Scotland Church Records and Kirk Session Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

United Kingdom Scotland

What is in the Collection?
This collection contains Scotland Church Records for the years 1658-1919. The records were originally filmed at the National Archives of Scotland. This specific collection includes a compilation of records of Kirk Sessions (meetings of local church leaders), Presbyteries (church court for several parishes/areas), and Synods (church court for several Presbyteries), containing registers of births/baptisms, marriages, and burial records. The Church of Scotland (Presbyterian faith) has been the recognized national church in Scotland since 1690.

Collection Content
There are three main types of church records:
 * Births/Baptisms
 * Marriages
 * Deaths/Burials

Image Visibility
Whenever possible, FamilySearch makes images available for all users. However, ultimate rights to view images on our website are granted by the record custodians. These images can be viewed by registered FamilySearch Patrons, at the Family History Library or a Family History Center near you. You can register for a free FamilySearch account here. For additional information about image restrictions, please see the Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections page.

How Do I Search the Collection?
Before beginning a search in these records, it is best to know the full name of the individual in question, as well as an approximate time range for the desired record. When entered into the search engine on the Collection Page, this information provides the quickest, most reliable path to finding the correct person. Of course, other information can be substituted as necessary. Search by name by visiting the Collection Page: Fill in the requested information in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the individuals in the list with what is already known to determine if this is the correct family or person. This step may require examining multiple individuals before the correct match is located.

I Found the Person I Was Looking for, What Now?

 * Use the information which has been discovered to find more. For instance, use the estimated age given in a marriage or burial record to calculate an approximate year of birth, if that is yet undetermined.
 * Use the information which has been discovered to find the individual in other records.
 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives. Note that family members often appear on an individual's vital records, such as in the role of witnesses to a marriage.
 * Some records show a couple’s “intent to marry,” also called the Proclamation of Banns. Usually the intent to marry was proclaimed in the parishes of both the bride and groom. However, just because a proclamation was given does not guarantee that the marriage actually occurred.

I Can't Find Who I'm Looking for, What Now?
If you did not find your ancestors in the Church of Scotland registers, this may indicate that: You might try: For additional help searching online collections see FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks.
 * Your ancestors were members of the established church but their events were not registered.
 * They were registered but the records have been lost/damaged over time.
 * They were nonconformists (members of "dissenter" religions i.e. Episcopalians, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Quakers, Independent/Congregational, LDS, etc.)
 * They were seceders belonging to one of the various other prevalent Presbyterian faiths such as Reformed, Secessionist, Free Church, United Free Church, Anti-burghers, and etc.
 * Check for variant spellings of given names, surnames, and place names. Remember that it was not uncommon for an individual be listed under a nickname- often, a shortened or alternate version of their given name- in either their marriage or burial record. Note that some women reverted to their maiden name when their husband died, and therefore are buried under their maiden name.
 * When looking for a person with a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which individual is correct. Use other information, such as place of birth, age, occupation, or names of parents, to determine which candidate is the correct person.
 * Search the records of nearby parishes. While it was uncommon for an individual in this period to move more than about 40 miles from their place of birth over the course of their life, smaller relocations were not uncommon. Note that marriages usually took place in the parish where the bride resided.
 * Vary the search terms. For example, search by either the given name or surname to return broader list of possible candidates which can then be examined for matches. Alternatively, try expanding the date range; this is especially useful in searching baptismal records, as it was not unusual for a child to be baptized weeks or even months after birth.
 * If possible, look at the actual image of the record to verify the information found in the index.
 * If listed, a personal title may be a clue to property ownership or occupation, either of which might be noted in other records.

Citations for this Collection
Citing sources correctly makes it easier for others to verify completed research by allowing them to find and examine records for themselves. Here are templates for creating proper citations for this entire collection, as well as for individual records and images within the collection: Collection Citation: Record Citation (or citation for the index entry): Image Citation: