Scotland Counties

This gives you the old counties and where they are in the new counties. It would be best advised to get a map Pre 1974 and Post 1974 to see where the changes have taken place. This may effect the area in which you are looking. Also give information that will help you look for the places you want to look at.

 County   Changes    Made in 1974 

In 1974 the British government reorganized the counties of Scotland. Twelve areas called  regions  were created from the original thirty-four counties.

These changes should not seriously affect genealogical research, but be aware of the following issues:


 * Current maps show the new boundaries.


 * Current addresses are located in the new counties. The addresses use the current county structure.


 * If you are looking for a parish, city, or regional office that houses records, you will need to know the current address and the areas covered by the repository.

You should still begin with the pre-1974 county name when you start your genealogical research. Below is a list of the new counties with an indication of the old counties they cover. You may click on the county name to see a list of historic parishes for the county.