Archives and research
Our archives and libraries
We hold archive collections relating to Scotland’s archaeology, architecture, industrial and maritime heritage.
On our website you can find out about:
our archives, including what you'll find in them and how we management
how to visit our archives in person and online, including the archive services we offer
the HES Library and the collections it contains
Contact us about our archives
Our specialist team help you navigate our archives and collections and direct you to the most appropriate resources.
Phone 0131 651 6872
Researching people
We're often asked for help with family research, ancestry or genealogy projects. We will usually direct you to the National Records of Scotland, who provide records and archive services relating to Scotland's people.
Researching buildings and places
We can offer several resources to anyone looking for information about historic buildings or places.
One of our most popular and useful resources is our Researching Historic Buildings guidance:
Researching Historic Buildings
Do you want to find out more about the history of your house or another building?
Read moreOn our website, and via our other platforms, you can:
Read about Protected Historic Places, including listed buildings and scheduled monuments
Search the National Record of the Historic Environment
Use maps to locate historic places with PastMap and the HLAmap
Browse aerial photos using Britain from Above
Digitisation and licensing
Some archive material is available for re-use through a range of suitable licensing options. Information in pricing and how to order is available on trove.scot. Contact the archives team if you have an enquiry.
Adding to our archives
If you want to discuss depositing archive material, please contact the archives team.
If the query relates to digital material, please contact the Digital Archives team at digital.archives@hes.scot.
trove.scot
trove.scot is a platform which brings together HES’s wealth of unique and diverse collections in one convenient place. It combines information from our Historic Environment Portal, Canmore, SCRAN, and Property in Care Collections.
The best way to get in touch with queries relating to trove.scot is to email trove@hes.scot.
National Collection of Aerial Photography
NCAP is an archive of aerial photography, which covers Scotland and beyond.
For more information visit the NCAP website or contact:
Phone: 0131 651 6821
Email: ncap@hes.scot
Our collections
Our Collections and Applied Conservation Team are responsible for the management and conservation of historic objects and decorative architecture.
For any enquiries about the object collections please email collections@hes.scot
HES Research
HES is recognised as an Independent Research Organisation (IRO) by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
On our website you can find out about:
Queries relating to the above should be sent to research@hes.scot