Genealogical search facility

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Have you ever wondered how to trace your Scottish ancestors? Our registration service's genealogical/family history search facility is here to help you.

Since 1855, it has been a legal requirement in Scotland that all births, deaths and marriages are recorded in registers maintained by the local registrar. Advances in information technology mean that we can create digital copies of all of the records of Scotland's people. These records can be searched online in the Johnstone registration office with the help of a registrar.

What information do I need to trace my family tree?
How much does it cost?
Do I need to make an appointment?
What information is available?
Can I do it at home?
What other ancestry searching facilities are there in Renfrewshire?


What information do I need to trace my family tree?

Researching your family tree begins at home. Research backwards from what you already know. Are you wanting to search the paternal line (male) or the maternal line (female)?

Begin your search by starting with your own details - date and place of birth, marriage, spouse, children. Then start with the details of parents, grandparents and so on.

How much does it cost?

A general search of the records by the registrar in your presence costs £15 an hour.

Do I need to make an appointment?

Genealogical searches are only available by appointment only at our Johnstone registration office. To make an appointment, please phone 01505 320012.

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What information is available?

• After receiving payment, a supervised general search of the records by the registrar in your presence.
• Copies of birth, death and marriage certificates purchased and issued after completing your general search (£10.00 for each certificate).
• Access to Scotland's census records for 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1891 and 1901.
• Prints of historical entries costing £0.50 each (births over 100 years old, deaths over 50 years old and marriages over 75 years old)
• Prints of census records costing £0.50 each.
• Prints of old parish records costing £0.50 each.

Can I do it at home?

Yes. Please visit the scotlandspeople website for more information.

What other ancestry searching facilities are there in Renfrewshire?

Please visit our tracing your family history page for further sources of information.

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