At the Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes (May 2026), the Society will present a session titled “Finding Your Scottish Ancestors.”

The presentation will introduce audiences to the Celtic regions from which many Australians descend—including Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, Wales, the Isle of Man and Brittany—and explain how migration from these regions shaped Australian communities.

A special focus will be placed on Scotland, highlighting the richness of Scottish historical records such as parish registers, kirk session records, and land and valuation rolls, and how these sources can help researchers trace Scottish migrants who settled in Australia.

The session will also explore the major waves of migration from the Celtic world to Australia across the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, including movements linked to transportation, the Highland Clearances, the Irish famine, mining booms, and assisted migration schemes.

Attendees will gain practical tips on beginning their own research, understanding why ancestors migrated, and locating useful historical records. 

Who is the Society of Australian Genealogists?

The Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG) is Australia’s leading family history organisation and a national hub for researching British, Irish and European ancestry. The Society supports thousands of family historians through its specialist genealogy library and archives, education programs, research guidance, and an active community of research groups.

SAG helps people discover and understand their family stories by providing access to historical records, expert knowledge, and opportunities to connect with others who share an interest in ancestry and heritage.