Many of our early Scottish immigrants settled on the land, as seen in ‘Scottish Pioneers of the Glen Innes District’ published in 1996. Abounds with names such as Dundee, Glen Elgin, Ben Lomond, Glencoe…
The crossing of the Blue Mountains in 1813 had encouraged other explorers and their reports were widely read.
The Government formed the 19 Counties – from the town of Bathurst, round Sydney and round the Coal River now known as the Hunter in order to keep a protective eye on new settlers (and also there were few surveyors.) It was an offence to take up land beyond these ‘Limits of Location’.
However, there was no way to control the numbers flocking to Australia with the promise of massive expanses of land in available NSW .
So, land seekers were now permitted to go outside these ‘Limits’ and where they could take up as much as they liked for £10 a year.
First Scot in our area was Archibald Boyd taking up Boyds Plains in 1838 and other early Scottish settlers included Arthur Wellesley Robertson and John Kelso who took up Wellington Vale; William Vivers, Kings Plains; Peter McIntyre, Waterloo; Hugh Gordon, Strathbogie; Robert Ramsay Mackenzie Furracabad; George Duff Gill, Glen Elgin; Andrew Ross, Broadmeadows.
We are delighted that second generation Scottish Australian, Ruth Graham CEO of the Society of Genealogists will present a session ‘Finding Your Scottish Ancestors’ at the Land of the Beardies Museum, 2pm Friday May 1.
She will ‘introduce audiences to the Celtic regions from which many Australians descend and explain how migration from these regions shaped Australian communities.
Special focus will be placed on Scotland, highlighting the richness of Scottish historical records such as parish registers, kirk session records, and land and valuation rolls, and how these sources can help researchers trace Scottish migrants who settled in Australia.
The session will also explore the major waves of migration from the Celtic world to Australia across the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, including movements linked to transportation, the Highland Clearances, the Irish famine, mining booms, and assisted migration schemes.
Attendees will gain practical tips on beginning their own research, understanding why ancestors migrated, and locating useful historical records.
Tickets: In-person $35, includes afternoon tea and handouts. Remote access $25 also include handouts Bookings only through SAG https://sag.org.au/event-6609109
Further information 0267 321035 or research@gleninneshistory.com.au
