We welcome Rosslyn Macphail, author of "From Fighting Napoleon to the Scottish Military Academy: The Life of Captain John Orr". Rosslyn will give us an insight into her ancestor and what research she undertook about John's life and the military academy which gave depth to her book.

Alistair Henderson will also join us to talk about The Register of Deeds, also known as the Books of Council and Sessions, which is the record of documents kept by Scotland’s primary civil court, the Court of Sessions. The records document many of the important events on our ancestors’ lives – marriages, deaths, borrowings and business, children and inheritances.

The Register of Deeds spans the activities of the full breadth of society over some 500 years. It is a huge record series which contains both original legal documents and their copies made by the clerks of the various courts all over the country. The records are of importance to family historians as so many of the other primary Scottish records have been lost over the years. However, it has remained relatively inaccessible to researchers outside of Scotland due to a lack of published or on-line finding aids and calendars.

To improve this situation, a co-operative effort has started between Scottish genealogists and the Genealogical Society of Queensland Scottish Group to transcribe and index the records for future generations to use. This international project has become possible by the use of modern imaging techniques and communication methods to enable the volunteers to access the records remotely.

This presentation will demonstrate the usefulness of the records and also explore ways in which the records can be accessed, particularly by researchers outside of Scotland.

Come along and join us as we research our Scottish ancestors in a collaborative, friendly and engaging research group. Make sure you have your questions ready and also be ready to assist others if you are able to as this is the basis of what all SAG Groups are about - people helping other people with ideas and suggestions about their family research.

Skill level:  All - Beginners welcome

Leads: Diana Pecar, Elizabeth Gordon and Sally Skulte