Image: Archivist Carly Manson with a copy of the new report

Falkirk Archives, based at Callendar House, has published its first annual report detailing the work it is carrying out to preserve important historical records and embrace innovative approaches to the service it provides.

In the report, it highlights key achievements for the year 2023/24 including:

• The reopening of the public search room allowing valuable access to collections, including documents, maps and other materials used by researchers, the local community, the media and educational institutions.
• Further work on digital preservation of records, ensuring that valuable and historic items are more accessible and will be there for future generations to study and be informed by.
• Continuing responses to requests from both across the UK and internationally for information.
• Transferring across to a new cataloguing system to enhance the discoverability of items held in the archives, making it easier for users to access and engage with historical data.
• Continued engagement with the local community through talks and exhibitions illuminating the work of the Archives team.

Public donations to the archive have also continued over the year including photographs, personal letters, and wartime records all being donated and catalogued.

Recently the team have been assisting a TV production company to help with the identification of a shipwreck in the Atlantic Ocean.

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: "The Falkirk area has a rich and diverse history and our archives have captured many distinct aspects of many significant events over time.

“These artefacts are important to catalogue and keep safe to preserve for future generations and the recent work in making records more accessible and available online will allow the knowledge that we have stored to be shared even more widely."

Archivist Carly Manson added: “At Falkirk Archives, our work is all about connecting people with their heritage. By preserving and making accessible a wide range of historical records spanning from the 15th to the 21st century, we not only safeguard the past but also empower individuals and communities to understand their history, identity, and shared experiences.

“The benefits of this work are immense, fostering a sense of pride, continuity, and connection that enriches lives and strengthens our community.

“We receive wide-ranging enquiries, reflecting the diverse interests and needs of our users. Our users are as diverse as our collections, including local historians, family researchers, academic scholars, students, community groups, and national and international organisations undertaking historical research.”

Future activities planned for the facility include: seeking gold-standard accreditation in archival management; ensuring ongoing compliance with legal requirements; improving their digital outreach and enhancing community engagement.

For research inquiries or archival assistance, community members are invited to contact archives@falkirk.gov.uk or visit the Falkirk Archives website.