Portal to the Past

East Renfrewshire has two main centres where family history can be studied: the Heritage Centres at Giffnock and Barrhead hold valuable resources to help the family historian. Giffnock Heritage Centre has the Census for East Renfrewshire from 1841 to 1901; Old Parish Registers for the old Eastwood area; International Genealogical Index (I.G.I.) for Scotland; I.G.I for the UK; Valuation Rolls from 1898; maps and photographs. Barrhead Heritage Centre has the census from 1841 to 1901 and the Neilston Parish Old Parish Registers. It also has the Barrhead News (microfilm and microfiche) from 1897 to the present.

We can show you how to use these resources, as well as demonstrate how to use the Internet to assist with family research. Beginners’ classes in family history are also available and you should contact Heritage Services staff if you are interested in these (see contact details below).

Websites for Family History

For useful websites to help you get started in tracing your family tree and to help you gain access to relevant historical records and documents please visit our Useful Web Links page.

Useful Addresses for Family History

There are several organisations and societies locally and within easy reach of East Renfrewshire that can help you in your search for information. Many offer relevant services and others will provide advice and support. The addresses of a selection of these organisations can be found on the Useful Addresses page.

Local History Books

There is a collection of local history books at each of the Heritage Centres and at Neilston Library that can help those looking into their family history gain a better understanding of what it was like to live in the days when their ancestors were alive. More information about some of these books are on the Bibliography and Publications for Sale pages.

Contact Details

Heritage Services staff are based at Giffnock Heritage Centre, Giffnock Community Library, Station Road, Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, G46 6JF and can be contacted in person, on 0141 577 3872 or at localstudies@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk