Hello Katie and David Thank you both for your informative replies. I really appreciate the help you both given me to - I have subscribed to Scotland's People and will follow your suggestions and download copies of the entries there. Katie - my husband and I toured around the Cowal peninsula, and Kilbride areas a few years ago. At the time we were researching his McCallum ancestors but I wasn't aware of any McCallums in my family history then. We are planning a return visit , hopefully it won't be such wet weather, to have some more "hands on" research. I shall bring your useful comments with me. Gratefully yours Evelyn