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Common problems can occur in using any of the indexes as outlined on the previous page. There are a number of points to note when consulting with any of the registers for births, deaths and marriages since 1855.

First, the spelling of names may be unusual, particularly during the earlier period of registration. The index's record the name as spelt by the registrar at the time irrespective of present or modern-day spelling. Examples of these may have been in more or remote areas where common usage spellings were used rather than what would, today, be regarded as the proper spelling. To help overcome these variations, a soundex facility has been incorporated by the general registers office.

Another common error would be names beginning in Mac and Mc are indexed separately. You may therefore have to check both lists if you have difficulty in finding either.

Another strange quirk is that there is quite a few variations in the amount of information kept in registrations between 1855 and 1860. The first year of civil registration in Scotland, that is, 1855, is particularly good. Of course you could be cynical and suggest that it was just because it was new and interesting, however, what is apparent is the much fuller details which where recorded. If you're lucky enough to find an ancestor who was born, died or married in this year, the additional information supplied can be very full indeed and should aid your search.