____________________________________________________________ The Scottish Associations of South Australia Inc.

Scottish Family History and Genealogy

Each year there are an increasing number of families who wish to learn more about their ancestors. Fortunately in recent years there has been a huge increase in the number of old publications and records scanned on digital storage. This information can easily be obtained through the Internet.

Major libraries and genealogy societies are also important sources of information.

In Scotland the main records which provide information concerning family history include:-

Statutory Births Deaths and Marriages

Since 1855, all births, deaths and marriages in Scotland have needed to be officially registered.

This system of Statutory Registration provides the basis for Scottish genealogical research after 1855. These records are the building blocks of genealogical research.

Census

A census is an official survey to provide information about the population of the country. The first census in Scotland was in 1801, and they have been conducted every 10 years since. For the genealogist the first four censuses are not terribly useful, as in only a very few cases were individuals named. Since 1841, however, the census has attempted to list every person in Scotland, along with such information as age, birthplace and occupation. Census records are kept private for 100 years: the returns presently available to examine are 1841-1911.

Old Parochial registers

these were registers kept by local parishes of the Church of Scotland. The oldest registers date back to the 16th century, but records for some parishes begin in the 17th century. Baptisms, Burials and Marriages were recorded in these church books which may or may not have survived today. The information given in the registers varies greatly over time and from parish to parish, but is generally much less than the later Statutory Registers.

Records from other religious groups may have survived. These groups also kept similar registers, which again vary with time, location and according to the group concerned.

Australian records contain information on the arrival of ships carrying migrants and the passenger lists, births, marriages and deaths.

Genealogical Resource Suggestions

The following list of Genealogical resource suggestions was prepared by the late South Australian MacLeod Society President, Fraser McAskill, a keen genealogist, with additions by Alex McLeod.

Adoptions

Biographical and Genealogical Dictionaries

Business Records

Cemeteries

Census Records

Change of Name

Civil Registrations

Convicts

Deserters and Jumped Ship

Directories and Almanacs

(eg.Sands & MacDougal Directories)

Divorces