Contacting the National Register of Archives for Scotland

The National Register of Archives for Scotland (NRAS) locates and surveys historical papers held in private hands in Scotland. We do not hold any of the papers ourselves, but we do have surveys listing the documents in collections. If you have an enquiry about papers held in private hands or about the services of the NRAS use the enquiries form below. You can also use the form to provide us with feedback about the NRAS and its services. Family history: births, marriages and deaths Please note that the records of baptisms/births, marriages and deaths as well as those of the census in Scotland are held by the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS). Further information can be obtained on the GROS website and the ScotlandsPeople website, the official government source for genealogical information.

Contact us

Making enquiries

• The staff of the NRAS can answer specific enquiries regarding the existence of papers relating to a particular person or topic but cannot undertake research on behalf of enquirers.
  
  
• As owners may not be able to reply to your request or give access to their papers quickly, it is wise to apply for access as early as possible. You should allow at least two months for your application to be processed.
  
  
• Your letter, or e-mail, will be forwarded to the owner for their consideration. The owner may contact you through the NRAS or may choose to contact you direct.
  
  
• Access, if granted, may be given in the search room at West Register House, Charlotte Square, or locally.
  
  
• If you would like to order photocopies, please make your request once the original document has been consulted.
  
  
• Owners may charge an administration fee for arranging access to their papers.
  
  
• If you are unable to visit Scotland in person you may wish to hire someone to carry out research on your behalf. A list of professional record agents is available from the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (ASGRA). We must point out, however, that hiring a record agent is a private matter, and you would be entering into a private contract. The NRAS can accept no responsibility for the quality or quantity of the work produced by a professional searcher. If you do decide to take this course, please note that we would need you to include the name and credentials of any such person undertaking research for you in your letter requesting access.

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