THE 300-YEAR-OLD contract for the world's first ever overdraft, bagpipes, and red hair are included in a new exhibition celebrating Scotland's contribution to the world.

"Wha's like us? : A Nation of Dreams and Ideas", which opens today at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh and runs until May 18, offers an almost A-Z of outstanding achievements by Scots and Scotland. Entry is free.

The most recent exhibit is a manual for the game Grand Theft Auto, which originated in Dundee. Maria Castrillo, who put the exhibition together with fellow curator Andrew Martin,described the game as a "global phenomenon". Other topics covered include the poetry of Burns, the digestive biscuit, Dolly the Sheep, penicillin, Harry Potter, the telephone, television and The Dandy.

The exhibition is being staged as part of the Scottish Government's Year of Homecoming, which seeks to attract tourism and investment by showcasing the very best of Scotland.