JK GILLON

The Scottish National Exhibition was held in Saughton Park, Edinburgh in 1908. The aims of the Exhibition were to exemplify all that was best in Art, Science, Literature and Industry from 'His Majesty's Dominions'. The North British Railway Company built a new station on the main line adjoining the Exhibition, to bring the many thousands of visitors from Edinburgh's Waverley Station.

The Palace of Industries covered an area of 100,000 square feet, with an ornamental tower of 125 feet at each end. The exhibits were of an 'exceptionally high-class', comprising the following sections: Scottish, Irish, English, Dutch, Japanese, Italian and Canadian, besides sections devoted to Education, Transport and Women's Work.

The machinery Hall featured printing, lithography, shipping, mining, electric, gas, steam, water, sewage, disposal, baking and confectionery.

The Fine Art Galleries housed the best of Scottish art and a collection of 'rare and historic exhibits that must appeal to every Scotsman, and should prove intensely interesting to visitors from all parts of the world'. One gallery was set aside for 'one of the most complete collections of rare and valuable relics appertaining to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland ever brought together'. Among the exhibits were regimental colours, old clan tartans, Gaelic manuscripts, claymores and locks of Bonnie Prince Charlie's hair.

The Music and Conference Hall was 'a most striking building, circular in shape, with prettily decorated outside walls and four ornamental towers'. It included 'a striking novelty in the shape of a fairy fountain which sprays water from hundreds of varying jets and with limelight shed upon it from overhead at different angles produces a most beautiful scene, that in point of colour rivals the rainbow and a handsome organ with patent tubular pneumatic action an blowers'. The Winter Garden, a 'delightful place for large parties to enjoy the cup that cheers' (tea) can still be seen on Edinburgh's Balgreen Road.