Narrative of the Nation

15 February 2011

For over 100 years RCAHMS has worked to deliver for the people of the nation a knowledge hub that records, interprets and promotes the built heritage, and that contributes to the growth of a successful Scotland.

Highlights featuring in our 2009-10 Annual Review include our ground and aerial survey work covering some of Scotland’s most remote island landscapes; our leading edge development of online archives, from the map-based historical database of the ScotlandsPlaces website to inviting anyone to share information with the RCAHMS online collection Canmore; a bestselling publication that tells the story of Scotland through over 90 years of aerial photography; and the global launch of our website of historical aerial reconnaissance photography dating from the Second World War onwards.

Writing in the foreword for the Annual Review, RCAHMS Chairman John Hume, and Chief Executive Diana Murray, said, “Through RCAHMS unique holdings, we play a key role in defining Scotland’s national and cultural identity, connecting people to places across time. The diverse work we carry out is essential to developing our sense of history and identity, and encourages people to value and enjoy their built environment.

“RCAHMS is a dynamic knowledge hub. Our dedicated, expert and highly skilled staff bring it to life, but so, crucially, do all of our professional and community users. History, heritage and stories come together in a constantly expanding archive. As a body of Scottish and worldwide knowledge of the built environment, RCAHMS grows increasingly valued and valuable.”