The National Library of Scotland has a growing collection of digital resources of great interest to family historians. We've blogged before about their amazing map collection, which we use all the time for our own and client research. The NLS also has a superb collection of historic directories available, which we will write about in a future post.
On Friday, the NLS announced the latest additions to their digital library, this time of nearly 400 printed items relating to the histories of Scottish families - so right up our street! The individual books can be read online or downloaded to read offline. You can even search the text of the books for particular words. I think the text has been produced by OCR (optical character recognition), but the NLS is usually very good at digitising text. That said, if you can't find what you're looking for by searching, you can browse through each book page by page. To help you find any books you may be interested in, we've grouped all the titles currently available by family. Bear in mind though that many of the books cover multiple families, so even if your family name's not listed here, it's worth checking the site anyway.
70 Comments
murphy
1/6/2016 06:59:14 pm
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William Frederick Winchester
12/11/2020 09:09:01 pm
Looking for my grandad’s family
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Cathleen MacFarlane
16/6/2016 02:21:07 pm
I checked and you don't have the Family name MacFarlane
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James McGee
22/6/2016 07:31:38 pm
Seems there are lots of Scot names missing. My mothers side of the family were from Scotland. Their name was Mcphetrige. There are various different spellings which I searched. None were found..
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22/6/2016 09:11:21 pm
Hi James,
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Grace Darney
9/7/2016 10:50:56 pm
Abernethy family. I have a genealogy of that name, compiled in 1834 or 1843.
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9/7/2016 11:44:18 pm
I can't find a copy of the book you're talking about in the NLS catalogue - was it actually published? If so, was it published in Scotland?
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3/1/2022 08:21:39 pm
I am Patricia Mitchell and I also have Abernethy during that time frame. My grandfather George Abernethy mother Elspeth Hunter,could we correspond? [email protected]
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Patricia M Mitchell
27/5/2023 04:26:33 pm
I have Abernethy Pls RSVP Pat.pm59@gmai;.com
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Grace Darney
9/7/2016 10:51:27 pm
How about the Abernethy family. I have a genealogy of that name, compiled in 1834 or 1843.
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Grace Darney
9/7/2016 10:51:36 pm
How about the Abernathy family. I have a genealogy of that name, compiled in 1834 or 1843.
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Jill Parker
10/7/2016 02:31:05 am
Looking for Ewing surname and also Watson
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Kim Dallas
25/3/2018 05:42:33 am
Hi, I think this is brilliant and am looking forward to researching and reading... I haven't come across any books on the Jardines of Applegarth - if you know of any would be good as trying to track record evidence of illegitimate son of Alexander IV. Could add the Book of Dallas to the collection - The history of the family of Dallas, and their connections and descendants from the twelfth century
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William Kennoch
5/6/2018 02:42:48 am
Looking for William W Kennoch circa1841 Edinburgh Scotland
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breanna
9/10/2018 06:30:22 pm
do you have anything on the Harris or Harrison name ?
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Gregor Finlayson
22/11/2018 10:06:38 am
You missed the name Finlayson.
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Judith Robinson
26/3/2019 03:28:10 am
William Henry Hill's 'Early Records of an Old Glasgow Family' about the Hill family. I see you have it, but it's not listed above (https://digital.nls.uk/histories-of-scottish-families/archive/95565933#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=3&xywh=-1434%2C-666%2C5366%2C4983)
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Luiz Algemiro Cubas Guimarães
24/4/2019 05:33:50 pm
I would like to find data on Thomas Archibald Scott and his relatives in Scotland, still alive. He was born on 10/20/1865 in Dundee - Scotland, and was the son of Thomas Scott and Janey Mac Taggiert. The reason for this research stems from a trip to Scotland that I will make in September this year to try to rescue the Scott story back in Scotland as I am the great-grandson of Thomas Archibald Scott and his fiancée Hellen Cowie who emigrated to Brazil at the end of the 19th century, where they married here in Brazil in 1890, and my grandmother (Nelly, born Scott, after her marriage was renamed Nelly Scott Guimarães), daughter of Thomas Archibald Scott and Hellen Cowie Scott, was born in Brazil Jundiaí - SP), on 10/11/1900. And besides, I've always been fascinated by Scottish stories, even told by my grandmother (Nelly).
