Pauline, One of the main transport methods in 1857 was by ship from Wigtownshire and there appears to have been regular sailings to both Greenock and liverpool. Many people did emigrate direct from Greenock and it is likely that the sailings would be detailed in the local Greenock newspapers. A list of the papers in Greenock is attached. Newspapers The Watt Library has back issues of several local newspapers on microfilm, such as the following: Greenock Telegraph 1866 - date Greenock Advertiser 1802-1864 Gourock Times 1915-1980 Port Glasgow Express 1894-1967 Kilmacolm Advertiser 1974-date (hard copy only) Greenock Herald 1852-1937 Greenock & District Election Squib 1905-1907 The Watt library, named after James Watt a local Greenock worthy, is run by Inverclyde Library Service. Their address is _www.invercldye.gov.uk_ (http://www.invercldye.gov.uk) . They may be able to help or advise on who might be able to check the relevant paper. Regards John Arthington