Visitor information

The Highland Archive Centre is open to everyone. While booking is not essential, we recommend some pre-planning to help make the most of your visit. However, we also welcome drop-in visitors. So, whether you’re preparing for your first visit or returning for more research, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time with us.

Opening Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
10:00am – 4:30pm
(Closed Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday)

Visiting the Highland Archive Centre

We want your visit to be as enjoyable and productive as possible. Here are some tips for planning your visit and what to expect when you get here so you can make the most of your time with us. 

Before your visit

Before you visit, you can search our records using our online catalogue. With over 130,000 descriptions of records in our care, you can find what you’re interested in by searching keywords or reference numbers, or by browsing the collections held in each archive centre.

Once you have found what you are looking for, you can pre-order up to 10 items by emailing us with the reference number and description of the documents you would like to view. These will then be ready for you when you arrive.

If you cannot find what you’re looking for in our online catalogue, please get in touch to discuss how we can help with your research.

What to bring with you

• Laptops and Tablets – You are welcome to bring your own device.
• Stationery – Please bring your own pencils, sharpeners, and paper. Pens are not permitted in the searchroom to protect the documents.
• Cameras – You may take photographs of documents using your phone or digital camera, subject to copyright or other restrictions. There is a daily charge for camera use, please see our charges page.

During your visit

Here’s what to expect:

• Free on-site parking.
• A lift providing access to our searchroom and Family History Centre on the first floor.
• Lockers for storing coats and bags (these items are not allowed in the searchroom).
• Toilets located on both the ground and first floors.
• Printed catalogues of our collections and selected catalogues of collections held elsewhere.
• A small reference library of secondary sources relating to the Highlands.
• A document request slip must be completed for every archive to be consulted. 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.
• You can pre-order up to ten items ahead of your visit, saving you time on the day. This can include original archive documents, microfilm and any reference books held in our library.
• Public computers (proof of identity is required to use them: credit card, passport, ID card, or driving licence).

If you have requested documents in advance, they will be waiting for you. Additional documents can be ordered during your visit.

Please handle all documents gently and as little as possible, and do not place any objects on top of them.

Copying and photography

The records we preserve are unique and often fragile. We ask all visitors to handle them with care and to follow our searchroom rules.

• Copying is subject to copyright, the condition of the item, and staff approval.
• You may take photographs for personal reference, there is a small charge for this, please see our charges page. Please speak to a member of staff before taking any photographs.
• Mini-scanners are not permitted.
• Staff can provide copies for you for a small fee.

Before you leave

Once you have finished your research:

• Please leave any documents on the desk for staff to collect.
• Ensure you have all your belongings, including anything stored in a locker.