Following the launch of trove.scot in February 2025, we’re retiring some of our web services. Due to the age of these sites, we can no longer support them.
trove.scot is a new platform bringing together our diverse collections in one convenient place. It combines information from our Historic Environment Portal, Canmore and our Property in Care Collections, as well as Scran which holds images and media from galleries, museums, libraries and archives across the country.
As of 24 June 2025 Canmore, Scran and ScotlandsPlaces will be switched off.
Later in the year we’re aiming to retire HLA (Scotland’s Historic Land Use) and Property in Care Collections.
Longer term we’ll also be looking at the Historic Environment Portal, PastMap, Dictionary of Scottish Architects and the Buildings at Risk Register.
Britain from Above is unaffected.
On this page you’ll find up to date information about which web sites are closing and when, as well as how trove.scot will continue to provide access to the records, data and digital resources you need.
trove.scot already offers users access to more than 2 million records from Canmore and Scran, with more to be migrated. The team is also working to replace popular functionality and resources from these websites, along with new features to improve digital access to Scotland’s past.
Canmore
Most content from Canmore has already been transferred to trove.scot. This includes content on Places (sites) and Archives, as well as the ability to browse our thesauri.
Canmore URLs will continue to work, redirecting users to the relevant trove.scot page.
We are currently developing trove.scot to enable user contributions. You don’t need a user account to browse trove.scot, but will require one to place digitisation orders, obtain licenses for re-use and make contributions. This is also currently in development. User accounts from MyCanmore will not be transferred to trove.scot, so you will need to re-register in due course.
Scran
Over 50,000 images have been migrated to trove.scot so far. Currently Scran URLs will not redirect to the relevant trove.scot page, but we are exploring this functionality.
We’re working on the other 200,000 digital images, moving images and sounds – but because we hold these on behalf of other contributors, this is a complex process.
We expect to have the whole archive, as well as our popular pathfinder resources, migrated by March 2026. In the meantime, if you’re unable to find something, please get in touch via archives@hes.scot and we’ll do our best to help.
NCAP
The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP) is in the process of transferring its web content and digitised collections to a recently launched website and Air Photo Finder platform at ncap.org. The platform is currently in its Beta phase, with further enhancements planned over the coming months.
As part of this transition, the legacy website at ncap.org.uk will be officially retired on 24 June 2025.
To ensure a smooth transition:
- Key information pages will be automatically redirected to the new platform.
- NCAP is accelerating the digitisation of its collections to provide higher-quality scans and make larger volumes of imagery available than ever before.
- Private and commercial clients affected by the change will be contacted directly regarding any impact on their subscription services.
We appreciate your patience and support as we work to improve your experience with NCAP’s digital resources.
ScotlandsPlaces
ScotlandsPlaces is a collaborative resource from HES, the National Records of Scotland (NRS) and the National Library of Scotland (NLS). The website is at end of life and can no longer be supported.
The site will be switched off on 24 June 2025, but users can still access the materials directly from each of the contributing bodies.
HES material can be found on trove.scot.
NLS material can be found at nls.uk and maps.nls.uk.
NRS records will be accessible through scotlandspeople.gov.uk.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
- Historic Scotland, Scran, Canmore, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.
- View our press pack and keep up to date by registering to receive our media releases. Already registered? You can unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link, included in every email.
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For further information, please contact:
Claire Mullaney
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot