Members of the public are asked to help identify archive photography

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has asked the public to help identify over 5,000 archive images which are now available online for the first time.

Image Credit: Historic Environment Scotland

In 2019-20, over 170,000 archive items from the HES archives were digitised, with the images now being added to Canmore – the online catalogue of HES archives.
The new online records include digitised copies of photographic negatives and printed photographs from the Scottish Development Department (SDD) which was formed in 1962. The archives showcase rural and urban Scotland in the 1970s and 1980s, from crofts in the Highlands and farms in Orkney to large estates in Fife and tenements in Glasgow.

The collection gives a rare insight into what life was like throughout Scotland at that time with pub interiors, fashion trends and interior design choices all documented. There are also extensive records of Glasgow and Edinburgh and nearby locales, as well as Scotland’s new towns. Over 5,000 images of locations and building exterior and interiors are currently unidentified as part of this collection, with HES aiming to identify as many as possible with the help of the public.

Also digitised this year were prints relating to significant archaeological digs including images of excavations at historic sites such as Skara Brae in Orkney and Edinburgh Castle.

Approximately 14,000 prints were also digitised from personal research and work by prominent archaeologists such as Dr Euan Mackie, Roger Mercer and Vere Gordon Childe, with the oldest image dating from around 1927.

Lesley Ferguson, Head of Archives at HES, said: “These archives give a unique perspective on civic planning in the 20th century including the development and growth of Scotland’s new towns, while the images of excavations showcase the sites that helped archaeologists unlock the secrets of Scotland’s past – from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages.

“Unfortunately, we don’t know where some of these historic photographs were taken and that’s why we are asking for the public’s help. Perhaps there’s a photo of your street, or your local pub, or even the flat you lived in as a student. Help us discover more of Scotland’s past by visiting Canmore and letting us know if you recognise any of the places documented in these archives.”

Over 1 million archives documenting Scotland’s archaeological sites, buildings, industry and maritime heritage are currently available on Canmore.

Lesley continues: “By digitising our archives, we’re able to make them available to even more people. Digitisation helps us make heritage accessible to all as well as ensuring the long-term preservation of these important documents and photographs.”

To provide HES with details or locations of its archives, please email archives@hes.scot or get in touch via Facebook and Twitter.

For Canmore, visit: canmore.org.uk

To view a range of unidentified images from the Scottish Development Department archives, visit: canmore.org.uk/gallery/1096464

To view highlights from the Scottish Development Department archives, visit: canmore.org.uk/gallery/1096465

To view Dr Euan Mackie's archives, visit: canmore.org.uk/collection/1180450

Latest Local News

Make the most of barbecue season with Dobbies and Weber

In the new episode of the Dobbies' podcast, the leading garden centre retailer has teamed up with popular barbecue manufacturer, Weber, to share a host of top tips and cooking advice.

Last Updated: 13th July 2020

Historic Environment Scotland sets out plan to reopen its properties

Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle will be the first ticketed sites to reopen on Saturday 1 August.

Last Updated: 13th July 2020

Edinburgh Zoo After Hours summer events return

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has announced the return of Edinburgh Zoo’s After Hours events this summer, following its reopening to the public last week.

Last Updated: 10th July 2020

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh to open on 15th July

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will open to the city on Wednesday 15th July with thermal temperature screening in place.

Last Updated: 8th July 2020

Harvey Nichols Reopens Edinburgh Store

From today 8th July, the doors of Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh will open to customers once again.

Last Updated: 8th July 2020

Army@TheFringe goes Virtual

A virtual Army@TheFringe will bring together performers, writers, musicians, filmmakers and many others to support the arts sector.

Last Updated: 6th July 2020

LHoests monkey baby born at Edinburgh Zoo

An adorable one-month old L’Hoest’s monkey baby has been caught on camera for the first time at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo.

Last Updated: 3rd July 2020

VisitScotland launches new Sketching Scotland series

VisitScotland has come up with a new way to draw attention to some of the country’s most iconic sights!

Last Updated: 2nd July 2020

Culzean Country Park is reopening on Monday 6th July

Culzean Country Park is set to reopen next week and the team are advising visitors to pre-book their admission online in advance.

Last Updated: 1st July 2020

Scottish Album of the Year Award goes digital

The Scottish Album of the Year Award is calling on music fans, artists and labels to submit eligible albums to be in the running for Scotland's pre-eminent music prize!

