Finding your own records
Accessing your information
Under Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislation you have the right to request information, including information which is held about you. Have a look at the Scottish Information Commissioner’s Office guidance: What can I ask for? | Scottish Information Commissioner (itspublicknowledge.info)
The National Records of Scotland have an excellent series of NRS research guides, which include many topics which may help you to find records about yourself, your close family or your home. NRS research guides: Buildings | National Records of Scotland (nrscotland.gov.uk)
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
Records kept for young people who have care experience may be found in a number of places.
An overview on where and how to access your own records is provided by FamilyConnect: Welcome to FamilyConnect – FamilyConnect
- Scotland’s Children’s Reporter Administration: Accessing your information – just ask – SCRA
- Children’s Hearing Scotland: Accessing information from CHS (chscotland.gov.uk)
- National Records of Scotland guidance on Adoption records: Adoption Records | National Records of Scotland (nrscotland.gov.uk)
- Birthlink on guidance on adoption records and support in accessing records: Accessing your records – Birthlink
If you are interested in the history of keeping records for young people in out of home care, have a
look at our Knowledge Base articles on children in the justice system and on care of young people, children and families.
Who Cares lecture series: Care Experienced History Month – Untold Stories – whocaresscotland.org
Education records
The Your Scottish Archives Knowledge Base provides information on finding your own school records and University examination results, and how to request evidence of attending school.
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