10/12/2010
As part of RCAHMS collection of over 15 million items relating to the built heritage of Scotland, we hold over 500 photograph albums. These are an invaluable resource particularly for people interested in Scottish local and social history. The albums range in date from the 1850s to the present day and contain historic views of Scottish and international buildings and archaeological sites, amateur and professional photographs, holiday snapshots, family photographs, and some postcards.
With companies such as George Washington Wilson & Co, Valentines of Dundee and T&R Annan mass-producing their photographs for commercial sale, many Victorians compiled albums that included a mixture of landscape views purchased as mementos of travels, carte de visite portraits, and their own prints.
Many of the photographs were taken well over a hundred years ago and contain portraits, group shots and unique scenes. In some cases the photographs are annotated with the names of the people and places depicted, enhancing their value in terms of social history research. They record contemporary events and long-gone townscapes, they recall past ways of life and lost customs, and they show old-fashioned forms of transport such as carriages, trains, boats, and bicycles.
The albums have come to RCAHMS from a variety of sources including antiquarian book dealers, architects’ firms, family donations and as part of named collections deposited with RCAHMS through individuals and organisations.
Details of these photograph albums are available in the searchable Canmore database and a number of images from these albums have already been digitised and are available to view online. Browse and buy selected images below.
SC 760081
Ten views of the 1938 Empire Exhibition in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, including views of the Atlantic Restaurant, Palace of Engineering, Panatolic Jets and the Canadian Pavilion.
DP 007391
View of group outside the front entrance of St Fort House.
© Courtesy of HES (St Fort Album)
DP 007401
Six photographs from album, including the drawing room at Howard Place, Edinburgh and family portraits.
DP 017073
View of St Andrew's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Glasgow. Titled: 'St Andrew's Roman Catholic Chapel (1814) James Gillespie Graham, Arch't'
© RCAHMS
DP 024503
View of pier and buildings with Ben Nevis in the background. Titled: 'Ben Nevis from Corpach'
© RCAHMS
DP 029261
View of large group of people including clerics in front of Iona Abbey.
© Courtesy of HES (Kinnaird Album)
SC 1111156
General view of Main street, Gullane, with two girls. Titled: 'Main Street, Gullane, 11,958 G.W.W'.
© Courtesy of HES (George Washington Wilson)
DP 045077
Portrait of Miss Startin, possibly in the conservatory at Kinnaird House.
© Courtesy of HES (Kinnaird Album)
DP 057131
Oblique aerial view from the northwest of the West End of Princes Street, Edinburgh, showing St John's Church, St Cuthbert's Church, Maules Store (now Frasers) and part of the Caledonian Hotel.
© RCAHMS
SC 1146651
View of 19 Shoregate, Crail and the two houses opposite including a butcher's shop. Titled: 'Crail, Fifeshire'.
© RCAHMS
DP 062832
View of children outside cottage by Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. Since demolished. Titled: '684. Jeanie Dean's Cottage, Edin. J.Patrick.'
© RCAHMS
DP 070954
View of the Merricks family and factory workers outside the Roslin Glen Gunpowder Mills. Annotation on page: 'Roslin Mills Cylinders May 1863'.
© RCAHMS
DP 070955
View of a horse and carriage outside the front of Whitehill House, Rosewell.
© Courtesy of HES (Merrick Album)
DP 071763
View of two children in street beside cottage, Inverness-shire. Titled: 'Kennedy's Cottage, Aviemore /92'
DP 071935
View of Abbey Place, Jedburgh with people gathered forcomunity picnic Titled: 'Jedburgh Picnic. 1886. A.R.E.'
© RCAHMS
DP 071937
View of the town hall in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Titled: 'Town Hall Berwick, 3642 J.V.'.
© Courtesy of HES
DP 073481
View of group with children and nurses probably at Inchrye Abbey.
© Courtesy of HES (Inchrye Abbey album)
DP 073851
View of MacMillan's Cross, Kilmory Chapel. Titled: 'Kilmory No 4 Other side of the same cross'.
© RCAHMS
DP 073862
View of horse-drawn carriage with large group of people in the Pass of Melfort.
© Courtesy of HES (George Washington Wilson)
DP 073872
People crammed into the Cramond Ferry. View from East bank. Titled: 'Crammond Ferry J P 41'
DP 074542
View of loch with steam boat Titled: 'Loch Katrine' Frontispiece, View of loch with steam boat Titled: 'Loch Katrine' PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM No.9: MISS FRANK'S PRINCE CHARLIE ALBUM.
