Finding your own records
Tracing records about yourself
Many public organisations may create records (such as files, accounts or documents) about you in the course of providing services such as education, medical support or housing. These may include paper records, photographs and electronic records.
It is important to be aware that
- different organisations are obliged to keep different kinds of records
- the period of time organisations are obliged to keep records varies
- not all records may have been kept
- it may not always be possible to locate records that have been created
Births, deaths and marriages
Birth, death and marriage records: Birth, Death and Marriage Records | National Records of Scotland (nrscotland.gov.uk)
Children and young people with care experience
The records and documents kept for young people who have experienced out of home care may be found in a number of places.
Getting started
An overview on where to find records about yourself and how to access these is provided by FamilyConnect
Adoption records
- National Records of Scotland guidance on Adoption records: Adoption Records | National Records of Scotland (nrscotland.gov.uk)
- Birthlink guidance on adoption records and support in accessing records: Accessing your records – Birthlink
Care records
- National Records of Scotland Guide to Time in Care Records
Other organisations
- Scotland’s Children’s Reporter Administration: Accessing your information – just ask – SCRA
- Children’s Hearing Scotland: Accessing information from CHS (chscotland.gov.uk)
Support
If you are care experienced and would like to access your own records, support is available.
- Guide on support from FamilyConnect
- Care Connect Service from BirthLink
- Who Cares Scotland
- Care Leavers Association
If you are interested in the history of keeping records for young people in out of home care, or are trying to trace an ancestor who experienced out of home care, look at our Family History pages.
Education records
The Your Scottish Archives Knowledge Base provides information on finding your own school records.
These FAQs on finding your University examination results, and how to request evidence of attending school may also be useful.
Replacement exam certificates: Replacement certificates – Order now – SQA
Police records
You have the right to request information police records which contain information about you. Police Scotland outline how to request this information.
If you or a relative have served in the police force, it may be possible to find their service record.
Health records
NHS Scotland provides information on how you may access your own health records: Health records | NHS inform