The Elphinstone Institute, at Aberdeen University, is the only research centre specialising in the vigorous vernacular culture of the North-East and North of Scotland.

As part of the Elphinstone’s dedication to preserving and promoting the culture of the North East and North of Scotland, there is the Elphinstone Kist – an extensive resource featuring countless poems and short stories written in North East Scots from writers such as Violet Jacob, to modern writers such as Sheena Blackhall. There are also examples of poems written in Scots from Primary school children.

The Kist is of interest to anyone, but is designed to be used mainly by teachers and learners.