Related Links
You will find below a number of related links which may help you in your research. If you wish to be included in this section, please contact us. Please note that neither Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives nor Aberdeen City Council are responsible for the content of external websites.
Archives & Libraries
Aberdeen Library & Information Services - Local Studies
Based at the Central Library on Rosemount Viaduct in Aberdeen, the Local Studies department have an excellent range of both family and local history sources. This includes free access to Ancestry Library Edition and discounted rates to access the Scotland's People website.
Aberdeenshire Library and Information Services - Local Studies
Based in Oldmeldrum, the Local Studies department have a wealth of material relating to Aberdeenshire. This includes access to various local newspapers, discounted rates to access Scotland's People, as well as various other sources.
Aberdeen University Special Libraries and Archives
Aberdeen University's Special Libraries and Archives provides a unique and internationally significant range of printed, archival and other documentary sources for the benefit of the higher education community and beyond.
Moray's Heritage
Moray has a character and heritage of its own and has played an important part in the shaping of our nation.
The Local Heritage Centre at East End School, Institution Road, Elgin, holds a comprehensive range of unique materials about Moray’s rich past.
Northern Health Services Archives
The Northern Health Services Archives are open to the general public. They contain the historic records of almost 100 Grampian hospitals and health organisations, including some relating to former poorhouses.
Routes to Your North East Scotland Roots
The purpose of this website is to give you an initial steer on your journey, acting as a directory to the organisations and institutions in the City of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire which hold original records or secondary sources of information that you may find useful in the quest for your ancestors.
Archaeology
Archaeology Service for Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus
The Archaeology Service has the job of locating, evaluating, safeguarding, and explaining all known archaeological sites within this area. They can provide information on sites and monuments throughout the North East, and a searchable database for this purpose is available on their website.
Archaeological Unit - advice and information
Aberdeen City Council Archaeological Unit contributes to the care of the City's archaeological heritage in a variety of ways, both in the field and in a museum context - through archaeological and historical research, through provision of advice to developers, farmers, foresters and the public, through exhibitions, talks, guided walks, re-enactments, publications, excavation and survey work and education projects. This includes an online database to sites and monuments in Aberdeen City.
Burials and Cemeteries
Aberdeen City Burials post 1900
Aberdeen City Council Bereavement Services hold records of 17 cemeteries in Aberdeen starting from approximately 1900 onwards. A search for historical records can only be made as and when staff/time are available. There is a £5 fee for any search not related to an interment or transfer of lair. Also held are records of all persons cremated in Aberdeen since 15th March 1938 to the present day for both the old crematorium (previously at Kaimhill) and Aberdeen Crematorium, Hazlehead.
Historic Kirkyards of Aberdeenshire
A fascinating look at the historic kirkyards of Aberdeenshire, including architectural information.
Burials in Aberdeenshire
Find information on burial grounds in Aberdeenshire, including the location of the records. Please note that Aberdeen City Archives hold some records relating to burials in Aberdeenshire. Further information about these can be found through the
Guide to Cemetery Records held by Aberdeen City Archives.
Cemeteries in Moray
Find information on the different area offices in Moray and which cemeteries they hold information on.
Family History Societies
Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society
The Aberdeen & North-East Scotland Family History Society exists to assist and promote the study of genealogy and family history based on the North-East corner of Scotland. This area covers the old counties of Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Kincardineshire and Morayshire. Their research centre, which was opened in 1987, was the first of its kind in the country. A searchable database of monumental inscriptions for various North East cemeteries can be found on their website, along with information about the many publications they have for sale.
Heritage Societies
Aberdeen City Heritage Trust
Aberdeen City Heritage Trust's vision is that Aberdeen's historic environment will be better understood, conserved, used and celebrated.
Alford Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre (a registered charity) is manned by volunteers, many of whom have their roots in the farming heritage of NE Scotland.
Banff Preservation & Heritage Society
The Banff Preservation & Heritage Society was formed in the 1960s to protect the built heritage of Banff. Today The Society keeps a watch on local planning applications that affect the historic character of Banff, particularly in the conservation area.
Fraserburgh Heritage Society
Starting in 1983, the Heritage Society members started to collate and research the heritage of Fraserburgh. The Society membership is now about 150, local people of all ages, some born in the town, some having moved into the area for work or marriage and many are ex-Brochers living all over the world. There is also a great support from local organisations and business who hold corporate membership.
Stonehaven Heritage Society
The Society was founded in 1987 with the intention of preserving the history and heritage of the town of Stonehaven and area, and to encourage interest in the history by arranging meetings, lectures, exhibitions etc. Since then, the Society has thrived and now has over 390 members (home and abroad) this represents the largest group of its kind in the NE.
Click on Aberdeenshire Heritage Societies for a list of further heritage societies in the North East.
Museums & Galleries
Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Collections
Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums take in the Maritime Museum, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Provost Skene's House and the Tolbooth Museum. They have a searchable database of their collections available through their website along with a wealth of information to be found when visiting.
Aberdeenshire Museums
Aberdeenshire Council operate a number of museums across the North East. The museum service's headquarters is in Mintlaw, in a purpose-built complex including design and photographic studios, conservation laboratories and stores.
Museum of Scottish Lighthouses
The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, in Fraserburgh, consists of the first lighthouse built on mainland Scotland and a purpose-built museum. There are audio-visual displays and interactive exhibits that will engage you both in science and history. Our archives are just right for family history.
Registrars
Aberdeenshire Registrars
Aberdeenshire Registrars are pleased to offer advice on where to start with your family history. Additionally they can help you locate registration certificates, census and Old Parish Records prints and also where a relative may be buried.
Aberdeen City Registrars
If you are interested in researching your family history, then Aberdeen City Registrars can help. Not only can they provide access birth, marriage and death records for the whole of Scotland, but they can also help you get the most out of your search.
Moray Council Registrars
Moray Council Registrars are experts at helping you find your relatives in the Moray area. They can provide access to birth, marriage and death records in any of their four Registration Offices in Moray, namely Elgin, Buckie, Forres and Keith and Upper Speyside. Each has experienced, friendly staff who will gladly assist you in your search for your ancestors.
Further Afield
Scottish Archive Network (SCAN)
The Scottish Archive Network (SCAN) aims to revolutionise access to Scotland's archives by providing a single electronic catalogue to the holdings of more than 50 Scottish archives.
RCAHMS - The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) is responsible for recording, interpreting and collecting information about the built environment. This information, which relates to buildings, sites, and ancient monuments of archaeological, architectural and historical interest (including maritime sites and underwater constructions) is then made freely available to the public.
National Archives of Scotland
The mission of the NAS is to preserve, protect and promote the nation's records; to provide the best possible inclusive and accessible archive that educates, informs and engages the people of Scotland and the world.
The National Archives (TNA)
The National Archives in Kew, London, hold many records which can help you with your family history including military records.
Scotland's People
A pay-per-view site, Scotland's People is one of the largest online sources of original genealogical information. There are almost 80 million records to access, including birth, marriage and death records, Old Parish Registers and census records for the whole of Scotland.
National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland is an information treasure trove of Scotland's knowledge, history and culture, with millions of books, manuscripts and maps covering every subject.
Poorhouse Locations
This website contains information on the locations of poorhouses and workhouses across the country. There is also a wealth of information regarding what life would have been like for the inhabitants.