Scotland boasts an unrivalled variety of buildings and landscapes that can inspire you in your search for your ancestors. From tower houses to tenements, castles to crofts, and mansions to museums, there are amazing places to visit right across Scotland, and all with stories to tell.

The ScotlandsPeople Centre and National Records of Scotland in Edinburgh offer access to a huge range of records, and there are many other archives, family history centres and libraries throughout Scotland where you can dig deeper into your family history with the help of local experts.

On the ancestral trail across Scotland
The Visit Scotland website offers 'Experience Scotland like your ancestors' for researching your Scottish family history, with handy links to archives, museums and accommodation. You can also download a special guide 'Discover your Scottish Ancestry', for more tips on how and where to carry out your family history research across the country.

ScotlandsPeople resources are available at several official family history centres, and family history societies can offer information and help in your search.

You can also learn lots about archives throughout Scotland, and what they have to offer, by searching Archon the official online directory of archives in the UK.

Places to visit and events to enjoy
VisitScotland is the official starting point for discovering places to visit, and finding out about special events.

You can visit many of Scotland's most interesting historic buildings and landscapes that are looked after by Historic Environment Scotland and The National Trust for Scotland, along with many others belonging to national and local bodies, as well as private owners. The amazing collections of the National Library of Scotland, National Museums Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland, and a host of local museums and galleries are also there to be explored.