An exhibition looking at the story of over a thousand years of Scottish graffiti is opening at Stanley Mills this week on Thursday 2 July 2026.
‘Marking Time’ explores the history of graffiti throughout Scotland, spanning from ancient markings to the vibrant street art of today. Often overlooked or dismissed, graffiti forms a powerful visual archive of the human urge to communicate and literally leave a mark.
Featuring images from across Scotland’s historic environment, the exhibition explores a wide range of markings, some of which date back as far as 5,000 years. It delves into the meanings and intentions behind the inscriptions, highlighting stories of love, wars, creativity, and everyday events that have inspired people to leave lasting messages in the environments that surrounded them.
Dr Alex Hale, curator of the exhibition and Learning Manager at Historic Environment Scotland (HES) who look after Stanley Mills, said:
“This exhibition is about why we can’t stop leaving our mark in places we visit. For centuries, people have left behind messages that echo across time, resonating with us today just as much as they did when the etchings were first made.
“Graffiti has not always been deemed acceptable by wider society and until recently wasn’t considered a traditional source of information. But the remarkable variety of historic markings found across Scotland can teach us a great deal about people’s lives and what mattered to them. The messages they left behind are astonishing, especially when we realise that people have been marking time across Scotland for over 5,000 years.
“Whether carved or painted, graffiti intertwines our lives with people from the past. Engaging with the marks they left allows us to reflect on the human urge to leave something of ourselves behind in the places we pass through.”
Jon Pagan, Monument Manager at Stanley Mills said:
“Marking Time is a fascinating exhibition about the history of graffiti across Scotland, and we’re excited to welcome visitors to Stanley Mills to experience the story of Scotland’s markings for themselves.
Visitors will have the chance to learn about a unique and inventive part of Scottish history, which fits perfectly with the spirit of Stanley Mills, which was an important site of modernisation during the Industrial Revolution.”
‘Marking Time’ is open at Stanley Mills on selected dates from Thursday 2 July to Sunday 27 September 2026. Entry to the exhibition is included in admission to the site. Entry is free for Historic Scotland members.
The Historic Scotland Explorer Pass also allows visitors to explore 5,000 years of history over just 14 days. Entry to Stanley Mills, as well as sites across Scotland, is free for Explorer Pass holders. Advance booking is required.
Dr Alex Hale is also the author of the accompanying publication ‘Marking Time, Graffiti in Scotland from Street Art to Rock Art’, which will be published by HES later this year.
