The Scottish Printing Archival Trust (SPRAT) was formed in 1988 to conserve ‘knowledge and examples of Scotland’s printing heritage for the benefit of the public and print/media education’.
The Trust promotes interest in the history of the Scottish printing industry, which is one of Scotland’s oldest. It does not hold any archival collections itself, but works with various institutions to ensure that printing archives are not lost.
Current project
We are working with the National Museum of Scotland to preserve the Cossar Press which printed the Strathearn Herald in Crieff from its first installation in 1907 at David Philips Printers in Comrie Street, until 28 March 1991. A clip of its last run can be seen here. For more background to the history of this press see the project page.
The Trust is leading the fundraising effort to support the preservation of this historically important and unique item and is delighted to announce that the National Printing Heritage Trust has made a generous grant towards the Cossar Press project. This grant, together with donations from the Scottish Newspaper Society, Unite the Union and the Oxford Guild of Printers as well as individual donors, means that the appeal has now reached the milestone of £6,000 or 40% of the overall figure needed for the project. There are more details about the project in the appeal leaflet or you can contact the Honorary Secretary. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Scottish Printing Archival Trust’ and marked ‘Cossar Press Project’ on the back: you can also ‘Gift Aid’ your contribution.
Up-to-date news of this project »
Publications
If you would like to know more about Scotland’s place in printing history, the Trust has published several books on the history of Scotland’s printing industry:
- four books in the series, A Reputation for Excellence, covering local histories of printing;
- a pamphlet, 500 years of printing, published to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Scotland’s printing industry;
- and, in association with Graphic Enterprise Scotland, Mechanical to digital in Scotland by Professor John Gennard, charting the 100 year history of the Scottish print employers’ organisation.
You can download an publications order form for all Trust publications.

