Conference
Each year the Scottish Council on Archives hold an annual conference.
Conference 2026: ARCHIVES AND RECORDS AT THE HEART OF SOCIETY
Date: Tuesday, 3rd November 2026
Venue: Meeting Rooms, Tynecastle Park, Heart of Midlothian FC, McLeod St, Edinburgh EH11 2NL
The Scottish Council on Archives (SCA) is pleased to invite proposals for papers for its 2026 annual conference with the broad theme of ‘Archives and Records at the Heart of Society’. This year, we want to explore the essential role that archives and records play in underpinning democracy and accountability as well as inspiring creativity, wellbeing and community building.
The conference is an opportunity to highlight how archives and records management services underpin and support every almost aspect of society. Archives and records provide us with the evidence to challenge decisions and hold authorities to account. Archives and records contribute to vibrant and cohesive communities by telling the stories of places and the people who have lived there; to health and wellbeing, through use of archival material to help with a variety of conditions, including dementia; and to economic impact, by supporting the growing ancestral tourism market.
The call for papers is open. Early bookings now open via Eventbrite.
Past conferences
Conference 2025: Celebrating Success
Date: Thursday 20 November 2025
Venue: The Mitchell Library, Glasgow
Celebrating Success highlighted and celebrated the achievements, innovations, and collaborations that are shaping the future of archives and records in Scotland.
Conference 2024: Building Evidence
Date: Tuesday 10 December 2024
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Building Evidence explored how archives and records support engagement with, conservation of, and research into Scotland’s historic environment.