Searching Online with the 1901 Census
Records of the Scottish Census of 31st March 1901 have remained closed to the public for a period of 100 years. But digital images of the census returns are now available at New Register House in Edinburgh and on the Scotland's People website (see the Webguide for details). Users must pay £6 to access the database for a seven-day period, so get yourself organised before you begin. Know what youre there for before you sign up.
If you want to avoid the cost, and possible net congestion, you can check the records in person, by visiting New Register House in Edinburgh. Census of Scotland's population were taken in 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881 and 1891, and the records of 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 have so far been comprehensively indexed electronically for the whole country. The 1851 and 1841 census will be added to the website shortly. The 1851 Census is the most significant because it was the first time that the Church of Scotland demanded that all births be registered. It is, therefore, the most credible historical document from the 19th Century, and might be a good point to aim towards in your research. From there, working back through time, you would know that further research would be from a secure footing. Go here for the General Register for Scotland (GROS) service.
For these and a comprehensive listing of online resources, see our Webguide. New Register House is at the east end of Edinburgh's Princes Street. Please note, there is no space for car parking or for baggage storage. If informed in advance, they can make arrangements for customers with disabilities. New Register House is normally open to customers between 0900 and 1630 hours, Monday to Friday.
Please also note that New Register House, together with the neighbouring General Register House - home of the National Archives of Scotland - is currently undergoing a transformation as part of the project to create a Family History Centre in Edinburgh. It is therefore advisable that you check the project information website at www.scotlandspeoplehub.gov.uk in case of any disruption before visiting. New Register House
3 West Register Street
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 3YT
Tel no. 0131 334 0380
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Unless otherwise stated images copyright © SCRAN.
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