G'day Karen Welcome to the list. I also have Shearers in my background. Mary Shearer [sometimes spelt Sherar] was born in 1806 in Shapinshay in the Orkney's, she married William Scott in 1827 and then in 1849 they and their nine children emigrated to Australia. It would be great if you could find a connection between us. Regards Peter > Hello - I'm a brand new subscriber, and want to introduce myself. I live in > Ontario Canada and am researching the following surnames from Orkney: > HEDDLE, STICKLER, SHEARER, DUNNETT, CRAWFORD, SMITH. I look forward to > discussing Orkney genealogy with you! Karen Acker