© RCAHMS
DP 074761
Page 4/5 View of Alloway Hotel, Ayr. Titled 'Alloway Hotel. PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM N0.146: THE THOMAS ANNAN ALBUM
© Courtesy of HES (Thomas Annan Album)
DP 074768
View towards Calton Hill, Holyrood Palace and Abbey from Holyrood Park Titled: 'Edinburgh: from Hunter's Bog toward Holyrood House and Calton Hill'
DP 074775
View of fore-shore with horse and cart and figures, Kames Bay, Millport, Great Cumbrae Island. Titled 'Millport.'
DP 074779
Distant view of the Necropolis, Glasgow Titled: 'Necropolis.' PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM No.146:THE THOMAS ANNAN ALBUM
© Courtesy of HES (Thomas Annan Album)
DP 075052
Family photographs. Titled: 'Frances and Darby Jackson'; 'Theatricals at Blairgowrie House'.
© RCAHMS
DP 075264
View of Daniel Stewart's College and Fettes College, Edinburgh. Titled: 'DANIEL STEWART'S COLLEGE. EDINBURGH. NORTH FRONT. 507.' with the entwined A and I logo of Alexander Inglis
© RCAHMS
DP 075627
View of castle with sailing boat in foreground. Titled: '166. Fincharn Castle, Lochawe'.
© RCAHMS
DP 075631
View of the Marquis and Marchioness of Huntly with horse and carriage at Aboyne Castle, 1878.
© Courtesy of HES (Glen Tanar album)
DP 075632
View of Aboyne Castle from South of facade during restoration. Titled: 'Not finished', 'Restoration of Aboyne Castle by G.T Archt'.
© Courtesy of HES (Glen Tanar album)
DP 075639
View of the Weigh House, Dundee. Since demolished. Titled: 'Weigh House etc., Greenmarket, buildings to be removed. J.V'.
DP 075641
View of the Trades Hall, Dundee. Demolished in 1878. Titled: 'Old Trades Hall, High St, Dundee. (Octr 1877) 1494. J.V' Caption next to image: 'Re-erected 1776; Altered and improved, 1851; Removed 1878'.
SC 1168708
View from S of town hall and statue of Robert Bruce, High Street, Lochmaber. Large carts are balanced end on behind the statue.
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)
DP 075652
Diver in diver suit sitting on the pier with a group of men at Dalerb Slip, Kenmore', Loch Tay. Equipment and ropes to guide the diver can be seen.
© RCAHMS
SC 1168864
View of Main Street, Newhaven, Edinburgh. Titled: 'Newhaven, Main Street'.
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)
SC 1168866
View of Sailor's Home, Leith, Edinburgh. Titled: 'Sailor's home'.
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)
SC 1168882
View of Abbey Sanctuary, Edinburgh. Album page titled: 'Abbey Strand (Lucky Spence's House)' Original negative envelope captioned: 'Old House Foot of Canongate'
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)
SC 1169316
View of Burgess Street, Edinburgh. Captioned: 'Old House, Burgess Street, Leith'
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)
DP 077185
General view over rocky seashore, South Africa. Titled: 'Cave Rock, Bluff, Durban. 13. W and C'. PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM NO:11 KIRSTY'S BANFF ALBUM
DP 077210
Four views of Loch Lomond and Glen Luss. Titled: 'Loch Lomond, Camstraddan bay and slate quarry looking South'; 'Glen Luss, above the falls'; 'Glen Luss waterfall, looking West' and 'Ben Lomond and Rowardennan Hotel, looking South'.
DP 077214
Four views of Aberdeen. Titled: 'Aberdeen Harbour, looking West'; 'Aberdeen Inner Harbour, looking East'; 'Aberdeen Castle Street, looking West' and 'Aberdeen Castle St, looking East'.
DP 086236
Album page with nine photographs showing an unidentified building.
© Courtesy of HES (Dunbeath Castle Album)
DP 086497
View of drawing room, possibly at 9 Randolph Crescent, or 16 Great King Street, Edinburgh.
DP 089287
Distant view of Bridge of Dee, Aberdeen. Titled: 'Bridge of Dee from Kincorth.352.E.G'.
