On-site services to reopen

Search rooms at National Records of Scotland (NRS) will reopen on a limited basis from 26th April, in line with Scottish Government guidance.

The Historical Search Room will reopen on Monday 26th April, with priority given to users requiring access to our archives to complete academic research.

The ScotlandsPeople Centre will reopen on Tuesday 4th May, with priority given to users who have a business need to access modern day statutory records.

Spaces to both search rooms will be limited and available by appointment only.

Appointments will be available for 4 hour slots from 10am with staggered arrivals and departures.

Paul Lowe, Chief Executive and Keeper of the Records of Scotland said:

“We are delighted to welcome customers back to our search rooms, and we hope that this news will be particularly welcomed by those eager to progress research that has been affected by the pandemic.

“Our commitment is to the safety and wellbeing of customers and staff. To ensure the search rooms have the necessary entry and exit routes and the required ventilation, we have moved the Historical Search Room to the Reid room in General Register House.

“We have also developed a safe visit agreement which includes a range of measures to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.

“In the coming months, in line with Scottish Government guidance, we look forward to further expanding our onsite provision of services.

“For those who are unable to access on-site services at this time, our online research services continue to be available including the ScotlandsPeople service, which assists with researching family, local and social history. During the pandemic we have continued to expand the range of online material available, including our newly released kirk session records which alone contain thousands of volumes detailing key events in local communities across the country from 1559 to 1900.”