New Sasine Deed Request Process

Key Changes for Scottish Property Professionals

Registers of Scotland (RoS) and National Records of Scotland (NRS) have announced important changes to how Sasine deed requests will be handled from 17 November 2026. Under the new arrangements, requests for post-1869 Sasine deeds will be processed exclusively by Registers of Scotland, while National Records of Scotland will continue to manage pre-1869 deeds and other historic records.

Although Scotland continues its transition towards a complete Land Register, historic Sasine records remain an important source of information for conveyancers investigating title history, locating missing deeds and supporting first registrations.

For firms managing busy caseloads, obtaining a deed is often only part of the process. Identifying the correct record, navigating separate repositories and securing information without delaying a transaction can present equally significant challenges.

What’s Changing?

From 17 November 2026:

• Post-1869 Sasine deed requests will be processed by Registers of Scotland.
• Pre-1869 Sasine deeds will remain with National Records of Scotland.
• National Records of Scotland will continue to process requests relating to Burgh Registers, Particular and General Registers, Books of Council & Session, Register of Inhibitions and Duplicate Plans.

The changes are intended to streamline access to Sasine records while recognising the distinct role both organisations continue to play in maintaining Scotland’s historic property records.

Why Historic Sasine Records Still Matter

Despite the continued growth of the Land Register, Sasine records remain a valuable source of information for many property transactions. They are frequently required to:

• Support first registration applications
• Investigate historic ownership
• Examine burdens, servitudes and conditions
• Resolve boundary questions
• Locate missing title information
• Understand historical title development

Even today, many conveyancing matters require professionals to look beyond current title sheets and examine historical deed records to build a complete picture of a property’s legal history.

The Benefits of Using Millar & Bryce for Sasine Deed Requests

While deeds can be obtained directly from Registers of Scotland or National Records of Scotland, historical title research often requires more than simply requesting a document.

At Millar & Bryce, our specialist property information team works with historical title records every day. We understand where records are held, how they should be searched and what supporting information may be needed to obtain the correct documentation efficiently.

For busy conveyancing teams, this delivers several practical benefits.

• Specialist Expertise: Historical title records can be complex. Our experienced team understands both Land Register and Sasine records and can help identify the correct documentation quickly and accurately.
• Time Savings: Rather than allocating fee earner or support staff time to researching and ordering deeds, firms can outsource the process to specialists and focus on progressing client transactions.
• Reduced Administration: We manage the search and retrieval process, helping firms avoid the need to navigate different record holders and historical registers.
• No Upfront Payment: Unlike direct ordering routes, customers do not need to pay for deeds upfront. Charges are simply invoiced in the normal way and can be settled at transaction completion, supporting administrative efficiency.

Changes to Millar & Bryce Pricing

As part of these industry changes, Millar & Bryce will be reviewing and updating our fee structure for ordering historic deeds to reflect the revised market structure and associated retrieval costs.

Our focus remains on providing a fast, efficient and fully managed service that helps legal professionals obtain the information they need while minimising administration and reducing the risk of delays.

For the latest pricing information, or to discuss your requirements, please contact your Business Development Manager or speak to a member of the Millar & Bryce team.

The Bigger Picture

The latest announcement from NRS and RoS serves as a reminder that historic title information continues to play an important role in Scottish conveyancing.

Whether supporting first registrations, investigating title anomalies or locating historical property records, access to accurate deed information remains essential. As the property registration landscape evolves, efficient access to historic records and specialist title expertise will continue to be valuable resources for legal professionals.

Need a Sasine Deed?

Whether you require a post-1869 Sasine deed, a pre-1869 historical record or assistance with a more complex title investigation, Millar & Bryce can help you obtain the information you need quickly, accurately and with minimal administrative burden.

Contact our team today to discuss your requirements and discover how we can support your next title investigation.