Last Updated: 1st July 2020

Visit the City Art Centre online

A new initiative lets people view Museums & Galleries Edinburgh's collections online.

Last Updated: 30th June 2020

Annual Paisley festival gets ready for digital debut!

This weekend marks the digital debut of Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations as a series of virtual events and workshops will take place to mark this important date in the town's calendar.

Last Updated: 29th June 2020

Fans to relive festival highlights with a special TRNSMT takeover on BBC Scotland

Highlights from some of the most iconic performances from previous years will be broadcast for one night only on BBC Scotland and iPlayer, during what should have been the weekend of TRNSMT 2020!

Last Updated: 28th June 2020

itison announce Drive In Movies Summer (of lockdown)

itison confirm they will be returning to the stunning shores of Loch Lomond this July with Scotland's first socially distanced event, Drive In Movies Summer (of lockdown)!

Last Updated: 25th June 2020

Join Greyfriars Kirk to make your own Lockdown Bobby with sculptor Mark Coreth

Greyfriars Kirk is inviting budding artists to take part in a community art project in partnership with a renowned sculptor.

Last Updated: 25th June 2020

Schools out for Summer with Forth 1 Summer Parties

Forth 1 DJs, Callum Gallacher and Boogie, are celebrating the end of what has been an unusual school term with the ultimate Schools Out for Summer parties.

Last Updated: 24th June 2020

Paul Wedgwood launches his summer service, Wedgwood Alfresco

Edinburgh’s Wedgwood the Restaurant is now offering a new “at home” al fresco restaurant experience.

Last Updated: 24th June 2020

560 grassroots music venues, including 42 in Scotland, sign open letter to UK Government

42 grassroots music venues in Scotland sign the Music Venue Trust's open letter to the UK Government highlighting the need for an immediate financial support package to prevent venues closing.

Last Updated: 24th June 2020

National Trust for Scotland gardens and grounds get ready for visitors again

The National Trust for Scotland is preparing to welcome visitors again at dozens of gardens and estates across the country, as lockdown continues to ease.

Last Updated: 23rd June 2020

Rare whale bones amongst historical discoveries made in tram project excavations

An assortment of historic artefacts unearthed around Constitution Street as part of the Trams to Newhaven project, along with archaeological investigations, have shed new light on the area's history.

Last Updated: 18th June 2020

Win a pub experience for your garden!

Tennent’s Lager are asking you to share your Da's best dad joke for your chance to win a pub experience in your garden!

Last Updated: 17th June 2020

Future of Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park at risk

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has appealed to the Scottish Government to find a safe way to reopen Edinburgh Zoo & Highland Wildlife Park, warning that their futures are at risk.

Last Updated: 12th June 2020

Scottish Bee Company awarded first BSI Kitemark in UK for Food Assurance

Edinburgh’s Scottish Bee Company has become the first ever food product in the UK to be awarded the new British Standards Institution (BSI) Kitemark™ for Food Assurance.

Last Updated: 12th June 2020

Edinburgh International Book Festival to Present Online Festival in August 2020

Organisers of the Edinburgh International Book Festival announced today that they will be presenting the 2020 Book Festival online from Saturday 15 to Monday 31 August.

Last Updated: 11th June 2020

VisitScotland CEO welcomes provisional date of 15th July for reopening of tourism businesses

VisitScotland Chief Executive has welcomed today's announcement from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism.

Last Updated: 10th June 2020

Scottish Charities working together during the pandemic

Two Scottish charities have teamed up to help some of the most vulnerable people in Glasgow, Edinburgh & Fife who are struggling to cope during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Last Updated: 10th June 2020

16k Dog Owners Remove over 24 MILLION pieces of litter

PAWS on PLASTIC invites dog owners to pick up 2 pieces of plastic while out walking their beloved hounds.

Last Updated: 10th June 2020

Scotmid teams up with charity community volunteers to deliver shopping to most vulnerable

Local Scotmid store in Kirkliston is working in partnership with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, to provide a free home delivery service to those who are vulnerable and shielding.

Last Updated: 8th June 2020

BBC Debate Night is to Edinburgh and the Lothians

BBC Debate Night is on a virtual tour of the country, and on Wednesday 17th June the focus will be on Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Last Updated: 8th June 2020

Temporary road closures at rural beauty spots across Stirling

Temporary road closures will come into force at rural beauty spots across Stirling this weekend to protect communities.

Last Updated: 7th June 2020

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Venues