The Court of the Lord Lyon
Ancestry Research

The Court of the Lord Lyon is an office of heraldic jurisdiction, and does not undertake genealogical research. The results of such research may eventually come before the Lord Lyon and thus could not be the work of staff in this office.

There are a number a professional genealogical researchers and genealogical societies which may assist those tracing their ancestry. Approaches may be made to:-

THE SCOTTISH GENEALOGY SOCIETY
15 Victoria Terrace,
Edinburgh EH1 2JL
or to the

ASSOCIATION OF SCOTTISH GENEALOGISTS AND RECORD AGENTS
51/3 Mortonhall Road
Edinburgh EH9 2HN

It is usually the case that a genealogist will undertake an initial search for a specific fee and prepare a report and will then indicate whether further research would be possible.

The reports of professional genealogists belonging to the above organisations are usually accepted by the Court of the Lord Lyon as proof of descent when accompanying a Petition for a Grant or Matriculation of Armorial Bearings and individual certificates of birth, death and marriage are not normally required to substantiate the report.

Those who wish to carry out their own research in the Registers of Birth, Death and Marriage should approach:-.

THE GENERAL REGISTER OFFICE FOR SCOTLAND,
New Register House,
Edinburgh, EH1 3YT
Tel: 0131 334 0380; Fax: 0131 314 4400

The following source books may be helpful to those starting genealogical research:-

"Scottish Family History" by Margaret Stuart and James Balfour Paul, published by Oliver & Boyd 1930. A guide to works of reference on the history and genealogy of Scottish families.

"Scottish Family Histories" by Joan P.S. Ferguson, published by The Scottish Central Library 1960 and The National Library of Scotland 1986. An index of Scottish family histories held in Scottish libraries.