Inverness-shire was one of the largest counties in Scotland in terms of area, extending from the Moray Firth on the east coast to the Atlantic islands of the Outer Hebrides. The county also included the burghs of Fort William, Inverness and Kingussie and the islands of Barra, Canna, Eigg, Harris (but not Lewis), Muck, North Uist, Raasay, Rum, St. Kilda, Skye, and South Uist. Inverness County Council was established by the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1889, taking over powers from the Commissioners of Supply, County Road Trust, and other local authorities. The County Council was abolished in 1975 by the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1973, and the former county was divided between Hoghland Region and the Western Isles. The current local authorities are the Highland Council and Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council).

Archive services
Further information about these archives can be found in the SCAN Directory.
The Highland Council Archive
Northern Health Services Archives
National Archives of Scotland
National Library of Scotland
Clan Donald Centre

Local studies libraries
Highland Council Libraries
Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) Library Service
Sabhal Mor Ostaig

Family History Societies
Highland Family History Society

Historical records

County Council records
County Constabulary records
Medical Officer of Health reports
Vehicle Licensing Records
Valuation Rolls

Sheriffdoms
JP court records
Register of sasines
Other records