Let In Edinburgh

Based in Edinburgh, the National Archives of Scotland (NAS) exists to select, preserve, and make available the national archives of Scotland in whatever medium, to the highest standards; to promote the growth and maintenance of proper archive provision throughout the country; and to lead the development of archival practice in Scotland.

The NAS also holds historical records created by businesses, landed estates, families, churches and other corporate bodies. Every year tens of thousands of people from all over the world use the NAS's services to carry out research, seek advice on record keeping, and enhance the learning and teaching of history.

West Register House (WRH) is situated in Charlotte Square, off the west end of Princes Street. The search room here is known as the West Search Room, where you can consult court and government records and maps and plans. Below is an outline of the main classes of records available at West Register House:

* modern government files: records of the Scottish Office and Scottish Government
* court records: Court of Session; High Court of Justiciary (after 1800); sheriff court records (excluding wills); divorces (to 1983)
* records of the former nationalised industries and transport: rail and canal systems, coal, gas, electricity and steel industries
* business records
* maps and plans