Census Project FAQs
What is the Scotland Free Census Project?
The Scotland Free Census (FreeCEN) project is part of the larger UK Free Census project. The UK Free Census Project aims to provide a “free-to-view” online searchable database of the 19th century UK census returns. The project began in 1999 with the England and Wales 1891 census returns. For more information please visit the UK Free Census project.
What is the goal of the Scotland Free Census Project?
The goal of the project is to transcribe, check, validate, and upload to an online database all of the 19th century census returns for Scotland. The Scotland project began with the 1841 census, which is now more than 90% complete. For most counties work has continued with the 1851 census and in some cases has progressed to the 1861 and 1871 censuses.
How can I get involved?
You can get involved with the FreeCEN project by becoming a transcriber, or you may like to consider becoming a coordinator for a county.
How can I become a transcriber?
In order to be a transcriber, you need access to a computer with a spreadsheet program and some time to spare. We will provide you with plenty of instruction and advice. If you are interested in becoming a transcriber for England or Wales (we have no more images for Scotland at present), please contact FreeCEN Chairperson Brenda Bowers.
How can I become a County Coordinator?
County Coordinators recruit and supervise a team of volunteers to transcribe a county or part of a county. The area you cover is up to you. To be an coordinator, you just need organisational skills, some computer experience and of course spare time. We have no further images for Scotland just now, but if you might be interested in becoming a coordinator when we do have more images, please contact Margaret Singleton.
I have already done a transcription for xxxxx parish, can I donate it to the project?
If you have a transcription you would like to donate, please contact Scotland Coordinator, Margaret Singleton.
