Hello all, I've been reading everyone's postings with interest for a while, now I've got one. I've traced the Clark branch of my family back to Orkney - this is as far as I've got - Alexander Clark born 6 Feb 1681 Holm & Paplay, married Janet McKiver c1680 in Thurso 28 March 1701 Alexander's parents: Donald Clark c1659 Orkney & Katherine Randall c1658 Orkney (don't know where exactly). Donald Clark's (1659) father, another Donald Clark was born c1635 Caithness. I've been told the Clark name originated because the men were clerks to the monks. I don't know if there were monks on Orkney in the 1600s, but the name must go back further than that. I think Alexander & Janet lived in Wick after their marriage. Is there any way of finding out anything about the clerks to the monks of Orkney? I know some of the "lower order" monks were clerks, and they were allowed to marry. Strange to think one of my ancestors might have been a monk! I'd appreciate any help at all. Catherine