There were 13 burghs in the Highlands prior to changes brought about by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 which came into force on 16th May 1975: Cromarty, Dingwall, Dornoch, Fortrose, Fort William, Grantown-on-Spey, Invergordon, Inverness, Kingussie, Nairn, Tain, Thurso and Wick, The Highland Archive Service holds extensive records, such as minute books and financial records, for many of these burghs. These records are invaluable for those tracing the stories of those communities.
Date and location coverage
Records relating to the burghs of Wick and Thurso are held in Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives in Wick, records relating to Fort William are held in our Lochaber Archive Centre in Fort William, and records relating to the other Highland burghs are held in the Highland Archive Centre in Inverness. The extent of material and the date range covered varies for each burgh. Burgh of Inverness records date from 1497-1975.
What can these records be used for?
These records have many and varied uses. They can be used to understand how some of the Highlands' significant settlements developed and were governed; to learn how national and international events impacted Highland communities (i.e. the two World Wars or the Jacobite Rebellions); to trace a family member who lived or traded in the burgh; to see the plans of certain buildings; to learn about the social history of the Highlands.
Access and restrictions
Some records may be subject to restrictions if there is sensitive information within). Staff will be able to advise if this is applicable.
Copies and photography
Both photocopying and photography of these records are permitted. Charges may apply.
What next?
If you’re tracing a person why not move to the County of Inverness records to see if they went to school in Inverness or the Church Records to see if they attended church? If you’re researching the burgh system why not look at another of the burgh collections?
