National Register of Archives for Scotland

The National Register of Archives for Scotland (NRAS) was set up in 1946 to compile a record of collections of private papers in Scotland, to encourage their care, and to make information about them available to researchers and others.

The Register

Over 4,300 lists or 'surveys' have now been added to the Register. These surveys describe papers held by private individuals and families, landed estates, clubs and societies, businesses and law firms. The NRAS does not hold any of these private papers. The Register also includes surveys of similar papers which have been deposited in the archives and libraries of local authorities and universities. In addition, the Scottish Archive Network (SCAN) provides access to the holdings of more than 50 Scottish archives.

Where to view the Register

• Many of the NRAS surveys are available on the electronic NRAS register at the National Records of Scotland (in Edinburgh).
• On our online Register, though not all of the surveys are fully available electronically
• At The National Archives, in London. On The National Archives' website you can also search their website index to private collections, the National Register of Archives, which includes information on Scottish collections of private papers. However this information is highly summarised.

Find out more about NRAS for archivists, NRAS for owners of records, and NRAS for researchers.

Contact NRAS by mail, email, phone or fax.