Ancestry and Genealogy

If you have ancestors from Skye, or MacDonalds in your family tree, then we may be able to help with your family history research.

We have extensive genealogy sources for Skye and the northwest Highlands, including census reports, parish records, monumental inscriptions, maps and a database of detailed records of several thousand Skye families. The MacDonald Estate Papers provide a unique collection of original rentals and estate documents relating to Skye and North Uist that can be found nowhere else.

Highland genealogy can be frustrating, especially to those unfamiliar with the places and people concerned, but our local knowledge and research expertise can help you. The experienced library team, led by our archivist, is always on hand to assist if you require advice.

There is a small charge for access to some of our genealogical material. We can also undertake research for postal and email enquiries. For a downloadable PDF of our charges and services, please click here.

You can also find out if your surname is Scottish, its derivation and meaning, when you visit our Library. Our collection includes books on tartans, Highland dress, clan histories and much more.

Direct Telephone number for the Library - 01599 534454
email - library@clandonald.com