Scotland Compiled Genealogies

The term genealogy is used here to describe records that contain family information gathered by individuals, societies, or archives. These records may include pedigree charts, compiled family information, correspondence, ancestor lists, research exchange files, record abstracts, and collections of original or copied documents. These excellent sources of information can save you valuable time. However, these types of records may contain inaccuracies, and you should verify the information found in them.

The "Nobility" section of this outline describes genealogical sources for noble families.

Unique Family History Library Indexes
The library has several sources that contain genealogical information gathered by others and can lead you to others who are interested in sharing family information. These include:

International Genealogical Index (IGI). Deceased individuals who were born or married in Scotland are listed in the International Genealogical Index. Names are added continually to the index.

Ancestral File.The Family History Library has developed a computer database of family information called Ancestral File. You are invited to contribute information or corrections to Ancestral File. For more information, see Using Ancestral File Resource Guide (34113) and Contributing to Ancestral File (34029).

Family Group Records Collection. More than eight million microfilmed family group record forms are in the Family Group Records Collection, including many Scottish families. The collection has two major sections: The Archive Section and the Patron Section. You can find the film numbers for both sections in the Author/Title Search of the Family History Library Catalog on microfiche under FAMILY GROUP RECORDS COLLECTION.

Smith’s Inventory of Genealogical Sources in the Family History Library. Scotland is a subject index to items likely not listed in the Family History Library Catalog but which can be found in selected periodicals, books, and films in the library’s collection (Family History Librarybook 941 D23s, 34 vols; fiche 6110528 in 18 parts).

Family Histories
The Family History Library has many Scottish family and clan histories, published and unpublished, and newsletters that may contain genealogical information, biographies, photographs, and other valuable information.

You will find many Scottish family histories listed in:

Ferguson, Joan P.S. Scottish Family Histories. Edinburgh: National Library of Scotland, 1986. (FHL book Ref. 941 D23fj.) This book lists over 3,200 family histories.

You can also find family histories by using the Surname Search of the Family History Library Catalog. However, the catalog lists only the major surnames discussed in each history.

The Family History Library has some genealogical collections for Scottish families, including published and unpublished collections of family histories and lineages, research files of prominent genealogists, and a few surname indexes. You can find other genealogical information on families by using the Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalog. Look under the following headings:

GREAT BRITAIN - GENEALOGY

SCOTLAND - GENEALOGY

SCOTLAND, [COUNTY] - GENEALOGY

Research Coordination
The following publications show names and addresses of individuals and the family names they are researching. Using them may help you coordinate your research efforts. Search several editions since they are published yearly, and specific family names may appear in only one edition.

Caley, Iris Louise, ed. 1993 National Genealogical Directory. Stoke St. Michael, Somerset: National Genealogical Directory, 1993. (FHL book 942 D24na.)

Johnson, Keith A., and Malcolm R. Sainty. Genealogical Research Directory. Sydney, Australia: Genealogical Research Directory Editors, 1996. (FHL book Ref 929.1025 G286grd.)

Federation of Family History Societies. British Isles Genealogical Register ("The BIG-R"). 1994. (FHL fiche 6344825.)

The Guild of One Name Studies publishes the following list of organizations that study specific surnames:

Register of One Name Studies. 7th ed. Solihull, England: Federation of Family History Societies, 1996. (FHL book 942 D24re 1996.)

Since most persons with the same surname are not related, you will need to determine whether a name listed in one of the above sources belongs to your family. You might have to do some research in original records to connect your family to a family listed in one of these sources.