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Sea travel was much easier than land travel because the roads were pretty bad - it was quite normal to travel from Aberdeen or Edinburgh by sea, for example - but Ireland to Glasgow via Islay seems rather a convoluted way to go, surely?

I agree! Haha just trying to think of why they were there. Very out of the way compared to where the rest of the family usually traveled. I guess it’ll remain a mystery. Thank you for the reply!

Quote from: scottishlad on Sunday 12 January 25 14:32 GMT (UK)

Planning a trip to Scotland in the near future. The Scotland’s People Center is at the top of my list of places to stop, but are there any other places worth visiting? I’ll be in Edinburgh, will there be anything different at the Edinburgh Archives that would be worth stopping by? I was also planning on visiting the west Lothian local history museum, though not sure what they have as far as viewable records. Thanks!

Yes, both of these have information not held by Scotland's People.

There are other resources in Edinburgh
National Records of Scotland https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/
National Library of Scotland https://www.nls.uk/
Scottish Genealogy Society https://www.scotsgenealogy.com/
Edinburgh Central Library https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory-record/1229174/central-library 
University of Edinburgh Archives https://archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/

and a variety of others

Whether they are worth you visiting depends on what you are researching.

In general it's a bad idea to turn up at an archive or family history centre without having some idea what you want to look at. Before you leave home, have a really good rake through all their online catalogues, make a note of anything specific you want to look at, then get in touch to book an appointment and tell them exactly what documents you want to see so that they can have them ready and waiting for you.

Note that you can no longer go and look at the Edinburgh burial registers. Enquiries about burials in council-managed cemeteries in Edinburgh have to be submitted by e-mail.

Thanks so much for the thorough reply! Very helpful I appreciate it

1861 also has a William McComb (china merchant) and family with their address given as Fair View, New Monkland Landward

There are a number of families living at Drumgelloch Road Or Fair View

Late to the party but I also have family in 1861 living at what appears to be “New Monkland Clarkston on Druingelloch Road on Fair View”. Can’t find any info on it though :/

I believe this census record may hold the key to unlocking a new trove of information regarding my family history. My 5x great grandmother was a McKenzie nee Townsley. On an 1861 Census I have my ancestors, including my 5x great grandmother, living at the same location as many other Townsley’s - all of whom, my ancestors and these Townsley’s, are traveling tinsmiths. I have to assume these are relations of my 5x great grandmother. However I’m having trouble deciphering some of the names and am hoping somebody can help me. Please see attached photo. My best guesses starting from the top are:

Widow Westwood
Margaret Westwood
Alexander(?) Townsley
Mary(?) Townsley
Margaret Townsley
Townsley
Isaac McKenzie
Mary McKenzie
John McKenzie
Alexander McKenzie
Mary McKenzie
Bridget McKenzie
Joseph(?) Townsley
Agnes Townsley
Robert Townsley
Stewart Townsley