Do you have Scottish blood running through your veins? Scottish heritage and Scottish history is rich and expansive, and there are many ways to discover your Scottish family history.
Scottish clans are a great way to research your family history. A Scottish clan is a group of people who band together because they share a surname—a family, really. Clan names are also tied to land, and often clans had a leader. They would create their own shield and tartan pattern. Ancient clans started as far back as the 12th century, and each generation has added to it. Today, over 50 million people have some sort of tie to Scottish ancestry.
There are many ways to begin researching and discovering your Scottish heritage, but the resources below are a good start!
Ancestry in Scotland
Learn how to discover your own Scottish ancestry! FamilySearch has free online collections to help you get started, as well as the FamilySearch wiki to give some guidance. Many groups of people have Scottish heritage, so you may find some piece of your history in Scotland.
Scottish Folklore
Scotland has a rich tradition of folklore, with fascinating stories. Read more about how the history ties to Scotland’s great folklore.
Highland Games
Scottish culture and Gaelic traditions come to life during the Highland games, which started more than 1,000 years ago. There are various hard-hitting athletics at the Highland games, and many families like to recreate some variation to celebrate their family history.
Scottish Sayings and Dialect
Although Scots speak English, there are many twists and turns in the Scottish tongue. It’s fun and easy to pick up on a few Scottish sayings and feel like you are a true Scot. This article explains what some of them mean and gives you the chance to try a few.
Castles in Scotland
Finding your family history in over 1,000 castles in Scotland can be an interesting adventure. Learn more about the castles and some of the stories these ancient relics hold inside.
Scottish Names
Many traditional names we hear today derive from Scotland. Find out if your name has Scottish roots, or if you know you have Scottish ancestry, learn the names that might be in your family tree.
The Scottish Kilt
The Scottish kilt can be traced back to the 16th century. Learn about the belted plaid, which holds historical and family significance to many who claim a Scottish heritage.
Enjoy many of the articles linked here to get started on your journey of discovery of Scottish family history and Scottish heritage. The journey will be rewarding, entertaining, and meaningful.
Your United Kingdom Heritage
Rachel Trotter
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How do I put a search in for Mitchell’s from South London now in Cyprus?
My fathers name was RobertMcCulloch he died in Kilmarnock hostpital at age 64 in 1971 he lived in Kilwinning Ayrshire my mother was Elizabeth McCulloch. Nee (Blair) died in Balochmyle hostpital in 1951 at the age of 41Iwould like to get my mothers family History
To whom it may Concern. For many years I have had this unreachable desire to find out my Heritage , When I was approx. 14 yo , I was
Told that my GrandMother was A Member of the Harriot Family
In the 1800’s and was disowned because she had Fell In Love with My GrandFather
Frank Garrett on. A Wagon Train , Actually thought of it as very Ronantic..so My ? Is how can I find out where I came from , She went By Pearl , Elisabeth
And a couple others . Last name of Harriot , .married Name Garrett Thankyou Sincerly
Hi Carson! Thank you for your research question. Please check out the FREE Family History Library Online Consultations where you can schedule time with a consultant to help you on any family history question you may have. You can also connect with other FamilySearch users who may be able to help you, by joining the FamilySearch Community. Good luck and thank you for reading the blog!
Thank you for all topics on Scottish heritage. quite informative.
How about Pittenweem? Alexander Melville, my ancestor lived there.
I want to know if I have Scottish ancestors?
That’s great! Do you have an account with FamilySearch?
What is the best way to determine the family tartan
Interested in the family name, BLACK, as I believe some of my very early ancestors may have originated from Scotland, before relocating to Northern Ireland and in particular the greater Belfast area.
How do I find out how to tract down relatives in Scotland?
How do I get more information about my Grandfathers family and siblings.
Looking for muir that cane to south africa
My grandmother Fannie Phillip’s ancestral background is Scottish. Does she have other nationalities & are there living relatives I can contact in those countries?
Looking for my family heritage. James Pleasant Murksbury.
Wanting to know more about my last name please
My DNA is 28% Scottish
I am 39 % scottish… 58 % english and 33 % irish…
Grandad said we were from Scotland. When his family originally came to US, he said they ended up inGeorgia, but he and cousins came to E Texas. Op