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Luiz Algemiro Cubas Guimaraes
19/11/2021 07:59:24 pm
I would like to find data on Thomas Archibald Scott and his relatives in Scotland, still alive. He was born on 10/20/1865 in Dundee - Scotland, and was the son of Thomas Scott and Janey Mac Taggiert. The reason for this research stems from a trip to Scotland that I will make in September this year to try to rescue the Scott story back in Scotland as I am the great-grandson of Thomas Archibald Scott and his fiancée Hellen Cowie who emigrated to Brazil at the end of the 19th century, where they married here in Brazil in 1890, and my grandmother (Nelly, born Scott, after her marriage was renamed Nelly Scott Guimarães), daughter of Thomas Archibald Scott and Hellen Cowie Scott, was born in Brazil Jundiaí - SP), on 10/11/1900. And besides, I've always been fascinated by Scottish stories, even told by my grandmother (Nelly).
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Angela
26/7/2019 04:04:09 am
Looking for Dunbar and not finding it I am second generation in Canada and i know my one aunt corresponded with cousins still in Scotland until she passed
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Deb
31/7/2019 07:28:09 am
Are there any Williamson’s left on The Isle of Sky?
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Tanya Cole
4/8/2019 04:27:00 am
I can't get past my ancestor on the paternal line. John Mackenzie born abt. 1757– Died 1829 in Ceres, Fife, Scotland. I wonder whether the battle of Culloden impacted on movements of the Mackenzies around this time? Would love to be able to trace back to see if were part of the highlander McKenzies!
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26/8/2019 09:39:00 am
Hi great idea but I also don’t see my family (gillis and MacDonald from Morar (Knoydart). I’m also researching Nova Scotia and Newfoundland- I was told Drummer on Foot reference us. We arrived in NS in 1801. Thanks for helping us out. Cheers for California. Frank Gillis
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Sheila Boyd
18/1/2022 03:42:12 am
Hi Frank, You should be able to purchase a copy of Drummer on Foot through the Antigonish Heritage Museum. It's a Canadian publication so that's likely why it's not listed above. I have connections to the Gillis and MacDonald's also. My Boyd ancestors arrived on the Dove of Aberdeen in 1801.
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Mike Boyd
14/4/2023 07:14:27 am
Shelia
Margarat Ann Duncan
8/11/2019 04:42:27 am
Looking for information on Margarat Ann Duncan from Selkirkshire Scotland B 1709/1767 Craven North Carolina USA
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Nikki
12/11/2019 06:42:32 pm
This is all I have from Ancestry...
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REV.GEORGE .E.GONZALEZ SR
12/12/2019 04:46:31 am
Im trying to locate a relative his name is Mr.Douglas Hamilton he is from Scotland. U.K. and some how lost his e-mail and Im trying ti find some way his address, if by any chance anyone can help it would be very greatful thank you very much,have a blessed day, George.
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11/8/2021 08:19:18 pm
There are many Douglas Hamiltons.
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Cyndi
5/2/2020 12:25:40 pm
I don't see Aitken on that list? That's a very historical name in Scotland. I have my lineage done back so far, but would love to be able to go back further.
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12/2/2020 08:26:07 pm
This was just a list of books published on the National Library website. We've not checked whether they've added any other books since.
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6/3/2020 04:36:12 am
I am trying to compile a Fraser of Lovat tree form the book identified below. I note that it contains a family tree, folded so it cannot be read. I have done a lot of Fraser research, and want to add to and confirm information I have. Would it be possible to obtain a copy of this tree, or to have it added to this website.
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Old Scottish
6/3/2020 07:36:19 am
These books were digitised by the National Library of Scotland, not us. You'd have to contact them.
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Mary Mundle
3/5/2020 03:49:37 am
Looking for John Henderson and spouse Marion McKendrick early 1800s,lived in Kirkconnell or Roxburgh Scotland. John may have owned a mill. Daughter was Martha.
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Shirl Crane
17/5/2020 07:14:37 pm
Looking for the connection between the surnames Watkins and Mcintosh. Would like to know when a man originally named Watkins became a Mcintosh. From my research, I have discovered where my great grandfather changed his name from Watkins to Mcintosh. Would like to find out what prompted him to change the name and why. Thanks
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Kathleen Gills
14/8/2020 03:12:47 am
Gillis is missing. we are an old family from the Islands.
