Detail from the Instrument of Authority document

Instrument of Authority

David Manderson writes about this historic Scottish document, on display in the Scotland Transformed gallery on Level 3.

Authority? What Authority?

Never mind the name. I’m not a rule or a command. Never mind these dry crackled pages and old ink. I’m a story. I’m alive.

I’m garish, full of myself. I’m dark, hidden, buried deep, my brightness kept from the light.

I kept my secret and my promise. That what belonged would never leave.

Scotland’s honour. Made new again.

About the author

David Manderson

David Manderson is a writer and teacher. He writes fiction and non-fiction and loves history, crime, the gothic and poetry.

National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130