How to access our archives, collections and libraries

You can access more than 2.7 million records from our archives and collections online on trove.scot or via our other services: NCAP, Britain from Above, PastMap, HLAmap and the Dictionary of Scottish Architects 

The HES Search Room & Library in Edinburgh provides public access to the HES Archives (both physical and digital) and the library collections, in addition to digital resources for research. Here you can: 

• Discover information about Scotland's places through documents and books 

• Browse architects’ drawings, historic photographs or excavation archives 

• Trace our changing landscape through historic and modern maps and photographs 

• Browse the library collections, searchable through the Library Catalogue 

• Access library electronic resources and subscriptions on public computer terminals 

• Explore our online resources such as Archive and Object Collections on trove.scot  

• Speak to expert staff about your research questions or for support searching the collections 

Book your visit  

Bookings to see archive items must be made in advance.

Our collections are stored at multiple sites, so we may need to transfer the items you require from an offsite store. Booking in advance allows us to ensure the items you wish to see will be available on the day of your visit.

Sometimes access may be delayed due to conservation or data protection restrictions – in these instances staff will let you know as soon as possible of any potential delays.

To make a booking, contact the archives team and detail all the material you want to consult.

You can order up to 10 items in advance. An item can be:

• a roll of drawings

• a photograph album

• a manuscript folder

• a folder of flat drawings

If you are making a research trip to see a large amount of material, we recommend you send us a full list of your requirements so that we can advise the best way to access them and how many days you may need.

We will check your request and confirm by email the availability of all the material. Please do not make a travel booking until we have confirmed the accessibility of the material. 

You do not need to make an appointment to browse our library or speak to a member of staff during our opening hours.

Opening times 

Monday: pre-booked group visits only

Tuesday to Friday: 10am to 4pm (by appointment to view archival material)

Saturday and Sunday: closed

We are also closed on selected bank holidays and over the festive period.

Preparing for your visit 

We're always happy to welcome visitors into the archive. Whether you're new to exploring archives or a seasoned researcher, our friendly team is on hand to help you on your visit. 

On arrival, you will be asked to sign in to the building, and directed to the lockers provided. Bags, coats, food and drink must be left in the lockers but you may bring the following in to the search room and library: 

• Pencil, notebook 

• Laptop, tablet 

• Camera, smartphone 

Facilities

Our facilities include:

• Power points to charge your device

• Access to PCs to view our catalogues only

• A digital microfilm scanner for access to microfilm, microfiche and slides

• Document handling aids including foam wedges and weights (and our staff are on hand to provide advice and instruction)

• Car parking for pre-booked visitors

• Wi-Fi

If you would like to take photographs during your visit, please speak to the member of staff on duty in the search room. You may be asked to complete a permissions form. Many of our collections can be photographed, however some may have restrictions in place due to copyright or data protection legislation.

We can also take orders for high resolution copies of material, for a fee.

Getting to HES Archives and Library 

Our address is:

John Sinclair House
16 Bernard Terrace
Edinburgh
EH8 9NX 

HES Archives and Library is located off South Clerk Street in Newington, Edinburgh. 

Limited car parking is available for visitors to the rear of the building. Please note, we are located within the City of Edinburgh Low Emission Zone for vehicles. 

Accessibility Information 

Building access is through the front of the building, which includes ramp access. 

The Search Room & Library is on the first floor. All visitors can consult original archive and collections material in the Library and HES Archives search room. There is stair and lift access, with appropriate evacuation procedures in place for wheelchair users. 

We want all users to have the best possible experience when visiting us and encourage you to get in touch if you have any accessibility requests. 

There is an adapted toilet on the ground floor and on first floor of John Sinclair House, the same floor as the Library. 

Assistance dogs are welcome in the building, including the search room and library. 

We provide the following services: 

Enquiries

Our specialist team can help you navigate the collections and direct you to the most appropriate resources.

Contact the archives team

Telephone 0131 651 6872. 

Digitisation & Licensing for re-use (fees may apply)

Some of our material is available for digitisation or licensing.

Find out more and see the price list on trove.scot

Virtual Reading Room

We can provide a one-hour online appointment for those who cannot visit the search room in person. This services uses a camera to allow you to view archive items remotely. 

Group Visits

We offer group visits to the Search Room & Library free of charge for community, educational and professional groups. These include an overview of how we care for the archive, how it can be used and a display of archival material for attendees to browse. 

Information Sessions

We can also provide information sessions (online and in person) to community groups, local libraries, specialist networks and educational settings. These introduce the archive collections and demonstrate how to use our online resources to learn more about your local area. Contact the archives team  to enquire about availability.

See the NCAP website for information on services and the NCAP Search Room.

Many objects are kept at, and displayed in, the property where they are found and visiting the Properties in Care is the best way to encounter them.

Find places to visit

The collections are also used for exhibitions at our sites and at other institutions, scientific research and material analysis, outreach and learning activities. For any enquiries about the object collections please email collections@hes.scot.