these are not lost and to make them readily available to everyone who is interested.
This site is a unique resource, providing access to all aspects of Scottish Printing History. It is made possible through the generosity of our Sponsors and Supporters. If you would like to help in any way, please contact us.
Quincentenary Celebrations
2008 is the Scottish Year of the Printed Word.
We have set up the website www.500yearsofprinting.org which carries details of the events planned to mark the anniversary.
We and our partner the National Library of Scotland are working to involve a wide range of people and organisations from all over Scotland to make 2008 a real Festival of Scottish Printing.
If you would like to be involved in any way, or are planning an event linked to 2008 please contact us. Our aim is that all aspects of printing, all areas of Scotland and modern as well as historical technology should be represented.
Origin of the Trust
The Trust was founded in 1988 with the aims of:
• Recording information, instituting research and acquiring material relating to the technological, social, educational and historical development of Scottish printing.
• Conserving and making available knowledge and examples of Scotland’s printing heritage.
The first chairman (Bob Thomson) wrote and produced the four ‘Reputation for Excellence’ books recording the regional history of printing in Scotland.
Archive material donated or passed to the Trust is conserved in the Edward Clark Collection, Napier University, Edinburgh.
The Trustees
Patrick Mark (Hon Chairman) - formerly Managing Director Simpson Label Co Ltd and Past President of Scottish Print Employers Federation.
p.mark@scottishprintarchive.org
Bernulf Clegg (Hon Secretary) - formerly Manufacturing Director, George Waterston & Sons Ltd and Past President of Edinburgh Print Employers Association.
b.clegg@scottishprintarchive.org
Bob Thomson - formerly Managing Director T & A Constable Ltd and Past President of Society of Master Printers of Scotland.
Jim Keppie - formerly Director & General Manager Morrison & Gibb Ltd and Director of Information/Communications Society of Master Printers of Scotland.
Richard Honour - formerly Head of Printing Dept at the then Napier College
