The Symbolae Scoticae [= 'Scottish contributions'] is a set of eight purpose-bound scrapbooks containing more than 2000 items relating to Scottish history, geography and culture.
The bulk of this material consists of 18th and early 19th century prints illustrating Scottish topography and antiquities; but the collection also includes original historical documents, printed maps, portrait engravings, newspaper and magazine clippings, two calotypes, and original drawings and watercolours.
The volumes are divided geographically and cover:
- Edinburgh;
- Midlothian, East Lothian, West Lothian;
- Peebles, Selkirk, Roxburgh, Berwick, [including material relating to Sir Walter Scott];
- Perth, Forfar, Dundee;
- Arran, Bute, Ayr, Wigton, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries [including material on Robert Burns];
- Stirling, Lanark (Glasgow), Renfrew, Dunbarton;
- Aberdeen, Angus, Elgin, Banff, Inverness, Argyle;
- Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Orkney, Shetland, the Hebrides.