An introduction to Scottish family history

Victorian family
photograph

This section is a general guide to starting family history research.

The National Library of Scotland has a wide range of genealogical resources that may interest you. These pages provide a brief overview of some of the types of material we have available.

Our page of frequently asked questions might help if you are not sure where to begin. If you still can't find what you are looking for in this section, please contact us. For English, Irish or Welsh family history material, please see our useful links page.

• Family history posts on the Library blog

• Starting your family history research
• Births, deaths and marriages
• Census records
• Historical clubs and societies
• Directories
• Emigration and passenger lists
• Films
• Gravestone inscriptions
• India Papers collection
• Local history
• Manuscripts
• Maps
• Military lists
• Newspapers
• State Papers
• Surnames, histories and biographies
• Scottish traditional culture
• Valuation and voters' rolls
• Frequently asked questions
• Useful links
• Contact us

Visitors to the National Library must have a library card to use our resources. Visit our Join section for more information about library cards and becoming a member. See our Visit section for information about our opening hours at each site. If you cannot visit, we can provide brief information from sources within our collections. We may also be able to point you in the right direction to continue your research. Contact us for details.

• Family history workshops for new Library readers

Please note: The National Library of Scotland is not the main location for original records in Scotland. This means that we cannot carry out extensive family history research on your behalf.

For original documents such as birth, death and marriage and census records you should contact the National Records of Scotland. You will also find sources such as wills, trial papers and some estate and church records there.

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