Statutory birth records

In 2016, you can view on scotlandspeople.gov.uk the images of
births from  1855 - 1915   (100 year cut off)

On a birth certificate you will get the date, time and place of birth, the name of the child, its parents names including mother's maiden name, its father's occupation and the informant who was usually a parent but sometimes a grandparent or other family member or even a neighbour and from 1861 the date and place of the parents' marriage. The latter may be wrong as it was often the father who recorded the birth and he couldn't remember the date. Sometimes the mother was hazy on this information too!

If the parents' weren't married it usually only has the mother's name, but if the father has acknowledged the child as his he may sign the certificate as well as the mother.


If you are fortunate to have a birth in 1855 the first year of statutory recording you will get your money's worth. As well as all the above you will get the age and birthplace of the parents, how many other children born to the couple and the usual address of the parents and even whether the baby was present at the registration.

Tip:
When searching for a child's birth, once you have located it, widen your search. Remove the first name and extend the years and you may pick up some siblings too. Remember you can get up to 25 results for 1 credit.