Your Visit

Ur Tadhal

All researchers are welcome to use the archive searchroom. An appointment is not required but it is a good idea to get in touch in advance to ensure the centre is open and that the records required are available.

On arrival...

A  registration form  will need to be completed. The Archive Service staff will use the information provided on the registration form to compile statistics on searchroom use.

There is the opportunity to talk to a member of staff who will be able to advise on using the finding aids to identify relevant records, and to help generally with research.

How to find relevant records...

Catalogues of many of the archive holdings are available in the searchroom. Searchers should feel free to browse through them to find any archive material they are interested in. Each catalogue has an initial description giving a summary of the contents, details of the creator and the types of records which can be found within the collection.

Further resources...

There are also catalogues of holdings relevant to the Highlands but held elsewhere. There is a small reference library available of secondary sources relating to the Highlands.

There are public access computers at the Highland Archive Centre in Inverness, at the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre and at the Caithness Archive Centre. Searchers can register as a temporary user and access the Internet to look at online resources. It will be necessary to provide proof of identity before being allowed to do this. Documents acceptable as proof of identity are: credit card, passport, ID card, driving licence.

How to request documents ...

A document request slip must be completed for every archive to be consulted. The document reference will be found in the catalogue. Please give the completed request slip to a member of staff and they will deliver the documents to you. This should take no longer than 15 minutes depending on how busy the searchroom is. It is possible to phone in advance and order the documents to be ready upon arrival.

Handling archives...

The records held by the Highland Archive Service are unique and irreplacable so great care must be taken when handling them. For example, they need to be carried and put down carefully, they should be handled as little as possible and nothing should be put on top of them. Please see the searchroom rules for further guidance.

To obtain a copy...

Copying of all archives is subject to copyright restrictions, the condition of the original material and is at the discretion of Archive staff.  Users may use a traditional/digital/phone camera upon completion of the appropriate Self Service Photography Form.  The use of portable scanners is not permitted.  There is no self service photocopying and a member of staff will be happy to advise if it is possible to obtain a copy. If copying is permitted a Reprographics Form must be completed prior to copying being undertaken. There is a small charge for this service.

When the research is finished...

Researchers should let staff know when they are leaving so that the archives can be returned to the strongroom. Researchers are reminded to take all of their belongings with them.