Glasgow Science Festival: ChroniCode

Make Scotland’s history speak aloud! Add conductive materials like copper tape and gold-leaf to copies of two mediaeval books from the Mitchell Library’s Special Collections. Then connect them to a computer, creating interactive soundscapes that reveal stories of Scotland from long ago.

Suitable for all ages, but under-18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. No prior experience of coding needed.

This event is a joint project with Glasgow Libraries and part of Glasgow Science Festival 2026

Info: Look at two mediaeval manuscripts, written over 500 years ago that tell of events like the Battle of Bannockburn. Find out how they came to be in Glasgow and hear about other books donated to the Mitchell for the people of Glasgow.

Info: You'll add conductive materials like copper tape and fake gold leaf to the copies of the manuscripts. Then attach them to a computer using a Makey Makey: a gadget that will trigger the computer to read aloud the Latin text or English translations of it when you touch the conductive materials.

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