National Records of Scotland
Edinburgh
National Records of Scotland (NRS) performs the registration and statistical functions of the Registrar General for Scotland and the archival functions of the Keeper of the Records of Scotland, including maintaining the archives as one of Scotland’s five National Collections.
Our purpose is to collect, preserve and produce information about Scotland's people and history and make it available to inform current and future generations.
Our records span from the 12th to the 21st centuries, touching on virtually every aspect of Scottish life. We are the repository for the public and legal records of Scotland, but we also have many local and private archives. We hold and facilitate access to one of the most varied archive collections of records in Britain.
Our collections are held in four buildings in Edinburgh, two of which, Robert Adam’s Neoclassical General Register House (GRH) and Robert Matheson’s Italianate New Register House (NRH), are Category A listed and outstanding examples of 18th and 19th century architecture. Adam’s elegant General Register House is one of the oldest purpose-built archive buildings still in use in the world.
The open courtyard between General Register House and New Register House is a unique garden planted with 58 plant species - all connected in some way to Scotland's collective memory, whether through myth and folklore, heraldry, or association with individual famous Scots.
Planned Activities
- A special display of historical records to mark the 250th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of General Register House.
- Free family history taster sessions in ScotlandsPeople.
- A chance to speak to archivists and other specialists to answer questions about their role and the role of NRS.
- Tours of General Register House and the Archivists’ Garden.
Public tours must be booked in advance, informing us of any special access requirements, via the NRS
Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/national-records-of-scotland-13420221531.
Except for tours, all other activities are drop-in or sign-up on the day, including the free taster sessions
introducing Scotland’s People. These will be limited to six people per session and spaces will be
allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Digital Events
A Virtual Visit
We will link to a digital animation of General Register House from the present day to the 18th century; a video tour of New Register House and a 3D scan of the Archivists’ Garden which will allow our users to explore the buildings and spaces remotely. These resources will also be promoted on our social media channels together with other material.
Find our more about our work by visiting NRS’ YouTube channel Learning playlist
Explore the blog here!Facilities
Gallery
Key Information
Public tours must be booked in advance, informing us of any special access requirements, via the NRS Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/national-records-of-scotland-13420221531. Except for tours, all other activities are drop-in or sign-up on the day, including the free taster sessions introducing Scotland’s People. These will be limited to six people per session and spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where to find us
Address
- HM General Register House
- General Register House, 2 Princes St
- Edinburgh
- EH1 3YY