© RCAHMS
DP 089289
View of Huntly Arms Hotel, Aboyne with three carriages outside Titled: 'Huntly Arms Hotel. 205. E G.'
© RCAHMS
DP 089329
View of soldiers with cannon outside unidentified building. PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM NO. 87: THE STRANG COLLECTION, DUNEARN
DP 089335
View of the Tay Bridge looking towards Dundee. Titled: 'New Tay Viaduct from S. 7406. J.V'.
DP 089365
Four photographs showing Dunearn House and cottage, fishing and a laboratory. Titled: 'Dunearn House, Fife'; 'Dunearn Cottage & gdn'; 'On the Dulnan. Sept 92. Inverness-shire. T.R, H.B.R, W.J.K.R' and 'T.R. in laboratory, University, Edinburgh'.
DP 089366
View of sailing boat Titled: 'Connel Ferry, Loch Etive. A.C.R, H.B.R, A.S.R, "John Dykes"'
DP 089369
Four photographs showing South Shian house, a couple with spinning wheel and two unidentified industrial sites
© RCAHMS
DP 095100
View of children outside Nos 3, 5, 7 and 10 Milne's Court, Edinburgh Titled: 'Milne's Court, High Street. August 1904' PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM No.30: OLE EDINBURGH ALBUM
DP 096252
Blairgowrie, Woodside House. View of conservatory with plants. Titled: 'Gardener and Plants, Woodside House, 1902'. Copied from PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM NO.60: MISS MURRAY'S ALBUM p113
© RCAHMS
DP 097217
View of group on sailing boat, probably 'Gadfly' Titled: 'Sunday afternoon cruise Brodick. Jack Swan, Monty Murray, Johnson family'
© Courtesy of HES (L D Henderson's Album)
DP 107960
View of woman driving horse-drawn sledge probably in the grounds of St Fort House.
© Courtesy of HES (St Fort Album)
SC 1168706
View of farmhorses at unknown location. Negative envelope captioned: 'Horses and grubber'.
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)
SC 760081
Ten views of the 1938 Empire Exhibition in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, including views of the Atlantic Restaurant, Palace of Engineering, Panatolic Jets and the Canadian Pavilion.
DP 007391
View of group outside the front entrance of St Fort House.
© Courtesy of HES (St Fort Album)
DP 007401
Six photographs from album, including the drawing room at Howard Place, Edinburgh and family portraits.
DP 017073
View of St Andrew's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Glasgow. Titled: 'St Andrew's Roman Catholic Chapel (1814) James Gillespie Graham, Arch't'
© RCAHMS
DP 024503
View of pier and buildings with Ben Nevis in the background. Titled: 'Ben Nevis from Corpach'
© RCAHMS
DP 029261
View of large group of people including clerics in front of Iona Abbey.
© Courtesy of HES (Kinnaird Album)
SC 1111156
General view of Main street, Gullane, with two girls. Titled: 'Main Street, Gullane, 11,958 G.W.W'.
© Courtesy of HES (George Washington Wilson)
DP 045077
Portrait of Miss Startin, possibly in the conservatory at Kinnaird House.
© Courtesy of HES (Kinnaird Album)
DP 057131
Oblique aerial view from the northwest of the West End of Princes Street, Edinburgh, showing St John's Church, St Cuthbert's Church, Maules Store (now Frasers) and part of the Caledonian Hotel.
© RCAHMS
SC 1146651
View of 19 Shoregate, Crail and the two houses opposite including a butcher's shop. Titled: 'Crail, Fifeshire'.
© RCAHMS
DP 062832
View of children outside cottage by Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. Since demolished. Titled: '684. Jeanie Dean's Cottage, Edin. J.Patrick.'
© RCAHMS
DP 070847
View of a group of curling players, possibly in the Stanley area.
© Courtesy of HES (The Stanley Album)
DP 070954
View of the Merricks family and factory workers outside the Roslin Glen Gunpowder Mills. Annotation on page: 'Roslin Mills Cylinders May 1863'.
© RCAHMS
DP 070955
View of a horse and carriage outside the front of Whitehill House, Rosewell.
© Courtesy of HES (Merrick Album)
DP 071203
View of Colonsay harbour with ship. Titled: 'Jura at Colonsay Quay, Manse in the distance'.
