Whether you need someone to consult records at the National Records of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, Glasgow City Archives, or another Scottish archive, I offer a professional archive research service for clients across the UK and worldwide.
Based in Glasgow and with regular access to Edinburgh, I undertake research in many of Scotland’s major archives on behalf of genealogists, historians, academics, architects, legal professionals, family historians, and private clients. If you cannot travel to Scotland, or simply need an experienced researcher to carry out archival work for you, I can help. Especially if you can’t read older pre-modern handwriting.
I work with documents written in Latin, Scots, and English, covering the medieval period through to the twentieth century.
While I can usually identify and interpret Scottish Gaelic names and terms where they appear in records, I do not offer specialist Gaelic-language research. I’m afraid I’m just about able to ask for a cup of tea.
Archive Research Services
I can undertake research on your behalf for a wide variety of projects, including:
- Scottish genealogy and family history
- Local and regional history
- Architectural and building history
- Academic research
- Property and land history
- Church history
- Estate and estate management records
- Historical businesses and industries
- Biographical research
Whether you already know the archive reference you need consulted or are simply trying to trace information on a person, place, family, or building, I am happy to discuss your project and advise on the most appropriate records to consult.
Archives I Can Visit
Being based in Glasgow allows me to visit archives throughout Scotland with relative ease. I regularly undertake research at:
Glasgow
- Mitchell Library (Glasgow City Archives)
- University of Glasgow Archives and Special Collections
Edinburgh
- National Records of Scotland (General Register House and associated search rooms)
- National Library of Scotland
- Historic Environment Scotland Archives
- University of Edinburgh collections
Further afield, I can also undertake research at archives in:
- Perth
- Dundee
- Aberdeen
- Inverness
as well as local authority archives, church archives, university archives, and specialist collections across Scotland.
I also spend time in Somersetseveral times each year and may be able to combine archive visits there by arrangement.
Languages and Date Range
I regularly work with documents written in:
- Latin
- Scots
- English
covering material from the fourteenth century through to the twentieth century.
My experience with medieval and early modern documents allows me to work with many records that can be challenging for non-specialists to read. (For transcription and translation services, please see my separate page).
Who I Work With
My archive research service is suitable for:
- Genealogists and family historians
- Academic researchers
- Local historians
- Architectural historians
- Archaeologists
- Heritage consultants
- Museums
- Publishers
Whether your enquiry is a single document or a larger research project, I am happy to discuss your requirements.
How the Archive Research Service Works
Getting started is straightforward.
- Contact me using the enquiry form with as much information as you have. If you already know the archive and reference number, that’s ideal. If not, simply explain what you are trying to discover.
- I will assess the project and provide a quotation before any work begins.
- Once agreed, I will visit the archive and carry out the research.
- In many cases, findings can be supplied within a day or two of the archive visit.
Why Choose Me?
Unlike general researchers, I have experience working with historical documents from the medieval period onwards and am comfortable handling records written in Latin, Scots, and English. My background in historical research means I understand how archival collections are organised and how to make the most of limited research time.
Whether you need someone to consult a single register or carry out more extensive archival research, I aim to provide a reliable, professional, and cost-effective service.
If you are looking to hire a professional Scottish archive researcher, or need someone to consult records at the National Records of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, Glasgow City Archives, or another archive in Scotland, please get in touch. I’d be happy to discuss your project and provide a no-obligation quotation.