Welcome

Whether you’re starting your family history search or building on years of research, our volunteers are happy to help you dive in, ask questions, and uncover new connections to your Scottish heritage.

We look forward to being part of your journey.

Getting Started

Research is easiest when you begin with a few simple steps:

Begin with what you know

Talk with relatives, gather dates and places, and record any stories they remember. Even small pieces of information can point you in the right direction.

Organize your findings
Use a method that works for you:

• paper charts
• a spreadsheet
• an online tree such as FamilySearch, Ancestry, or MyHeritage

Check core record types

These form the foundation of most family trees:

• birth, marriage, and death records
• census records
  
• military service
  
• immigration and naturalization

Good starter websites

• FamilySearch (free records and tree builder)
• Ancestry (broad US, UK, and global collections)
• FindMyPast (strong UK and Ireland records)

Key Scottish Research Tools

Scottish family history has some excellent resources. These are the most useful:

ScotlandsPeople

The official source for civil registration, census returns, Old Parish Registers, wills, and testaments. This is the primary site for most Scottish research.

National Records of Scotland

Guides, archives, maps, and background material that help you understand historical context.

Scottish Archive Network (SCAN)

A directory of archives across Scotland with helpful explanations of record types.

Clan and surname resources

Lists of clan societies, surname histories, and clan maps to help you understand where your family name originated and how it evolved.

Gazetteers and parish maps

Useful for interpreting old place names, parish boundaries, and regional histories.

Research Tips

Scottish records follow patterns that can help you make sense of gaps or confusing entries.

Naming traditions

Families often reused a set pattern when naming children. Knowing this can help you confirm relationships.

Parish record variations

Old Parish Registers (from before 1855) differ widely in detail and condition. Expect some gaps.

Flexible spelling

Names and places weren’t spelled consistently. Try variations when searching.

Older handwriting

Older records can be hard to read. Handwriting guides and alphabet reference charts are helpful.

Tracing emigrants

If your ancestors left Scotland, check passenger lists, naturalization documents, and newspapers from the area where they settled.

Member Tools and Checklists

Gazetteers and parish maps

You can share or download this as a PDF if your site allows it:

Download Our Research Checklist

• Identify your starting ancestor
• Record birth, marriage, and death information
• Check each relevant census
• Search ScotlandsPeople for civil and parish records
• Look for wills and testaments
• Map out towns, farms, and parishes
• Note connections to clans or regions
• Save sources as you find them

How We Can Help

Our society is here to support your research. Members may request:

• lookups and short record searches
• small-group workshops
• individual guidance
• recommended reading and websites
• updates on newly released Scottish records
• genealogy features in our newsletter