© RCAHMS
DP 071763
View of two children in street beside cottage, Inverness-shire. Titled: 'Kennedy's Cottage, Aviemore /92'
DP 071924
View of garden at Cairns House, Glasgow with family playing croquet.
© Courtesy of HES (The Cairns Album)
DP 071928
View of house and drinking spout in Fenwick village.
© Courtesy of HES (Views of Fenwick Album)
DP 071935
View of Abbey Place, Jedburgh with people gathered forcomunity picnic Titled: 'Jedburgh Picnic. 1886. A.R.E.'
© RCAHMS
DP 071937
View of the town hall in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Titled: 'Town Hall Berwick, 3642 J.V.'.
© Courtesy of HES
DP 073481
View of group with children and nurses probably at Inchrye Abbey.
© Courtesy of HES (Inchrye Abbey album)
DP 073506
View of five men. Titled: 'Bank of Scotland, Glassford Street staff - June 1890'.
© RCAHMS
DP 073528
Page 17v View of building exterior. Titled: 'Mearnskirk Old Schoolhouse. 4th July 1890'.
© RCAHMS
DP 073560
View of grave at Nouilly, France and sketch of cross from the Franco-Prussian War. Titled: 'Battle Field of Nouilly. 14th August 1870'.
DP 073845
View of Cluny Crichton with two ladies in crinolines and a man. Titled: 'Cluny Crichton, Raemoir'.
© RCAHMS
DP 073851
View of MacMillan's Cross, Kilmory Chapel. Titled: 'Kilmory No 4 Other side of the same cross'.
© RCAHMS
DP 073862
View of horse-drawn carriage with large group of people in the Pass of Melfort.
© Courtesy of HES (George Washington Wilson)
DP 073872
People crammed into the Cramond Ferry. View from East bank. Titled: 'Crammond Ferry J P 41'
DP 074373
View of drawing room, 6 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh. Titled: 'Drawing room 6 Coates Crescent 1881'
DP 074375
Three images showing buildings in London. Titled: 'Old London. Health Exhibition 1884'
© RCAHMS
DP 074542
View of loch with steam boat Titled: 'Loch Katrine' Frontispiece, View of loch with steam boat Titled: 'Loch Katrine' PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM No.9: MISS FRANK'S PRINCE CHARLIE ALBUM.
© RCAHMS
DP 074761
Page 4/5 View of Alloway Hotel, Ayr. Titled 'Alloway Hotel. PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM N0.146: THE THOMAS ANNAN ALBUM
© Courtesy of HES (Thomas Annan Album)
DP 074768
View towards Calton Hill, Holyrood Palace and Abbey from Holyrood Park Titled: 'Edinburgh: from Hunter's Bog toward Holyrood House and Calton Hill'
DP 074775
View of fore-shore with horse and cart and figures, Kames Bay, Millport, Great Cumbrae Island. Titled 'Millport.'
DP 074779
Distant view of the Necropolis, Glasgow Titled: 'Necropolis.' PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM No.146:THE THOMAS ANNAN ALBUM
© Courtesy of HES (Thomas Annan Album)
DP 075052
Family photographs. Titled: 'Frances and Darby Jackson'; 'Theatricals at Blairgowrie House'.
© RCAHMS
DP 075264
View of Daniel Stewart's College and Fettes College, Edinburgh. Titled: 'DANIEL STEWART'S COLLEGE. EDINBURGH. NORTH FRONT. 507.' with the entwined A and I logo of Alexander Inglis
© RCAHMS
DP 075627
View of castle with sailing boat in foreground. Titled: '166. Fincharn Castle, Lochawe'.
© RCAHMS
DP 075631
View of the Marquis and Marchioness of Huntly with horse and carriage at Aboyne Castle, 1878.
© Courtesy of HES (Glen Tanar album)
DP 075632
View of Aboyne Castle from South of facade during restoration. Titled: 'Not finished', 'Restoration of Aboyne Castle by G.T Archt'.
© Courtesy of HES (Glen Tanar album)
DP 075639
View of the Weigh House, Dundee. Since demolished. Titled: 'Weigh House etc., Greenmarket, buildings to be removed. J.V'.
DP 075641
View of the Trades Hall, Dundee. Demolished in 1878. Titled: 'Old Trades Hall, High St, Dundee. (Octr 1877) 1494. J.V' Caption next to image: 'Re-erected 1776; Altered and improved, 1851; Removed 1878'.
