Census
Census records are a key source of information for family historians. From them we can learn our ancestors' age, address, occupation, marital status and that all-important birthplace. It is a good idea to look at the census pages around the one you are researching as these can often uncover relatives and will also give you a good idea of the type of neighbourhood in which your ancestors lived.
A census has been taken of the population in Scotland every ten years since 1801 with the exception of 1941. However, the 1801-1831 censuses did not record the names of people so are only useful for statistical purposes. The following table shows the date of each census since 1841:
| 6 June 1841 |
| 30 March 1851 |
| 7 April 1861 |
| 2 April 1871 |
| 3 April 1881 |
| 5 April 1891 |
| 31 March 1901 |
| 2 April 1911 |
Census: the expert guide
For in-depth information about the censuses see this key work published by The National Archives in 2008. It includes tips for searching online censuses and comparisons of the various commercial sites.
Where to find census returns for Scotland
Ancestry library edition - available within the State Library building and in most public libraries in Western Australia
Transcriptions of the 1841-1901 census returns for Scotland are available on Ancestry library edition. Please note that census images are not available.
Findmypast UK - available within the State Library building
Transcriptions of the 1841- 1881 census returns for Scotland are available on Findmypast UK. Please note that census images are not available.
The 1901 census returns for Scotland are held in the Genealogy Centre on microfilm.
Tip
Search for your ancestors in the 1901 census on Ancestry and note the microfilm reel number, enumeration district (ED) and household schedule number. You will then be able to view the original census image on microfilm - see the image above as an example.Scotland's People
The Scotland's People website has the 1841-1911 census returns available. They can be searched for free and downloaded for a fee.
FamilySearch
Census records for Scotland are available as part of the extensive collection of microfilmed material available from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Microfilms can be ordered for a small fee from their website and viewed at any of the Family History Centres located around the world. Check the Library Catalogue to see what is available and obtain the relevant microfilm number for ordering.
Where else can I access the census?
The Library holds published census data and indexes for various counties. Try searching our catalogue under keyword with the name of the county + census e.g orkney census
FreeCEN
This website has some census data which has been transcribed by volunteers. Check the database coverage to see how much information has been transcribed for the various counties of Scotland.
Use our SLWA Family History Bookmarks to find census websites for Scotland recommended by the Family History Subject Specialists. Simply click on scotland-census.
Page last updated: Monday 30 January 2012
