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Public record for Scots Diaspora
30/12/2008
Scots living abroad will soon 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 to help the Diaspora maintain links with Scotland.
Births which occur overseas can be recorded in the Book of Scottish Connections if one of the baby's parents or grandparents was born in Scotland. Similarly, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships can also be recorded back home in Scotland by using the service.
Application forms will be available on the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) website from January 5, 2009.
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather, who oversees the work of GROS, said:
"Looking forward to the exciting Homecoming celebrations, 2009 presents the perfect opportunity to kindle pride in Scots at home and connect with the many millions of people overseas who are of Scottish descent or simply love Scotland.
"The Book of Scottish Connections further develops the impressive on-line genealogical resources at the fingertips of Scots around the world. It will enable people living overseas to register key events in their lives so that they are recorded back home in Scotland and strengthen the ties that link us.
"Launching the Book of Scottish Connections at the start of the Year of Homecoming is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with the Scottish Diaspora around the world and encourage them to visit their homeland.
"This will benefit Scotland in many ways, not at least in terms of additional tourism and boosting the economy at a time when many are feeling the effects of the global downturn."
Registrar General Duncan Macniven said:
"The new Book of Scottish Connections will allow future family historians to find their foreign kin easier and so avoid a blind alley in their search for their ancestors. It's clear from our market research that there is plenty of interest in registering events in the Book."