First of all: Why the name “Red Book of Scotland”?
Within ancient Gaelic culture it was usual for information of a genealogical nature to be written down in a “Leabhar Dearg,” or “Red Book,” thus, in view of that tradition, the choice of name for this particular project was a simple one.
Origins:
The Project first took root in the mid-to-late 1980s. When searching at that time for evidence-based works of genealogy it quickly became apparent that little existed. What there was had been published over a century before and was limited and out-dated. The 15,000 or so pages in this series of seventeen volumes is intended in some small way to begin to fill that gap.
Content:
Findings are derived from primary source records. Of most use are land records which although recorded in a stupendously boring, tedious and repetitive manner, are in a great many instances over the period 1100x1700 the only means by which various points of genealogy can be suitably established with any degree of accuracy. Where evidence of a more social nature exists within other sources such as judicial records, diaries and chronicles, extracts have been included to introduce at least some degree of colour to the lives of those involved.
Future:
Apologies, this section is currently under review.
Thank you for your support.
Gordon MacGregor
September 2025.