The register of sasines is comprehensive and consequently it is theoretically possible to trace the progression of ownership of every property in Scotland from 1617 to the present day. This is a fairly mechanical process but it is not always quick. There are a variety (and sometimes a lack) of indexes and you should be prepared to invest time and patience in any search.
Before plunging into the various catalogues and indexes described here, it is worth considering spending some money on a short cut. Since 1876 the government has maintained a series of search sheets for property in Scotland. These identify the volume and page numbers of all the sasines and deeds for a given building or piece of land and can be used as a starting point for searching back in time. Copies of the search sheets for particular properties can be purchased from: The Registers of Scotland, Meadowbank House, 153 London Road, Edinburgh, EH8 7AU.
