Roman Catholic BMD records prior to 1855

Discussion: I am the descendant of a Morrison family from Cille Pheadair. The furthest back I can go is John Morrison (b c1791) who married Mary McKellar (b c1806). I am interested in researching my genealogy and extending my family tree but it seems to be very difficult before 1855, when the Statutory Register was introduced. I understand, too, that the Old Parish Registers before 1855 are only those recorded by the state established Church of Scotland. My family was Roman Catholic and consequently they are not in the Church of Scotland Old Parish Registers. Even so, I understand that some of their marriages (but not necessarily all) were registered in their own Roman Catholic churches.

My question, therefore, is this: What is the best source to find births, marriages and deaths of South Uist Roman Catholics prior to 1855?

Kind regards

Florence Morrison

Florence: I don't know if you have had any joy with the above suggestions but the records for St Mary, Bornish start just after 1820 and those for St Michael, Ardkenneth in 1829. St Peter's was a latecomer. Both sets of records are accessible at scotlandspeople.com. Angus

I've spoken to St Peter's about this and their records actually started later than the statutory records - not until the 1880s if I remember correctly.

Another alternative is the crofting estate records. While they won't necessarily (if at all) record BMDs, they are a useful record for tracing families as the crofts tend to remain in the same family.

Bill Lawson has already done extensive work on these records and has published the histories of a number of crofting townships, including Uist townships. Check the Seallam! website for more information on his work and for contact details. http://www.seallam.com/intro.htm

Hi Florence

Just noticed your posting...did you have any joy with the Church

Stevie

Thanks Iain

Sounds a good idea. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I'll give that a try.

Kind regards

Florence Morrison

maybe if you phoned st.peter's, and ask politely, they would be willing to help you, don't suppose they'd charge but you maybe could offer a donation?

St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church
Daliburgh, South Uist
01878 700305

email pa44@dial.pipex.com