In these rooms you can access original records we hold, and digitised copies of selected records. Both rooms are in the same building and have the same conditions of access.
To access the rooms you'll need a reader's ticket.
Visiting the Historical and Digital Archive search rooms
Opening times: 9:00 – 16:00, Monday to Friday.
You do not need to make an appointment.
You can find them at:
National Records of Scotland
General Register House
2 Princes Street
Edinburgh
EH1 3YY
You do not need to make an appointment to access the rooms but you may need to request some records in advance.
Access to the search room
The search rooms are located on the first floor. You can access them from the front door.
If you need assistance to evacuate the building in the event of an emergency, let a member of search room staff know when you arrive. We’ll let you know the assisted emergency evacuation procedure.
We’ve taken steps to make sure:
- our search rooms are accessible
- adaptations are available
Our Historical and digital search rooms include:
- accessible entrance, located on the west side of General Register House
- limited height-adjustable desks available on request
- induction loops available at all enquiry desks and counters
- large print keyboard or magnifying glass available on request.
- accessible toilets
Bringing a helper
You can bring a friend or helper along on your visit. If you want to do this, contact us before your visit.
Friends or helpers need to have their own reader's ticket and must follow the conditions of access.
Guide dogs
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome. Get in touch before your visit so we can make sure that access is possible.
Disabled parking
Significant works on New Register House began in June 2024. There is no access to disabled parking spaces while this is ongoing.
