Archive Services and Access
Inverclyde Archives is the institutional repository for Inverclyde Council and has a collection which spans over 300 years of local history. We collect and preserve the historic records of Inverclyde and its people which include the villages of Wemyss Bay, Kilmacolm, Inverkip and Quarrier's Village and the former historic Burghs of Greenock, Gourock and Port Glasgow and those relating to Inverclyde after local government re-organisation and boundary changes.
As well as local government records, we hold material from local clubs and societies, businesses and organisations, family papers, police records, parish council records, title deeds and sasines, maps, plans and images. We also hold bound copies of the Greenock Telegraph from its inception up to the present day along with other local newspapers and journal publications.
Archives are unique and irreplaceable and we have a duty of care to make sure the material in the collection is preserved for the future.
Access to the Archive collection is free and can be viewed by appointment at the Watt Institution. However visitors are required to provide two forms of ID (photographic ID and proof of name and address) to view the physical material. Inverclyde Library members only need to show their library card as proof of identification.We ask that all visitors viewing items comply with the Inverclyde Archives search room handling guidelines.
Many of our collections can be scanned, photocopied or photographed if required, however please speak to staff for permission before doing so. There are separate charges for copying if required.
Please call Tel: 01475 715624 or e-mail: wattinstitution@inverclyde.gov.uk to arrange.