Genealogy Department

Our Genealogy Department deals only with questions relating to Arran families. It is staffed by two volunteers - Grace Small, senior researcher and President of the Museum and her assistant, Jean Glen, who also serve on the Museum Committee. Both Grace and Jean are Arran born.

Arran is divided into two parishes; Kilmory on the west and Kilbride on the east. We have the Old Parish Records (OPR) on microfilm, fisch and paper. These are the existing records of birth/baptisms and marriages for the parishes from 1701 - 1854. From 1855 it became compulsory to record all births, marriages and deaths and these are available at Lamlash Council Offices. For deaths on Arran , prior to 1855, we have to rely on the Monumental Inscriptions (MI) which have been recorded. .

Census returns from 1841-1901 are on microfilm.( 1881 census is also available on CD covering all of Britain excluding Northern Ireland) The International Genealogy Index (IGI) is available on fisch covering all of Scotland and Ireland.

We have a large number of files relating to Arran families containing information collected over the years, and a Data Base of births, deaths and marriages from 1855- 1900 which is currently at 900 entries and which Grace and Jean are still working on. .

Also available are some minutes of Kilbride and Kilmory Kirk Sessions from the 1700s, Valuation Rolls, maps, photographs, letters and books, including John Burrel's Journal, all of which provide a wealth of information relating to Arran families.

Grace and Jean welcome all enquiries with open OPRs. Every enquiry brings some new piece of information to add to the fascinating jigsaw of Genealogy.

The Genealogy Department is open throughout the year on Wednesdays only, from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm, or by prior appointment.

You are visitor to the Genealogy section

Electronic Mail           mailto:gracesmall@madasafish.com