Borders Family History Society

The Society covers the Border Counties of Scotland, which include Berwickshire, Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire and Selkirkshire.

They also cover some of the adjacent counties that are situated in England and Scotland. 

The Society is currently transcribing and indexing Poor Law Records for 1845-1933.

Even if your ancestors do not come from these areas, the Society will do their best to help should you require assistance.

The Society is a registered charity.

Information about Borders Family History Society

Resources

Many resources can be accessed in their Archive and Search Room, which comprise:

• Census Returns
• Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants
• Directories
• Genealogical Reference Books
• International Genealogical Index(IGI)
• Marriage Licence Bonds
• Military Books
• Naming and Numbering of Scottish Regiments
• Newspapers
• Parish Registers
• Passenger Lists
• Prison Registers
• Town and County Histories

For a full list of books and resources available, please visit their website.

Research Room Location

The Society’s Research Room is situated on the corner of Overhaugh Street and Bank Close in Galashiels, TD1 1DP.  The full address is 52 Overhaugh Street, Galashiels, TD1 1DP, Scotland.

Research Room Directions and Other Information

Unfortunately, no parking is available at the Archive, but some short term parking is accessible in Bank Street, running parallel to Overhaugh Street.

If you are travelling to the Archive by bus or train, the Archive is approximately 5 minutes walk from Galashiels Bus and Rail Station, (Galashiels Intrerchange) which is situated in Stirling Street. 

Regular bus services operate from Berwick, Edinburgh, Hawick, Jedburgh, Kelso, Lauder and Peebles.  Other towns in the Scottish Borders also have a good service to Galashiels.

A bus stop serving Bus Route X95 from Hawick and Selkirk is situated in Bank Street. 

If you wish to travel to the Archive by train, there is a regular train service in operation between Edinburgh and Galashiels.

If you wish to walk to the Research Centre from Galashiels Interchange, you should exit using the Town Centre door, walk across the Pedestrian Precinct, then crossing the road opposite you, and continuing over the bridge for the Gala Water. 

You should then pass the Argos store on your right, and cross Chanel Street.  Turning to the left, take the first opening after you have passed several shops continuing down the wide alley.  Once you have come to the end of the alley, turn right into Overhaugh Street.

If you are walking from the bus stop on Bank Street, head in the direction of the Royal Bank of Scotland, after which turn right into Bank Close.

Please note that you have to make an appointment to visit their Research Centre, which can be done by using the form on the Society’s Contact Us page.

Research Service

The Society offers a research service for people unable to visit the Research Centre.  A charge is made to people wishing to take advantage of this service.

Databases and Indexes

Many databases are accessible on the Society’s website, which include Gravestones, Magazine Articles, Poor Law Records and a Map showing the Location of Counties covered by the Society.

Society Publications

Many publications are available for sale, which comprise:

• Census Indexes
• Deaths Transcriptions
• Dunse Barony Records
• Galashiels through the Years
• Genealogies of Scottish Families
• Historic Kelso
• Maps
• Melrose War Memorial
• Memorial Inscriptions
• Parish Registers
• Poor Law Records
• Prison Records
• Registers of the Secession Churches
• Scottish Trades and Professions

A list of Surnames currently being researched by Members is on the site, along with a Forum.

Website:
http://www.bordersfhs.org.uk