Exploring ballads, opera, and theatrical and popular songs, this online exhibition showcases the University of Aberdeen's Walter Scott collections alongside musical recordings.

As a best-selling author, Walter Scott introduced Scottish traditions to audiences across the world. His writings and song collections inspired both his readers in the 1800s, and future generations of musicians. 

Tune in to discover Aberdeen’s connection to the folklore of the Border Ballads, how Scottish legend was transformed into Italian opera, and the meanings contained in well-loved songs such as ‘Bonnie Dundee’. 

Curated by: Ali Lumsden, University of Aberdeen Walter Scott Research Centre; Emma Raymond & Jenny Downes, University of Aberdeen Museums & Special Collections.

Thanks to: The Abbotsford Trust, Faculty of Advocates Abbotsford Collection Trust, Drouthy Neebors, Ewan Maccoll Estate, Liceu Opera Barcelona, Libraries, Leisure and Culture Dundee, Polish-Scottish Song Group, Teatro di San Carlo, Walter Scott Minstrelsy Project Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, University of Aberdeen Museums and Special Collections, University of Aberdeen Walter Scott Research Centre

Kirsty Archer-Thompson, Caitlin Bell, Steve Byrne, Janice Clark, David Craig, Susan Curran, Adam Cresser, Michelle Gait, Sally Garden, P. D. Garside, David Hewitt, Jonathan Hicks, Gillian Hughes, Catherine Jones, Heather Kennedy, Dawn Kuisma, Nick Le Bigre, Annaïg Le Duvéhat, Freja Lundberg, Helen Lynch Christina Mackenzie, Lynsey Macready, Aden Mazur, Saoirse Mcintee, Ainsley McIntosh, Astrid Offersen, Keith O’Sullivan, Jane Pirie, Sigrid Rieuwerts, John Robertson, Mara Shea, Jan Smith, Rachel Sumner, Giovanna Tinaro, Adam Tomasiewicz, William Zachs