RCAHMS : frequently asked questions





		· Do I need to make an appointment before visiting RCAHMS? · I am disabled - is your building fully accessible? · Are RCAHMS services provided free of charge? · I am a student - is there any discount on the copying charge? · What about copyright? · How is RCAHMS funded? · What is the difference between RCAHMS and Historic Scotland? · I have new information about a site - what should I do? · Can I donate material? · Can I volunteer?


		For most enquiries you do not need to make an appointment. However, contacting us in advance will allow staff to prepare for your visit. To view the vertical aerial photographs collection, you will need to make an appointment.


		Yes. We have recently upgraded all our access facilities for both public and staff.


		We do not charge a fee to visitors, or for access to Canmore. We will also carry out a limited amount of research for you free of charge. Charges are made for the copying services which we provide.


		There is a discount of 33% for educational users.


		Copies of RCAHMS documents are supplied for private research. If you wish to publish an image, you must consult us, as a copyright charge may apply. Not all images held by us are our copyright, and permission may need to be sought from other individuals or organisations. Find out more about copyright.


		RCAHMS is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body funded by the Scottish Government. RCAHMS is recognised by the Inland Revenue as a charity (Scottish Charity No. SCO26749).


		RCAHMS records, interprets and collects information on the built heritage of Scotland. The role of Historic Scotland is to safeguard that built heritage on behalf of the Scottish Government. This includes managing properties in the care of the State, listing buildings and scheduling Ancient Monuments. RCAHMS does not look after any properties, list buildings or schedule monuments. RCAHMS does, however, have a statutorily-defined right to record Listed Buildings and buildings in conservation areas for which permission to demolish, or partly demolish, has been granted.


		The information in our database comes from a variety of sources. If you have new information please let us know.


		If you have items you would like to donate to RCAHMS, we would be happy to discuss this with you. We are interested in a wide range of material, from a single photograph to collections of drawings. Our collections policy gives further information.


		We welcome the contribution of both volunteers and student placements. If you are interested in volunteering or arranging a student placement, please contact us. No experience is necessary.

	Updated 15 Dec 2004