Each Certificate, Photocopy or Transcript, is a replica of
what is found in the Register. To locate the correct register entry, we
use the GROS Index. First, let us see what the Index tells:
BIRTH INDEX which is assembled annually, shows the child's name, the Registration District and the Register entry No. Since 1929, the mother's maiden name is given.
MARRIAGE INDEX which is annually prepared, in separate volumes for husbands and wives, gives the party's names, the Registration District and the Register Entry No.
DEATH INDEX is also assembled annually, and gives the name of the deceased, and age [since 1866]. For women the maiden name is in this index along with the married name. Since 1866, an additional Death Index each year, is arranged so that women are separately indexed according to their two surnames.
After doing an INDEX search (on- line, or at a FH Centre, or in Edinburgh) we then consult the Register for the Index reference found: the Register is in the handwriting of the first recorder of the event:
The Registers in the first few years after 1855, underwent changes, and thereafter contained the following information-
BIRTH REGISTER. From 1866 on, the entry gives name, date, time and place of birth; sex; father's name and rank or profession; mother's name and maiden name; date and place of marriage; signature and qualification of informant, and residence if not the house in which the birth occurred.
MARRIAGE REGISTER. Since 1861 the entry states when, where and how married; for each of the parties- name, rank or profession; marital status; age; usual residence; father's name and rank or profession; mother's name and maiden name.
DEATH REGISTER. From 1861 this gives the name; rank or
profession; marital status; spouse name; when and where died; sex, age;
father's name and rank or profession; mother's name and maiden name; cause
of death; signature and qualification of informant, and residence if not
the house where the death occurred.
OTHER REGISTERS. Registers of Births Marriages and Deaths in foreign countries, and at sea are held. You may ask us for further details.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. These details were condensed from the GROS guide: "Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors in the Scottish Record Office"