Scotland has a rich history and culture, over centuries of emigration to all corners of the globe more people than ever a connected to the land of the Brave. This began in 17th Century when an increasing middle class population sort emigration to England, Eastern Europe and North America for middle-class jobs.
In the 19th Century, Many Scots visited Africa and Far East Asia as missionaries, explorers, and merchants. Lower class Scots increasingly moved to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada during this period, too. This is to say, many people around the world have Scottish heritage. And if you are one of those people, there are a number of resources available to help you discover you Caledonian lineage.
The first step to tracing your Scottish ancestry is right in front of you. Your surname can give an indication as to whether you have Scottish roots. Noticeable examples are names that begin with ‘Mc’ or ‘Mac’, but there are less obvious ones such as Grant, Cameron, Johnstone, and Hamilton.
Another step should be to gather as much information as you can about your family history. This includes talking to your family, so parents, grandparents, and other relatives to see if they have any knowledge about your family’s history or if any information has been passed down through generations. Scouring your home or family home for old family documents, such as birth registers, death certificates, and marriage records can give you a head-start on your heritage journey.
Once you have a good understanding of your family history, you can start to look for records based in Scotland such as the National Records of Scotland. You can also visit the National Library of Scotland online or even in person.
The availability of records varies depending on the time period you are researching. For example, birth, death, and marriage records have been kept in Scotland since the late 18th century. Census records have been taken every couple of years since 1841.
Some records are available online, while others can only be accessed in person. The National Records of Scotland website provides information on how to access records online and in person. You can also contact the NRS directly for assistance.
Your clan has a lot to do with your surname. Various regions of Scotland were once divided up into Gaelic Clans. These areas were controlled by clans with names from Campbell to Gordon, and Kennedy to Sinclair. The clan’s chief was entrusted to protect their individual heritage. Other members of a clan would tend to livestock and maintain crops, look after and rear children, or act as warriors to defend their land.
The Clan system eventually collapsed at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The British Government Army led by Duke of Cumberland defeated the Jacobites of Scotland, leading to the defeat and eradication of most of the Highland Clans. Surviving clans were forced to move to the coasts and lowlands or to leave Scotland all together.
What remains is the names of the clans today that are common surnames across the Northern hemisphere such as Scott, Grant, and Mackay. Another way to trace your clan back is using Tartans. Tartans are a pattern that is unique to each name. So, if you have a family tartan, most commonly worn as a kilt at Weddings, this will have originally come from your Highland Clan. Any crests and badges found on clothing or items around your home may also be an indication of your clan heritage. Like Tartans, badges were individualised and would include a clans motto and crest.
There are a few tips for success when tracing your Scottish ancestry for free. Firstly, be patient as it can take time to trace your ancestry. Use a record such as National Records of Scotland to find free records, registers, and censuses from the early 16th to the 20th century. Importantly, don’t give up if you can’t find the information you’re looking for because there may be more than one way to find the information you need. If needed, there are a number of professional genealogists who can help you trace your ancestry.
If you, a friend, or a family member have Clan lineage why not celebrate your ancestry by buying a piece of Scottish land, along with the title of Lord, Lady, or Laird of Loch Ness? Each Loch Ness Title grants you ownership of one square foot of land overlooking the world-famous Loch Ness. Your purchase also contributes towards maintaining and protecting Scotland’s wildlife and promoting and sustaining our rich history and culture.
If you’re looking for more information about how to buy a title with Loch Ness Titles, and help the conservation efforts of Brackla woods, read through our How to Buy a Title guide. You can also get more information from dedicated Buy a Scottish Lord Title, Buy a Scottish Lady Title, and Buy a Scottish Laird Title.
