Mary, Queen of Scots in Perth

Walk Through Scotland’s Most Dramatic Story

Mary, Queen of Scots is one of the most compelling figures in Scottish history; a queen whose life was marked by drama, romance, religious conflict and political intrigue. Born into the House of Stuart in 1542, Mary became Queen of Scots when she was just six days old following the death of her father.

Her reign saw alliances with France, bitter civil strife at home, and a turbulent personal life that has echoed through culture, literature and politics for almost 500 years.

From her marriages — which included the son of the French king and, later, Lord Darnley — to accusations of intrigue, imprisonment and forced abdication, Mary’s life was shaped by conflict between Catholics and Protestants and by rival claims to thrones on both sides of the border.

After years of imprisonment in England under her cousin Queen Elizabeth I, she was executed in 1587, making her story one of tragedy and myth-making that continues to captivate historians, writers and visitors today.

Now open at Perth Museum and the AK Bell Library, are two free exhibitions that bring Mary’s world vividly to life with rare objects and powerful stories, as well as engaging events that  help us understand not just a queen, but a defining chapter in Scotland’s cultural heritage.

As part of the National Library of Scotland’s Outwith programme for its centenary year, The Last Letter written by Mary, Queen of Scots comes to Perth along with key works by Robert Burns and Liz Lochhead.

Enjoy our top five guide

Perfect for fans of Mary, and anyone who enjoys engaging in Scottish culture. 

Explore Scotland’s History Through Mary, Queen of Scots

Mary’s life unfolded during one of the most turbulent periods in Scotland’s past. Crowned as an infant, raised in the glittering French court, and later ruling a divided nation, she became both a political symbol and a human figure caught in forces far beyond her control.

Her Catholic faith in a newly Protestant Scotland, her disputed claim to the English throne, and her involvement — real or alleged — in a series of political scandals led to rebellion, imprisonment and ultimately her downfall. Yet her intelligence, education and resilience ensured that her story endured far beyond her death.

To explore Mary’s life is to explore Scotland’s struggle for identity, power and faith in the 16th century. It is a story of loyalty and betrayal, ambition and vulnerability, and one that continues to shape how Scotland understands its past.

Photo credit : Julie Howden

1. See the Last Letter of Mary, Queen of Scots

Until 26 April

In a once‑in‑a‑generation display at Perth Museum, visitors can view the last letter ever written by Mary, Queen of Scots, penned at 2am on 8 February 1587, just hours before her execution at Fotheringhay Castle.

Written in French to her brother‑in‑law, King Henri III of France, the letter is calm, dignified and deeply personal. In it, Mary settles her affairs, asks for care for her servants, and prepares for her death with remarkable composure.

On loan from the National Library of Scotland, this fragile manuscript has rarely been displayed publicly and is now travelling north for its longest exhibition in over two decades.

Seeing Mary’s own handwriting brings her story into sharp focus, offering a powerful connection to her final moments and to one of the most dramatic turning points in Scottish history.

Photo credit : Julie Howden

2. Discover Her Literary Legacy at AK Bell Library

Until 25 April

Just a short walk from the museum, the AK Bell Library hosts The Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots, a complementary exhibition exploring how Mary’s story has inspired writers and artists through the centuries.

Highlights include a manuscript of Robert Burns’ poem Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots on the Approach of Spring, and early archival material from Liz Lochhead’s celebrated play Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off.

Together, these works show how Mary has been continually reimagined — as martyr, villain, romantic heroine and political symbol — reflecting the changing values and questions of each generation.

Photo credit : Julie Howden

3. Join in the wider programme of events

Alongside the exhibitions runs a lively programme of upcoming events designed to bring Mary’s story to life for all ages.

Highlights still to come include:

•    Family drop‑in sessions inspired by Mary’s life and times, with hands‑on activities for younger visitors  
•    Voices from the Archives – talks exploring Mary’s story alongside the works of Robert Burns and Liz Lochhead  
•    In Her Final Hours – expert‑led talks examining the historical events surrounding Mary’s imprisonment and execution  
•    Creative writing workshops and film screenings inspired by Mary’s legacy in literature and popular culture  

With more events taking place throughout the exhibition period, there are plenty of opportunities to return, learn more, and experience different perspectives on Mary’s extraordinary story.

Photo credit : Julie Howden

4. Spend a historic day out in the heart of Perth

As the ancient capital of Scotland, Perth sits at the heart of the nation’s royal story, making it the perfect place to explore the life and legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots. 

To uncover more of Scotland's historical past, make sure to explore the wider galleries, and the Stone of Destiny in Perth Museum.

Beyond that, the city itself tells more of the country's story.

From the medieval foundations of St John’s Kirk and Greyfriars Burial Ground to the military heritage of the Black Watch, the royal coronation site at nearby Scone Palace where Scottish kings were crowned, Perth offers a living timeline of Scotland’s past. 

Find full details on the 4 Day Historical Itinerary here >

5. Exhibitions, Events & Displays 

From rare historical documents to thought‑provoking talks and family‑friendly activities, this is a unique opportunity to connect with one of Scotland’s most fascinating monarchs and experience her story in the very heart of the country she once ruled.

Free of Charge

The Last Letter of Mary, Queen of Scots

Perth Museum
Until 26 April 2026
Admission: Free (no booking) 

The Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots

AK Bell Library
Until 25 April 2026 (10:00 am–4:00 pm)
Admission: Free, donations welcome (no booking) 

Individual Events

Voices from the Archives: Mary, Burns and Lochhead

AK Bell Library
29 January 2026 (6:30 pm–8:00 pm)
Admission: £7.50 / £5 (booking essential) 

Mary and Her World: Royal Connections Unravelled with Lars Cook

Perth Museum
7 February 2026 (11:00 am–3:00 pm)
Admission: Free (no booking) 

Meet Mary, Queen of Scots 

Perth Museum
14 February 2026 (11:00 am–4:00 pm)
Admission: Free, drop-in (no booking) 

The Amazing Life of Mary, Queen of Scots with Gill Arbuthnott

Perth Museum
14 February 2026 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Admission: Free, but ticketed (booking essential) 

Creative Writing with Beth Godfrey

AK Bell Library
21 & 28 February 2026 (10:00 am–12:00 pm each day)
Admission: £10 (booking essential) 

Film Screening: Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

AK Bell Library
19 March 2026 (6:15 pm–9:15 pm)
Admission: £8 (booking essential) 

Lochhead’s Mary

AK Bell Library
26 March 2026 (6:30 pm–8:00 pm)
Admission: £7.50 / £5 (booking essential) 

Mary and Her World: Royal Connections Unravelled with Lars Cook

Perth Museum
28 March 2026 (11:00 am–3:00 pm)
Admission: Free (no booking) 

Royal Secrets: Fashion, Letters and Language with Mary Queen of Scots

Perth Museum
11 April 2026 (12:00 pm–4:00 pm)
Admission: Free, drop-in (no booking) 

Decoding Mary – An Evening with Historian Dr. Jade Scott

Perth Museum
23 April 2026 (6:30 pm–8:00 pm)
Admission: £7.50 / £5 (booking essential) 

Mary, Queen of Scots: Escape from the Castle with Theresa Breslin

Perth Museum
25 April 2026 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Admission: Free (booking essential) 

Some events associated with this exhibition are now sold out. The list above shows those still bookable or free to attend. 

Booking essential means you should reserve a place in advance via Perthshire Box Office.

Perthshire Box Office >