Ah, if only our ancestors had had the Internet. They could have had their own Book of Scottish Connections, or maybe even a Book of German Connections… One can only wish.
A new service is being instituted whereby those who emigrate from Scotland can still have their children and descendants registered in the old country. Why, it looks to me like I’m even eligible, as I am of Scots descent myself. I’m sure there must be a profit motive behind the Book, but no matter, it looks to be an interesting service.
Following is an excerpt from an article by Sharon Liptrott in the January 14, 2008 Dumfries & Gallaway Standard.
DUMFRIES and Galloway natives, who move abroad, will now be able to record births, deaths and marriages with the Registrar General for Scotland through a newly created public record.
The Book of Scottish Connections is being launched ahead of Homecoming 2009, which kicks off in Dumfries this month, to help the diaspora maintain links with Scotland.
It will be a godsend for future generations tracing their Scottish-born ancestors who have emigrated.
The new service means that children born overseas with a Scottish-born parent/s or grandparent/s can be recorded in the Book of Scottish Connections.
Similarly, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships can also be recorded back home in Scotland by using the service.
Application forms are now available on the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) website.
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather, who oversees the work of GROS, said: “The Book of Scottish Connections further develops the impressive on-line genealogical resources at the fingertips of Scots around the world.
Read the full article by Sharon Liptrott in the January 14, 2008 Dumfries & Gallaway Standard.
Click here to obtain PDF copies of the Book of Scottish Connections application forms.