Poor Relief Records are an excellent resource if you are studying Highland welfare provision. They can also be very useful for researching a person listed as a pauper. The Poor Law Amendment (Scotland) Act of 1845 established Parochial Boards (later Parish Councils) in each parish. They administered funds for the poor, gradually removing the responsibility from the church. Those who were unable to support themselves were eligible to apply for help. This included the elderly, the young and those with a mental or physical disability (including pregnancy). Poor Relief Records can include Applications for Relief, Parochial Board Minute Books and General Registers of Poor.
Find out more about how Poor Relief Records can help with your research.
