Records of the Queen's Printer for Scotland and King's Printer for Scotland

Division within SCOT

1999-2023

The series within this division comprise of records created by the Queen's Printer for Scotland and later the King's Printer for Scotland and relate to the responsibilities for overseeing the publication of Scottish legislation, including matters of Crown copyright.

Public Record(s)

English

1 series

Subject to 15 year closure

The role of the Queen's Printer for Scotland was established under section 92 of the Scotland Act 1998 as a non-ministerial office holder and member of staff of the Scottish Administration, with effect from 1 July 1999.

Upon the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the office of Queen's Printer for Scotland (and all associated references to the Sovereign) was retitled under section 10 of the Interpretation Act 1978 c. 30.

The Scotland Act states that the office of King's Printer for Scotland (KPS) shall be held by the King's Printer for Acts of Parliament. These offices are held by the Keeper of Public Records, the Chief Executive of The National Archives, who is appointed by Letters Patent. The functions of the King's Printer for Scotland are carried out from within The National Archives.

The King's Printer for Scotland is responsible for overseeing the publication of primary and secondary Scottish legislation, the production and publication of Explanatory Notes to Acts of the Scottish Parliament (ASPs), and the publication of lists, including amendment lists and annual editions of instruments. The KPS has also published Policy Notes for Scottish Statutory Instruments (SSIs) since October 2012.

Under section 92(3) of the Scotland Act 1998, the King's Printer manages the Crown's copyright in respect ASPs, SSIs and material created by or assignated to the Scottish Government.