About Us Historic Environment Scotland
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Historic Environment Scotland

Within the administrative structure of Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP) thrives as a specialised unit dedicated to preserving and promoting global aerial photography collections.

NCAP and HES

Located in Edinburgh, NCAP operates within the supportive framework of Historic Environment Scotland (HES). As a specialised unit under HES, NCAP receives vital administrative support, ensuring smooth operations in budgeting, staffing, and facility management. 

Moreover, NCAP taps into the rich expertise available within HES, benefiting from collaborative ventures that span archival management, conservation practices, product marketing and heritage interpretation. This extends to collaborative projects, where NCAP joins forces with other HES departments to advance heritage conservation, research, and public engagement efforts. 

By aligning with HES's overarching strategic goals, NCAP ensures its initiatives contribute meaningfully to Scotland's heritage preservation and promotion. Together, NCAP and HES form a dynamic partnership, enhancing the preservation and understanding of aerial photography covering Scotland and beyond. 

IN THIS SECTION

Four white and grey image scanners are spaced across a line of desks. Five blue and black film winders are spaced between the scanners. Each winder has a roll of black film on it. A section of a screen is in partial focus in the top right corner of the frame.

Our Mission

With a responsibility for 30 million aerial photographic images, our goal is to preserve and make accessible for present and future generations.

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Our Team

Meet the team of dedicated technicians, historians, analysts, cataloguers, data managers and robots who deliver NCAPs collections to the public every day.

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Our Partners

We collaborate with organisations from around the world with the common goal of facilitating access to aerial photographic collections.

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What's New and Next

Guided by our strategic plan for the care, digitisation and dissemination of aerial photographic collection, we are working through project priorities to meet set targets.

Two figures fill the right side of the frame, and sit in front of a computer workstation on the left. The figure on the right has short, dark brown hair an is wearing a grey jumper. The figure on the right has long red hair and wears glasses with a dark frame and a dark blue top. The figure on the right is pointing at the screen. Two frames black and white images are displayed on the grey walls around them.

Get Involved

Growing our network of partners includes reaching out to a knowledgeable and engaged public, for both volunteer and outreach opportunities.