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16/9/2020 07:45:33 pm
Just seeing if anyone out there had the the same surname??... lol..
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15/10/2020 04:16:49 pm
moved to n ireland about 1790-98 killed in co wicklow ROI in irish uprising Historical figure in thia area esp. around the Mcallister dwyer cottage and Baltinglass memorial Presbyterian faith
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18/12/2020 08:58:16 pm
Looking for family history of Rathven and Portsoy.
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Andrea Parkes
27/12/2020 03:15:38 am
Hi. There’s history that the Scottish clan of DRENNAN were chased out by the British and taken in by the Drummond clan. Their tartan was banned from being used generations ago. I’m of DRENNAN ancestry from Perth Western Australia, and looking for more info. TIA.
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Belinda Williams
2/1/2021 09:31:06 am
It mentions Sir George Duncan at the top but I can find no listing .
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Elizabeth christie
1/2/2021 12:17:37 am
Looking for daniel wilson early 50s, stayed in a hostel on mart st/clyde st Glasgow next to hope house in 1987
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Cynthia MacLeod-Stalter
8/3/2021 04:29:48 am
I didn’t see Adam’s, which is most definitely my maternal line. And, since most of them were definitely from Scotland 🏴, I would of thought I would of seen it at the very beginning?
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Heather Boyd-Scotland
18/3/2021 09:31:56 pm
Looking for surname Scotland. James Douglas Scotland from around Dundee area. Mother Isabell Grey Donald, father james
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Mike Boyd
14/4/2023 07:17:52 am
Heather
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Audrey M. Kelley
24/3/2021 04:34:27 am
My husbands' first relative to Jamestown Virginia aboard the Ship Oxford 1775 was William Kelley. He was a member of the Black Watch that had run away rather than be sent by the English King to the West Indies. When captured he was sent from jail aboard the Oxford that sailed from Glascow to America. Where would he have been from in Scotland?
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Kim Blank
16/6/2021 07:25:02 am
Hello, I was looking for the name McGilvery, it isn't there. They come from Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire, Scotland. They were lowlanders and they didn't migrate at all until my great grandparents. Can you help me please? Any information would be appreciated. Thank you for your time and help.
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Patricia Mason
3/7/2021 09:58:36 pm
Looking for my 2nd great grandfather, Heber Wiley, Wylie. He emigrated to New York, USA. Born in abt. 1825 and died in Rush, NY 1869. Cannot find anything on him.
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David Paul
22/8/2021 03:04:08 pm
My surname is Paul my familiy lived in islay argylshire scotland Neil paul came to canada in 1830s i didnt see any connection to the pauls of glasco
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Samantha
22/9/2021 08:23:05 pm
I need help with my research. I've run into a void... 1697, Kidnapped Children from Scotland. From families such as Fraser, McDonald, Stewart, Bruce & Douglas. My ggggrandfather was one of these children. His name was Alexander Stewart, he was taken the same time as Mary Royal. He was taken to the New America by William Trent. Later became educated and later taught to make shoes.
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James K. Walker
27/9/2021 10:10:11 pm
My ancestor with the name WALKER owned a GLASGOW book shop used by students IN THE PERIOD 1870 TO 1910. please contact me if you have information.
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Charles John McKendrick Aberdeen Scotland around 1840 emigrated to South Africa around that time
26/12/2021 03:28:25 pm
His son Jim McKendrick were the first Springbok rugby player from the victoria college now the University Stellenbosh South Africa to play againts the British rugby touring team in a teat at Newlands in Cape Town during 1891
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Dorothy Ann Rheinhardt
4/1/2022 07:15:59 pm
Looking for Gray family, McDonald and McAlily families
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22/1/2022 06:15:10 pm
In 1938 there was a private publication by T and A Constable Ltd, Edinburgh titled John Macfie of Edinburch and his family covering the family period of 1788 to 1838 - The Sugar Macfies - John Macfie himself was in 1822 the first persom to welcome the King on his visit to Scotland , surely this publication would be a welcome addition to your collection porvided it can be located
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Pam
8/3/2022 12:34:06 am
Looking for descendants of Rebecca Mary Gray (d. 1952) and Robert McBride Stirling (d.1921). Children Robert (d.1917) & Helen.
