National Records of Scotland

Preserving the past, Recording the present, Informing the future

Visit Us

Visit Us

Visit our Search Rooms in Edinburgh

Our search rooms are open 9:00-16:30 Monday - Friday with the exception of the following public holidays when our buildings will be closed:

Friday 29 March 2024
Monday 1 April 2024
Monday 6 May 2024
Monday 16 September 2024
Wednesday 25 December 2024
Thursday 26 December 2024
Wednesday 1 January 2025
Thursday 2 January 2025

Customers should also be aware that significant works on New Register House began in June 2023. This work will future proof the building, ensuring it can continue to be used for the storage and protection of records into the future.

On site services and access will continue as usual and every effort will be made to minimise disruption.

Visitors to the Historical Search Room and ScotlandsPeople Centre should report to front door at General Register House, via Princes Street. 

Signage is in place to direct customers and visitors. The accessible entrances to General Register House and New Register House are located at the Archivist’s Garden.

We recommend that you read the following pages to assist in planning your visit.  They cover opening times, readers' tickets, seat booking, fees and charges, search room visitor guidance and research services.

We also offer a Legal Search Service for the provision of legal records.

Find out more about The Archivists' Garden