Researchers are welcome to visit the Scottish Catholic Archives, and the following information will assist you in your visit.

Plan your visit
Registration and obtaining a Reader's ticket
Address, telephone and email contacts
Directions and how to find us
Why visit us
Opening times
Disabled access
Interactive map

PLAN YOUR VISIT

The Scottish Catholic Archives houses over half a kilometre of archives, including Historic Collections; National Collections; Diocesan archives; Parish archives; Gifts and Deposits; and Photographs and Plans. Further details of the contents of these collections can be found on the Collections page. We also hold the Scottish Catholic Archives Library, the largest specialist collection of Scottish Catholic historical texts in the UK.

Archives can be ordered between the hours of 9.30am and 12.30pm and 2pm and 4pm. Archives are collected on the hour and half hour between these times. You can also order archives in advance of your visit by emailing us.

Pencils must be used in the Reading Room, as pens are not permitted. Laptops can be used, however digital cameras are not permitted. Full details of our Reader Guidelines will be issued to you when you receive your Reader Ticket, and can also be viewed here.

REGISTRATION AND OBTAINING A READER'S TICKET

On your first visit you will need to bring photographic identification with you in order to apply for a Reader’s ticket. Accepted forms of identification are: passport; driving licence; matriculation card; Scottish Government travel card; Scottish Government or Local Authority staff pass. If you do not own any of these documents then you can bring a utility bill showing your current address and a valid bank card.

In line with many other Archive services in the UK and Ireland, the Scottish Catholic Archives is increasing levels of security. From the 1st April 2009, it will be mandatory for every reader to supply two passport photographs in order to apply for or renew your Readers' ticket. Between 5 January and 1 April 2009, a temporary readers' ticket will be issued, which will be renewed on or after 1 April 2009.

We trust our users will support the decision, which will ensure our collections remain safe for future generations. Passport photographs can be obtained at Waverley Rail Station, Edinburgh; St Andrew's Square Bus Station, Edinburgh; and the Princes Shopping Mall (Post Office), Edinburgh. 

ADDRESS, TELEPHONE AND EMAIL CONTACTS

Scottish Catholic Archives
Columba House
16 Drummond Place
Edinburgh EH3 6PL
Scotland

Telephone: 44 (0) 131 556 3661
Fax: 44 (0) 131 556 3661

EMail: archivists@scottishcatholicarchives.org.uk

DIRECTIONS AND HOW TO FIND US

Drummond Place is situated within easy walking distance of Edinburgh Waverley Train Station www.thetrainline.co.uk and Edinburgh's Bus Station at St Andrew's Square www.travelinescotland.com 

We are also on Lothian Regional Transport www.lothianbuses.co.uk bus routes numbers 13, 23, and 27. 

If you are coming by car you may wish to take advantage of the on-street parking available around Drummond Place. The current charge is £1.20 per hour. 

WHY VISIT US?

The Scottish Catholic Archives holds the largest body of material in the United Kingdom relating to the Scottish Catholic Church at home and abroad in the post-Reformation period; the bulk of the historical records of seven of the eight Dioceses are housed at Columba House, leaving more modern records within the Diocesan Offices. The Archdiocese of Glasgow www.rcag.org.uk maintains its own archives.

Researchers are welcome to visit us to undertake all forms of research including academic, local, or family history work. There is no charge made for using the Archive (although donations are welcome).

OPENING TIMES

Monday	9.30am - 1.00pm	2.00pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday	9.30am - 1.00pm	2.00pm - 4.30pm
Wednesday	11.00am - 1.00pm	2.00pm - 4.30pm
Thursday	9.30am - 1.00pm	2.00pm - 4.30pm
Friday	9.30am - 1.00pm	2.00pm - 4.30pm

We appreciate prior email or telephone contact in advance of all intended visits.

We are closed on the following Public and Religious Holidays:

1 January 2010	New Year's Day	Public
4 January	Scottish Public Holiday	Public
9 April	Maundy Thursday	Religious
2 April	Good Friday	Public
5 April	Easter Monday	Public
3 May	May Day	Public
13 May	Ascension Day	Religious
7 June	Queen's Birthday	Public
29 June	SS Peter and Paul	Religious
16 August	Feast of the Assumption	Religious
30 August	Summer Bank Holiday	Public
20 September	Edinburgh Fair Monday	Public
1 November	All Saints' Day	Religious
30 November	St Andrew's Day	Religious
25 December	Christmas Day	Public
26 December	Boxing Day	Public

Our Christmas closure period is as follows:
We will close at 1pm on Thursday the 23rd of December 2009 and re-open at 9.30am on Wednesday the 5th of January 2010.

DISABLED ACCESS

There are 7 steps up to the front door of Columba House which can make access for those with physical disabilities problematic. Please contact us in advance of a visit and we can transfer archives to the National Register of Archives for Scotland www.nas.gov.uk/nras at West Register House, Edinburgh, www.nas.gov.uk where disabled access is available.

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