National Archives of Scotland History and Legacy

The National Archives of Scotland (NAS), now known as the National Records of Scotland (NRS), serves as the primary repository for the historical records of Scotland. Based in Edinburgh, the NAS is renowned for maintaining one of the most diverse archival collections in Europe, documenting Scotland's journey as an independent state, its complex relationship with the British Isles, and its global connections over several centuries.

Organizational Evolution

Originally known as the Scottish Record Office, the institution officially changed its name to the National Archives of Scotland on January 7, 1999. It operates as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government and is led by the Keeper of the Records of Scotland. On April 1, 2011, the NAS merged with the General Register Office for Scotland to form the current entity, the National Records of Scotland. Despite this merger, the term "National Archives of Scotland" is still frequently used to refer specifically to the archival collections themselves.

Locations and Access

The archives are managed across three primary sites in Edinburgh:

• HM General Register House and New Register House: Open to the public in the city centre.
• West Register House: Also located in the city centre.
• Thomas Thomson House: Located in the Sighthill area, serving as the main repository and housing the conservation department.

Access to these archives is open to the public, ensuring that Scotland's documentary heritage is available for research and study.

A Turbulent History

The history of Scotland's national archives mirrors the nation's own volatile past. Throughout the centuries, many vital records were lost due to conflict and foreign seizure.

Early Losses and the Middle Ages

In the 13th century, during the Wars of Independence, King Edward I of England removed the national archives, the regalia, and the Stone of Destiny to London. While the Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton (1329) mandated their return, many documents disappeared. When remnants were finally returned in 1948, only about 200 documents remained. Consequently, the earliest surviving public record is the Quitclaim of Canterbury from 1189, and the oldest private record is a 1127 charter by David I.

The Cromwellian Era and the 'Elizabeth' Disaster

The archives faced further peril in 1650 when Oliver Cromwell's army captured Edinburgh Castle. Records were moved to Stirling Castle, but following its fall in 1651, most were again sent to London. Although legal registers returned in 1657, other records were not returned until the restoration of Charles II in 1660. Tragedy struck during this return when one of the transport ships, the Elizabeth, sank off the Northumbrian coast, resulting in the total loss of all papers and parchments on board.

The Laigh Hall and the Move to General Register House

By 1662, legal registers were moved to the Laigh Hall on the Royal Mile. However, the facility was inadequate, plagued by dampness and vermin. The Great Fire of 1700 further threatened the records, forcing a temporary move to St Giles' church. Despite the Treaty of Union of 1707 ensuring that public records remain in Scotland, a lack of funding persisted until the mid-eighteenth century.

In 1765, a grant of £12,000—funded by the forfeited estates of Jacobites after the 1745 rising—was used to build a proper repository. This led to the creation of the General Register House, providing a secure and professional environment for the nation's records.