About Us Historic Environment Scotland
An industrial building with signage that shows a blue and teal logo. The sign reads ‘Historic Environment Scotland’. Above it is a grey ‘3’ – indicating the building unit number. The building is dark blue and has large glass windows. In the far right two white vans are parked.

Historic Environment Scotland

As part of Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP) is one of the largest collections of aerial imagery in the world, dedicated to preserving and promoting global aerial photography collections.

Historic Environment Scotland

The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), located in Scotland’s capital city, holds one of the most significant collections of aerial photography in the world. NCAP, which is part of Historic Environment Scotland, the lead public body to investigate and care for Scotland’s historic environment, are the custodians of over 30 million images, providing a detailed and unique perspective on key moments in not only Scottish but in world history, with many able to explore online. 

Learn more about Historic Environment Scotland.

Historic Environment Scotland Scottish Charity No.SC045925
VAT Registration No. 221868015

The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP) is a brand of HES.
Contact: Longmore House, Salisbury Place, EH9 1SH.

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.

A black and white historic photo of 4 women in uniform working in an office. Large windows are visible in the background. 2 of the women face the camera, 2 are sitting with their backs to the camera. Metal film canisters cover almost every surface.

Our Team

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

A large modern, multistorey building is the focus of the image. It is primarily made from glass sheets, with white panelling between them. Our view is partially obscured by large, low bushy trees, which are spaced in between areas of grass. Decorative paving is laid directly in front of us and leads to a low, sweeping glass entranceway.

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.