Advocates Library, Law library in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The Advocates Library is a law library located within Parliament House on the Royal Mile, with extensive collections of legal works spread across multiple floors and reading rooms. Its holdings include books, manuscripts, and legal documents that document Scottish and European legal systems.
The library was founded in 1682 and formally opened in 1689 to support the growing needs of Scotland's legal profession. Until 1925, it served as Scotland's national library before that role was transferred to a new institution.
The library holds handwritten and printed legal documents that show how Scottish law evolved over centuries. Visitors can see how these collections shape the daily work of the legal profession and support their practice.
Access is typically restricted since it is a specialized facility for the legal community. Visitors should inquire in advance about whether tours or limited visiting hours are available.
The collection holds thousands of European legal manuscripts with ornate decorations, including early works that show the development of Scottish legal thinking. These illuminated handwritten volumes are rare records of medieval legal scholarship.
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