Advocates Library

The Advocates Library stands on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile beside Parliament House. Founded in 1682, it belongs to the Faculty of Advocates and once held every book published in Scotland. The present building, designed by William Henry Playfair in 1830, is a listed historic structure. Its shelves still receive a copy of every law book entered at Stationers’ Hall. The library forms part of a larger complex that includes the historic Parliament House. The library is worth the journey for its long legal tradition and scholarly catalogues. George Mackenzie opened the library in 1689, and early keepers included David Hume and Adam Ferguson. Librarian Samuel Halkett produced a six-volume biographical catalogue from 1858 to 1878. In 1875 a fire damaged thousands of books, yet the collection grew to around 725,000 items by 1923. The library’s keepers have included notable figures such as Thomas Ruddiman and Mungo Bovey QC. Inside, visitors find a grand reading room designed by Playfair with tall windows and oak fittings. The shelves hold rare legal texts and historical pamphlets gathered over centuries. The atmosphere reflects the quiet scholarship of Scotland’s legal profession. Outside, the Royal Mile offers views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. The library remains a working institution, open only to members and approved researchers.