Government files become 'historical records' on 1 January 2008

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 applies to all public authorities. Under the Act a record of a public authority becomes a “historical record” at the end of a period of 30 years. The National Archives of Scotland holds a large number of Scottish Government and agency files which become “historical records” at the turn of each new calendar year.

From 1 January 2008, about 1,500 additional Scottish Government files can be viewed by the public without the need to submit a formal written Freedom of Information request. To assist researchers with accessing this new material therefore, we are publishing a list of those files which can be viewed without restriction in our West Search Room from 3 January.

To view a list of the files download the following PDF: Historical Files 2008 Acrobat PDF - 1.45MB, opens in new window.