scottish census records

Official records on the population required by law since 1841

 

In Scotland from 1830 to 1831, the Censuses were carried out by the local parish schoolmasters and the summarised statistics made available, however few of the original lists of inhabitants have survived, mainly for parishes in Orkney.

 

 

The first Scottish census widely available is that taken in 1841, which contains less detailed information than later censuses. Each household gave details of the name, sex, age and occupation of every person in the house on the night of the 6 June. Birth places were listed only as within the county, or if outwith the county, whether in Scotland, England or Ireland or foreign. All those over the age of 15 had their ages rounded down to the nearest five years for statistical purposes, which can lead to some confusion.

The head of house had to list anyone considered to be an idiot, imbecile or lunatic

 

The 1851 Census asked more detailed questions of the families, such as the relationship to the head of the household, marital status, age, rank, occupation, where born and whether blind or deaf and dumb.. Subsequent Censuses added further queries – from 1861, the number of children in the house attending school and the number of rooms in the house with one or more windows.

 

In 1871, the head of house had to list anyone considered to be an idiot, imbecile or lunatic and in 1891, whether they were English or Gaelic speaking, or both.

 

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Generally, married women were listed under their married name, although it is always worth checking using the maiden name if you are having trouble locating someone, spellings also varied enormously and names may have been Anglicised – Jane for Jean, for example.

 

Many families may have lived within one house and lodgers are identified as those who were provided with bed and board. Tenants occupying rooms on a bed-only basis were considered to form a separate household.

 

Sailors aboard ships were also included in the census and those in ports were enumerated by the customs officials.

 

Currently, the most recent Census data available is that taken in 1901, with the 1910 information due for release in 2012.

 

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FACTFILE:

Census records from 1851 onwards include:

  • Age
  • Occupation
  • Birth place
  • Relationship to head of household
  • Address
  • Marital status

 

Earliest Census: 1801

 

Census held: General Register for Scotland, Edinburgh

 

 

Well Researched - Well Presented - Wonderfully Received!

 

Related Information

Old Parochial Registers article