Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland

Who we are

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) is a government funded organisation responsible for the creation of the national record of Scotland’s archaeology, buildings and maritime heritage. To achieve this, we undertake survey programmes, aerial reconnaissance, research and are actively creating a substantial archive of material (e.g. antiquarian records, historic and modern photographs, excavation archives, architects drawings etc) which documents how the nation’s archaeological, industrial and architectural heritage has changed over time.

For more information see www.rcahms.gov.uk

Aerial photography collections

RCAHMS also holds one of the largest aerial photographic archives in the world. In 2008 in a joint initiative between the National Archives and Keele University, RCAHMS took on the responsibility for The Aerial Reconnaissance Archives (TARA) to ensure its long term preservation and to open up access to this internationally significant resource. TARA contains tens-of-millions of UK Government aerial images, declassified and released by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC) and comprises imagery for locations throughout the world from the Second World War to the late 1980s. As a major source of historical geospatial data, it provides a unique aerial perspective on many key moments of twentieth century history and offers considerable potential for archaeological researchers.

            For more information see aerial.rcahms.gov.uk

Public use

Over 6.75 million hits were made in 2010-11 on the different RCAHMS websites, as people from across the world explore and discover more about the heritage of Scotland or the international collections. RCAHMS undertakes programmes of education and outreach and actively encourages community groups and individuals to contribute their knowledge and images to the national collection.

Other websites

            Heritage of Scotland: canmore.rcahms.gov.uk.    

            Education resource: www.scran.ac.uk

            Information about places in Scotland: www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk

Contact Details

RCAHMS,

John Sinclair House,

16 Bernard Terrace,

Edinburgh EH8 9NX

Tel: +44(0)131 662 1456

Fax: +44(0)131 662 1477

General enquiries: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Project Members

Lesley Ferguson – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

David Cowley – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Allan Williams – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it