Ancestry Cowal - Getting started
ScotlandsPeople - www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/?gclid=CKmW2sGj8JkCFRIgZwodBG3PRA
With almost 50 million records to access this is one of the largest online sources of original Scottish genealogical information.
On its site you can access information from statuary registers, old parish registers, census records and other information such as wills and testaments and coats of arms, along with help on building your own family tree.
The National Archives of Scotland - www.nas.gov.uk
Its mission is to preserve, protect and promote the nation’s records; to provide the best possible inclusive and accessible archive that educates, informs and engages the people of Scotland and the world.
Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Buildings of Scotland - www.rcahms.gov.uk
Scotland’s national collection of buildings, archeology and industry. A searchable site enabling the exploration of Scotland’s places online. So even if you cannot visit a historic property you can still access information on it and photographs of it.
Scran - www.scran.ac.uk
An online learning resource base with over 360,000 images & media from museums, galleries, archives and the media.
Clan maps and information
www.ancestralscotland.com/about-scotland
www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/3145/scotmap.html
www.electricscotland.com/webclans/clanmap.htm
www.scotclans.com/whats_my_clan
www.censusfinder.com/scotland.htm
www.burkes-peerage.net/articles/scotland/cm5.aspx
www.rampantscotland.com/clans.htm
www.scribd.com/doc/2965976/1660-Map-of-Scotland-showing-Clan-areas
Gazeteer of Scottish places - www.scan.org.uk/knowledgebase/search/gazetteer_indexnew.asp
All you need to know about tartans
The official Scottish Register of Tartans - www.tartanregister.gov.uk
Sources of local information
Mitchell Library
The Mitchell Library in Glasgow is a source of information and holds details of Monumental inscriptions in graveyards in Cowal – see www.glasgow.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/CD3FE900-C0E9-48F0-8FCA-5B1D481C0970/0/Monumental_Inscriptions_Oct07.pdf
Argyll Archive Library
It is hoped that 21st July will see the official opening ceremony for the new Argyll Archive Library in the grounds of Inveraray Castle. The National Archives of Scotland are involved, ensuring that the library will be a world class resource and asset for those that wish to research the Argyll family history and gain insights into their own.
www.inveraray-castle.com/Pages/content.asp?PageID=179
Dunoon Library
Census records for Argyll can be accessed by microfiche at Dunoon Library in Argyll Street.
Also available on microfiche are copies of the four newspapers that used to circulate in the area. The library has a large section of books on Cowal and Argyll and its history including the Statistical Accounts of Scotland.
These are based in the main on information supplied by each parish church minister and cover the 1790s and the 1830s and are among the best contemporary reports of life during the agricultural and industrial revolutions. The first and second Statistical Accounts provide a fascinating record of life at the period enabling you to learn about the area in which your ancestors lived.
Castle House Museum
Castle House Museum in Dunoon has displays on Cowal’s history and archives of photographs.
www.castlehousemuseum.org.uk
Here We Are
Here We Are is a community resource centre at Cairndow at the head of Loch Fyne with much fascinating local historical information and photographs
www.hereweare-uk.com/cairndow
Cowal Archaeological and Historical Society
Anyone who is interested in the rich history and archaeology of the Cowal Peninsula is welcome. The society explores local heritage through lectures and by visiting and unearthing ancient sites in the area.
www.cowal.org
Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
The 91st Argyllshire Highlanders were raised in 1794, while the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders were raised in 1799. In 1881 the two regiments amalgamated to form The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's). Princess Louise was the daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of Lord Archibald Campbell who served as Governor General of Canada before becoming the 9th Duke of Argyll.
The Regimental Museum is sited within the Regimental HQ at Stirling Castle with displays including Pictures, Uniforms, Weapons, Silver, Documents, Dioramas, Colours, Pipe banners, Medals and Militaria.
www.argylls.co.uk
Glasgow & West of Scotland Family History Society - www.gwsfhs.org.uk
Renfrewshire Family History Society - www.renfrewshirefhs.co.uk
