Scottish ancestry
There are people all over the world with ancestral roots, affinity or connections to Scotland - and thanks to the internet, it's never been easier for Scots to trace their roots back to the glen or village where they began.
Scotland is a world leader in providing family history information online, partly because written records go back a long way. The main examples are registers of births, marriages and deaths dating back to 1553, Census records from 1841 to 1911 and wills dating back to 1500 - all available online.
Finding Scottish ancestors
National Records of Scotland (NRS) (nrscotland.gov.uk) is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government.
Their purpose is to collect, preserve and produce information about Scotland's people and history and make it available to inform current and future generations.
NRS is responsible for the registers of births, marriages and deaths, the publication of regular demographic statistics, the taking of the census and maintaining the archives as one of Scotland’s five National Collections.
Watch a video about NRS services (youtube.com)
If you’re researching your Scottish family history, you can access records online through Scotland’s People website (scotlandspeople.gov.uk).
Uncover your family story by searching millions of individual records, including statutory registers, church, census, prisons, testaments and many more. New records are released regularly – keep an eye out.
If you're in Scotland...
If you're in Edinburgh and want to trace your ancestors in person, book a seat online at the Scotland's People Centre (scotlandspeople.gov.uk). You’ll be able to access and view digitised records and indexes, including modern day records.
You can also visit the Historical Search Room (nrscotland.gov.uk) and Digital Archive Search Room (nrscotland.gov.uk), to consult archival records, unique resource for the study of Scottish history from the early 12th century to the present day. You’ll need a reader’s ticket (nrscotland.gov.uk).
If you're in Glasgow, The Mitchell Library (glasgowlife.org.uk) has extensive family histories, voters' rolls, street directories and graduation and emigrants lists.
Want to walk in the footsteps of your ancestors?
Find out how to research your ancestry on VisitScotland
Local family history centres
A version of Scotland's People is available at local family history centres in Scotland, run by local authorities.
These are:
- Burns Monument Centre in Kilmarnock (east-ayrshire.gov.uk)
- Clackmannanshire Family History Centre in Alloa (clacks.gov.uk)
- Heritage Hub in Hawick (liveborders.org.uk)
- Highland Archive Service Family History Centre in Inverness (highlifehighland.com)
- Family History at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow (glasgow.gov.uk)
Scottish connections and diaspora
"Scotland's Diaspora" describes the many people around the world who consider themselves to have an affinity or a connection with Scotland.
So whether you have a family connection to Scotland, have lived, studied or visited, or have a love for all things Scottish, you might consider yourself part of the Scottish diaspora!
For generations, Scots have travelled the globe and settled abroad. These people have helped build Scotland's international reputation and celebrated and supported Scottish culture and heritage, and helped establish the iconic recognition it enjoys today.
Today, Scotland's diaspora includes Scots who have moved away from home, are working abroad, and are helping to share the idea of today's Scotland.
Scotland itself is home to a vibrant mix of cultures and people from other places, and while some have come to live in Scotland permanently, others who have previously lived, studied or worked in Scotland for a period of time have returned home or moved elsewhere across the world.
Find out more about our global community
I consider myself part of Scottish diaspora – now what?
If you consider yourself part of the Scottish diaspora and are keen to stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Scotland, we have just what you’re looking for.
Our social media channels are a one-stop shop for the latest Scottish news. They are regularly updated with great content; from interesting features about Scots past and present to celebrating Scotland's achievements around the world. If you love Scotland, keep in touch!
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