The Inverness District Asylum records form part of the Highland Health Board Archive, held at the Highland Archive Centre in Inverness. These records document the history, development, staff and patients of the Inverness District Asylum (later known as Craig Dunain).
Date and location coverage
These records relate to much of the Highlands and Islands and are held at the Highland Archive Centre in Inverness. The collection spans 1849–2002, including:
- Warrants: 1864–1984
- Patient registers: 1864–1995
- Case notes: 1864–1957
- Staff registers: 1876–1983
What can these records be used for?
You may find these records helpful if you are:
- Tracing an ancestor listed in census or poor relief records
- Researching the history of healthcare in the Highlands
- Looking for an ancestor who worked as a nurse or attendant
- Studying the development of mental health care
- Investigating a death certificate that lists Craig Dunain or 1 Leachkin Road
These records can include:
- Reasons for admission and authorisation of confinement (Warrants)
- Admission details (Patient Registers)
- Notes on condition, treatment, work and daily life (Case Notes)
- Details of next of kin and physical description
- Registers of deaths, escapes and discharges
- Staff training, salary and conduct records (Staff Registers)
Together, they offer a unique insight into the history of mental health treatment in the Highlands.
Access and restrictions
Due to the sensitive information within medical records, access is not given to records created less than 100 years ago, except in certain circumstances. If you require access to a closed record, please contact us.
Copies and photography
Photocopies are available on request (charges apply). Photography is not permitted under the deposit agreement.
What Next?
- Exploring a family member’s story? You may wish to look at other sections of the collection to learn more about daily life in the asylum.
- Researching healthcare history? You may also be interested in the Dewar Committee evidence, also held at the Highland Archive Centre.
