Aberdeen Archives exists to collect and preserve historical records relating to the City of Aberdeen and its locality and to secure significant modern records for future generations.

Archives consist of documents in many forms and date from the earliest periods of recorded history to the present day. The documents range from charters, minutes and accounts, to maps, plans and photographs. Originally their function was of a practical and administrative nature but many records now constitute a valuable source for the study of all aspects of the history of Aberdeen and north east Scotland.

The City Archives houses the records of Aberdeen City Council and its predecessors dating back to the 12th century. The wealth of surviving material for the Royal Burgh of Aberdeen makes this the finest medieval and early modern burgh archive in Scotland. Records of local businesses, churches, charities, voluntary organisations and individuals have also been deposited for permanent preservation alongside the records of the City Council.

Aberdeen City Archives also currently administers the records inherited by Aberdeenshire Council at local government re-organisation in 1996, which date back to the 17th century.

Aberdeen City Archives boasts the finest collection of medieval and early modern burgh records in Scotland. An unrivalled series of council registers - or minutes - dating from 1398, chronicle the political, social and economic life of the ancient burgh. In addition to the council registers, the Archives holds: (i) guildry accounts from 1452; (ii) town's correspondence from 1552; (iii) treasury accounts from 1559; (iv) registers of deeds from 1569; (v) kirk and bridgework accounts from 1571; (vi) apprentice registers from 1622; and (vii) register of burgesses from 1632

Town life is also recorded in the archives of the former burghs of Woodside and Old Aberdeen. Records for public bodies such as the Harbour Commissioners and Police Commissioners of Aberdeen can also be found in the City Archives, as well as education records and burial records for many city cemeteries.

Certain classes of records are held under the charge and superintendence of the Keeper of the Archives of Scotland. These include shipping registers for the Port of Aberdeen, 1824-1927, the Burgh Register of Sasines, 1680-1809, and Kirk Session Records for many of the city parishes, notably St Nicholas, St Clement's, S Clement's Free and Greyfriars. With the exception of the education records, all these collections are held in the Town House office.

It will soon be possible to browse descriptions of many of these collections via online catalogues.

Archives consist of documents in many forms and date from the earliest periods of recorded history to the present day. The documents range from charters, minutes and accounts, to maps, plans and photographs. Originally their function was of a practical and administrative nature but many records now constitute a valuable source for the study of all aspects of the history of Aberdeen & north-east Scotland.

The City Archives houses the records of Aberdeen City Council and its predecessors dating back to the 12th century. The wealth of surviving material for the Royal Burgh of Aberdeen makes this the finest medieval and early modern burgh archive in Scotland. In addition, the City Archives currently administers the records inherited by Aberdeenshire Council at local government re-organisation in 1996, which date back to the 17th century.