National and local history organisations

National societies

Scottish Local History Forum

The umbrella organisation for people and organisations interested in local history in Scotland. It publishes a journal three times a year, organises an annual conference in the autumn, campaigns on behalf of local history, compiles occasional reference works, and generally keeps those involved in local history in touch with Scottish activities.

SLHF maintains a calendar of events held by member organisations and provides an online Directory of member organisations and resources.

SLHF also publishes Clish-Clash, a regular e-newsletter, brim-full of developments in the Scottish local history world. Current and recent editions are available for download.

British Association for Local History

The British Association for Local History (BALH) serves in a similar role to the Scottish Local History Forum, though predominantly south of the border. Its goal is advancing public education through the study of local history.

OEC’s membership of BALH provides discounted entry for our own members to many BALH online lectures, webinars and other activities. See their Events page. If you are interested in any of these, please contact the OEC Membership Secretary for the discount code.

BALH has a range of publications and other resources, including the journal, ‘The Local Historian’ and magazine, ‘Local History News’. Back copies are currently free to download.

Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland
Concerned with the protection, preservation and study of Scotland’s built heritage; publishes a journal, Architectural Heritage. The AHSS Forth and Borders Group hosts regular events in Edinburgh and online.

Other national societies

Edinburgh-wide history and heritage organisations

Cockburn Association
Edinburgh’s Civic Trust, a watchdog on current and future developments. The Cockburn Association have their own Edinburgh Online Bibliography which you might find useful.

Edinburgh Bibliographical Society
Promotes the study of books and manuscripts of any date, particularly Scottish, through meetings, publications and other activities.

Edinburgh World Heritage
Dedicated to preserving the character of Edinburgh’s Old Town and the New Town, which together form the World Heritage Site. Activities include the Edinburgh Graveyards Project which seeks to increase community involvement with five historic graveyards in the city.

Local history and amenity societies