That's a shame, without these records, probably about two generations of families in that area may never get a chance to be accounted for in genealogical terms. This has the possibility of putting the brakes on many 'family trees' as far as researching back that far. Would there be other records for the time period, that I may not know about? Perhaps land ownership or tenantry? I did see at the NAS there were the Ratho Parish Church session records - what do you think would be within those, would there be any BMD info? Thanks (to all) Tammy RussellAlb@aol.com wrote: > > Tammy, > unfortunately the records from March 1689 to August 1738 simply have not > survived. > (even the baptismal register prior to 1689 is only an 18th? century copy > of the original). > > The registers must have been lost at some time before 1855. In that year, > all the birth, death and marriage registers of the Church of Scotland up to > 1854 were brought in to be preserved at the General Register Office. > > Albert > > > > In a message dated 11/11/2009 19:16:36 GMT Standard Time, > ancestry@ripandrevmedia.ca writes: > > My reason for writing, is to ask if there is any way to gain access to > the Ratho records for the period of 1690-1737 > > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MIDLOTHIAN-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

I've found Parish session records handy. They may not include BMDs but could well mention any disputes, bastardy orders, folk receiving parish relief. It might be worth a look. All sorts of things come up in them though they may vary from parish to parish. the LDS may have films of them which would allow you to have a good browse though the writing back then could be difficult to read. If he was Church of Scotland you may find some references to him + very often local tradesmen, especially those who have proven to be good, get asked to do work for the church, repairs, additions &c. so bills and costs may be mentioned. If it was me, I'd go for it. If nothing else you'll get a picture of the life of the community back then :-) le durachd fionnghal > > Would there be other records for the time period, that I > may not know > about? Perhaps land ownership or tenantry? > I did see at the NAS there were the Ratho Parish Church > session records - what do you think would be within those, would there be > any BMD info?