The Scottish Assessors, National Records of Scotland and Scottish Council on Archives, are pleased to announce that Highland Archives has been awarded Archive Service Accreditation, the latest Scottish archive to achieve this UK-wide standard.

Accredited Archive Services ensure the long-term collection, preservation and accessibility of our archive heritage. Accreditation is the UK quality standard which recognises good performance in all areas of archive service delivery. Achieving accredited status demonstrates that Highland Archives has met clearly defined national standards relating to management and resourcing; the care of its unique collections and what the service offers to its entire range of users.

Highland Archive Services collects, conserves and makes accessible, records which reflect the history and diversity of the Scottish Highlands and its inhabitants for the benefit of present and future generations.

With four centres covering the Highland region in Caithness, Inverness, Lochaber and Skye and Lochalsh, the archives held at these centres are the records of official bodies, businesses, societies and individuals and are a unique records of our Highland past. They date from the 14th century to the present day and include records of schools, poor relief, churches, businesses and family and estate papers.

John West, High Life Highland Director of Culture and Learning said: Highland Archive Service adapted to the challenges of the pandemic by developing innovative ways of engaging with customers, increasing engagement in and knowledge of our diverse collections along the way. We are delighted that the panel acknowledges our impressive outreach programme and the work our archive centre teams put into engaging with communities throughout the Highlands.

The Archive Service Accreditation assessors also commended this well managed and resourced archive service and the strong relationship that existed between the archive service and its parent organisation. They particularly admired innovative solutions to meet local recruitment challenges in rural areas.

Steve Walsh, High Life Highland Chief Executive said: This award is so well deserved and reflects Highland Archives long-standing and ongoing commitment to providing an exceptionally high level of service. Well done to the team who worked so hard to achieve this.

Find out more about Highland Archives here.