The Scottish Records Association was founded in 1977 and is concerned with the preservation and use of historical records in Scotland. It provides a forum where users, owners and custodians of records can discuss matters relating to their custody, conservation and accessibility.

Members of the Association's Council, elected at the AGM, meet to discuss issues affecting Scotland's written heritage and to organise the Association's Annual Conference. The Association is represented on the National Council of Archives.

The Association publishes Scottish Archives: an annual, refereed journal reflecting the distinctive interests of the Association's members. It features illustrated papers from conferences as well as other commissioned and submitted articles focussing on Scottish archives and historical sources, their use and interpretation.

A Newsletter appears in the Spring and Autumn each year, with news about forthcoming exhibitions and events, recent publications by members, Internet links and requests from members for help with research.

In conjunction with the National Archives of Scotland, the Association also publishes a guide to Scottish palaeography pack: Scottish Handwriting: a self help pack.

Datasheets are issued from time to time, summarising the content of many Scottish archives and giving guidance on such matters as copyright and terms of deposit.

The Association has charitable status (Scottish Charities No. SC008896).