SC 1168708
View from S of town hall and statue of Robert Bruce, High Street, Lochmaber. Large carts are balanced end on behind the statue.
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)
DP 075652
Diver in diver suit sitting on the pier with a group of men at Dalerb Slip, Kenmore', Loch Tay. Equipment and ropes to guide the diver can be seen.
© RCAHMS
SC 1168864
View of Main Street, Newhaven, Edinburgh. Titled: 'Newhaven, Main Street'.
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)
SC 1168866
View of Sailor's Home, Leith, Edinburgh. Titled: 'Sailor's home'.
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)
SC 1168882
View of Abbey Sanctuary, Edinburgh. Album page titled: 'Abbey Strand (Lucky Spence's House)' Original negative envelope captioned: 'Old House Foot of Canongate'
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)
SC 1169316
View of Burgess Street, Edinburgh. Captioned: 'Old House, Burgess Street, Leith'
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)
DP 077185
General view over rocky seashore, South Africa. Titled: 'Cave Rock, Bluff, Durban. 13. W and C'. PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM NO:11 KIRSTY'S BANFF ALBUM
DP 077210
Four views of Loch Lomond and Glen Luss. Titled: 'Loch Lomond, Camstraddan bay and slate quarry looking South'; 'Glen Luss, above the falls'; 'Glen Luss waterfall, looking West' and 'Ben Lomond and Rowardennan Hotel, looking South'.
DP 077214
Four views of Aberdeen. Titled: 'Aberdeen Harbour, looking West'; 'Aberdeen Inner Harbour, looking East'; 'Aberdeen Castle Street, looking West' and 'Aberdeen Castle St, looking East'.
DP 077228
View of Glasgow Royal Infirmary from South. Titled: 'Royal Infirmary (1792 - 94) R. and J. Adam Archt. 949' Demolished 1912.
DP 086233
View of woman outside door of a wooden house, possibly in Inverdrurie, Inverness-shire. Titled: 'Mrs Campbell. /92'
DP 086236
Album page with nine photographs showing an unidentified building.
© Courtesy of HES (Dunbeath Castle Album)
DP 086497
View of drawing room, possibly at 9 Randolph Crescent, or 16 Great King Street, Edinburgh.
DP 089287
Distant view of Bridge of Dee, Aberdeen. Titled: 'Bridge of Dee from Kincorth.352.E.G'.
© RCAHMS
DP 089289
View of Huntly Arms Hotel, Aboyne with three carriages outside Titled: 'Huntly Arms Hotel. 205. E G.'
© RCAHMS
DP 089329
View of soldiers with cannon outside unidentified building. PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM NO. 87: THE STRANG COLLECTION, DUNEARN
DP 089335
View of the Tay Bridge looking towards Dundee. Titled: 'New Tay Viaduct from S. 7406. J.V'.
DP 089365
Four photographs showing Dunearn House and cottage, fishing and a laboratory. Titled: 'Dunearn House, Fife'; 'Dunearn Cottage & gdn'; 'On the Dulnan. Sept 92. Inverness-shire. T.R, H.B.R, W.J.K.R' and 'T.R. in laboratory, University, Edinburgh'.
DP 089366
View of sailing boat Titled: 'Connel Ferry, Loch Etive. A.C.R, H.B.R, A.S.R, "John Dykes"'
DP 089369
Four photographs showing South Shian house, a couple with spinning wheel and two unidentified industrial sites
© RCAHMS
DP 095100
View of children outside Nos 3, 5, 7 and 10 Milne's Court, Edinburgh Titled: 'Milne's Court, High Street. August 1904' PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM No.30: OLE EDINBURGH ALBUM
DP 096252
Blairgowrie, Woodside House. View of conservatory with plants. Titled: 'Gardener and Plants, Woodside House, 1902'. Copied from PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM NO.60: MISS MURRAY'S ALBUM p113
© RCAHMS
DP 097217
View of group on sailing boat, probably 'Gadfly' Titled: 'Sunday afternoon cruise Brodick. Jack Swan, Monty Murray, Johnson family'
© Courtesy of HES (L D Henderson's Album)
DP 107960
View of woman driving horse-drawn sledge probably in the grounds of St Fort House.
© Courtesy of HES (St Fort Album)
SC 1168706
View of farmhorses at unknown location. Negative envelope captioned: 'Horses and grubber'.
© Courtesy of HES (William Notman Collection)