The National Records of Scotland (NRS) is pleased to announce that Alison Byrne will assume the role of Chief Executive from October 2024. As Chief Executive, Alison will also hold the titles of Registrar General for Scotland, Keeper of the Records of Scotland, and Keeper of the Tartans.
Alison brings a wealth of experience from her extensive career within the Scottish Government, having held numerous high-profile positions. Most notably, she led the Social Security Programme, which was responsible for designing and implementing devolved benefits in Scotland. More recently, she served as Interim Director for Equality, Inclusion, and Human Rights, where she played a pivotal role in Scotland’s emergency response to the war in Ukraine and led work to advance equality and human rights.
Commenting on her appointment, Alison Byrne stated:
I am delighted to be joining National Records of Scotland as CEO, the Registrar General for Scotland, the Keeper of the Records of Scotland and Keeper of the Tartans. NRS is a key Scottish institution with a proud cultural lineage and delivers a huge range of vital services for the people of Scotland. I feel immensely privileged to be appointed as Chief Executive and look forward to working with the teams and wider stakeholders once in post.
NRS plays a critical role in maintaining Scotland’s historical records, safeguarding the country’s vast archival and statistical collections. These records provide vital data on births, deaths, marriages, and population changes that shape government policies, and ensure that Scotland’s heritage is preserved for future generations. NRS also oversees Scotland’s national archives, including documents dating back over 900 years, and supports research into Scotland’s family history, which is made accessible through its online services.
Alison’s appointment comes at a time when NRS is expanding its digital offerings, allowing people across the world to access historical records, genealogical data, and the unique Tartan Register. The organisation’s work is critical not only for researchers and historians but also for modern data analysis that supports national planning and policymaking.
To learn more about the National Records of Scotland, its services, and how to access Scottish archives and historical records, please visit the NRS website.
Image Source:
- Photo by Adam Wilson: instant images