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Sarah Walker-Hitt
31/3/2022 07:48:47 pm
Working on my McCrackens from Ayr vicinity. Later moved to County Down, Ulster in Ireland before coming to U S in 1700’s. My John McCracken married Margaret Walker in 1819 Washington County PA. Margaret was known for being Scottish and red haired. Had two brothers Alter and William who lived Keokuk IA. Seeking their parents names.
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Marcia Everwine Murphy
2/4/2022 07:43:19 pm
I’ve been searching over 30 yrs for My Father’s origins / family history … We always were told we we’re Scotch/Irish .. Always wore orange On holidays … We were told we we’re from clan Ervine/Ervine/Ereine etc… Descendants of Robert The Bruce … All Family heirlooms are Scottish in nature .., I’m 61 years old now .. I would love to find the Answers to this puzzle 🧩
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william murray
10/4/2022 03:56:29 pm
he was born in 1747 died in 1830
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20/5/2022 08:36:47 pm
That said, if you can't find what you're looking for by searching, Thank you for making this such an awesome post!
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21/5/2022 06:33:06 pm
Bear in mind though that many of the books cover multiple families, I’m so thankful for your helpful post!
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15/7/2022 03:59:10 am
Have you been included in a car accident and also come out with damages or injuries? Has this occurred to a member of your family?
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Sue Marguerite
27/5/2023 03:14:56 pm
I'm looking for information on the YOUNG family from Lanark. My great grandmother would have been AGNES YOUNG. She had two sisters as I know and emigrated to the United States in the late 1800s. Married Arthur Dootson in Chicago and they had three children.
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Heidi
23/7/2023 01:02:42 am
I seem not to be able to find any books on the Cadzow's, not the Hamilton's, but the Cadzow's. Any idea where I might find some?
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Isales
13/8/2023 07:45:09 am
Looking for ancestors outside of my birth country in the Caribbean. Found Mary Ann Isales born 1841 Brechin, Forfarshire (Angus), son John Isales born 1874 Dundee, Forfarshire (Angus). I am intrigued and need some help on how to proceed.
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Miller and Ballantyne Families and Grant Families
30/8/2023 03:28:45 pm
I am trying to find two connected families by birth, Miller and Grant. Also Miller married Ballantyne and a Miller child not by Ballantyne that was born in Glasgow .but brought back to Elgin, but left behind when her mother left Elgin for New Jersey USA.
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12/12/2023 09:04:04 am
Wow, this is fantastic news for anyone researching their Scottish family history! The National Library of Scotland has really stepped up its game by adding nearly 400 printed items related to Scottish family histories to their digital library.
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Sandy Steele
28/12/2023 03:17:34 am
I am looking for information on my great great grandfather
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Brian Wilson
17/8/2024 02:15:54 am
I've researched old letters/records in the genealogical digital collections held by the National Library of Scotland. I would question whether Family Search and other family trees correctly have John Baird's father as Andrew Baird, 1545-1634. The historical records I looked at do not give Andrew's children but of significance is that Andrew spent his time as a philosophy professor in Lyon, France after completing university in Scotland. The writer only recalls him returning to Scotland once. The writer had incomplete details about his brothers: George, Patrick, Gilbert and Alexander's children. Now there are no birth records for John around 1588 except for a Johnne Baird born 7 May 1595 685/1 10/6 Edinburgh to Alexander. I have down loaded a copy of the birth record but it is indeciperable. I'm suggesting that the father of John is Alexander. John's middle name is Alexander and Alexander's children, those we know of, were born late 1580s and maybe early 1590s. Its likely that Andrew's children may have been born in France thus accounting for no Scottish birth records. Johnne 1855 then, could have returned to Scotland and married. In further research I found a family site on My Heritage which showed Johnne 1855 to have a DNA link to Andrew's wife Janet Stevenson. I'm not sure how I can trace to this DNA source to confirm the correctness. I look forward to other comments.Brian Wilson
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Kathy Hartnett
26/9/2024 07:04:14 pm
Looking for correct surname of great grandfather who came to Maine. Born June 6, 1850 in Greenock, Scotland. His name was James McHenan. We believe the name McHenan was not correct and was changed when he came to America either by misspelling or misunderstanding. Any help discovering correct surname would be greatly appreciated. Have looked for records using McHenan but no luck.
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