What are Valuation Rolls?
Highland Valuation Rolls record the rateable values of inhabited properties and the names of the proprietors, tenants and occupiers. They are divided into counties and burghs (later districts) and organised by parish or ward.
What dates do they cover?
They were published annually between 1855-1989. There is a comprehensive set held at the Highland Archive Centre in Inverness for the counties of Inverness-shire, Ross & Cromarty, Sutherland and Nairnshire, as well as the parish of Cromdale, with most coverage beginning c.1869-1975 and intermittently from 1976-1989.
Caithness Archive Centre in Wick holds Valuation Rolls for the County of Caithness from 1855-1975 and the Burgh of Wick from 1855-1961.
Lochaber Archive Centre in Fort William holds Valuation Rolls for Inverness-shire from, 1874-1975, Argyll-shire from 1873-1975 and Lochaber District from 1964-1990.
Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre in Portree holds Valuation rolls for the County of Inverness from 1881-1975 and the County of Ross and Cromarty from 1874-1975.
What can I use Valuation Rolls for?
To establish when a building was built, demolished or altered; to trace property ownership; to determine when an ancestor moved house; to learn what a building used to be.
What will they tell me?
The address and location of the building, the names of the proprietor, tenant and occupier (and sometimes their occupations) and the yearly rent or value of the property. The Valuation Rolls can fill in the gaps between census years but do not record the names of every person in the household.
Why should I use a Valuation Roll?
If you’re tracing a building or person and you have an address or rough address, the Valuation Rolls are an essential place to look.
Do I need to know anything first?
Any details you have about the person or building you’re researching will make it quicker to find answers but it’s also fine to start working it out from scratch!
Are there any viewing restrictions?
No – all Valuation Rolls are open to view.
Can I have photocopies?
Yes. Charges may apply.
Can I take photographs?
Yes. Charges may apply.
Where can I find out what you hold?
Valuation Rolls lists for Highland counties and burghs are available to browse in our archive searchroom catalogues.
Where do I go next?
If you’re researching a family, Census Returns will give more information about the other members of the household. If you’re researching a building, Sasines detail sales of land and property.
