Nearly 250 years after pioneering scientist James Hutton developed an early theory of rain, an exhibition in Edinburgh is exploring Scotland’s longstanding relationship with its famously wet climate. Opening Friday at the National Library of Scotland, the display examines rain’s scientific, cultural, and historical significance through a diverse range of materials.

Hutton’s foundational work on the condensation of aqueous vapour is featured prominently, serving as a scientific cornerstone for the exhibition. Visitors can also view an array of literary and artistic items that illustrate rain’s influence on Scottish identity. These include references to Robert Burns, the character Minnie the Minx from the Beano comics, and the invention of the waterproof Mackintosh fabric by Glasgow-born chemist Charles Macintosh in 1823.

The exhibition spans multiple media, showcasing manuscripts, maps, poetry, prose, newspapers, and films. Among the highlights is a rare original copy of King James VI and I’s 1597 treatise Daemonologie, which attributed storm-making to witchcraft and is said to have inspired Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Cartoons from the Beano serve an educational role, explaining weather phenomena such as storms to younger visitors.

Historical rain maps are also on display, including a 1912 chart documenting rainfall over 25 years. The exhibition challenges some common perceptions, noting that Edinburgh is relatively dry compared to other UK cities despite Scotland’s rainy reputation. An interactive weather forecast wall allows guests to engage with traditional meteorological symbols used before the digital age.

The exhibition is dedicated to Mel Houston, the National Library’s preventive conservator who died in a flash flood in 2023 while safeguarding the institution’s collections against climate change impacts. This tribute underscores the ongoing challenges that weather and environmental changes pose to Scotland’s cultural heritage.

Through its combination of scientific insights, cultural artifacts, and historical documentation, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at how rain has shaped and continues to influence life in Scotland.