Special collections

To see where your nearest library is, browse its opening hours or contact it directly, please select it from the drop-down list below.

Highland Libraries Special Collections represent the unique collections of notable people, the rich culture and history of the Highlands, its places and traditions. Please find below links to some of our special collections held by Highland Libraries. We are working to bring all special collections to the online catalogue in the near future.

Inverness Reference Library

Charles Fraser-Mackintosh Collection

Charles Fraser Mackintosh card catalogue pp.1-700 (PDF 7 MB)
Charles Fraser Mackintosh card catalogue pp.701-1403 (PDF 4 MB)

Find out more about Charles Fraser Mackintosh on Am Baile Highland History website.

‘Meet the Books’!

This project explores the Fraser Mackintosh Collection of rare books at Inverness Library. It contains c. 5000 volumes collected by Charles Fraser-Mackintosh (1828-1901). It is run jointly between High Life Highland and academics from the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Explore the ‘Meet the Books’ blog at:https://www.highlifehighland.com/meet-the-books/

Cape Breton Collection (Book exchange with Cape Breton Public Library in Nova Scotia.)
Highland Geological Society (PDF 721 KB)
Inverness Gaelic Society (PDF 2 MB)
Inverness Field Club (PDF 164 KB)
Kirk Session (PDF 2 MB)

The Kirk Session Library has its roots in the early 18th century when the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland established a group of libraries in the Highlands.