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[[Image: | == [[Image:Map of Scotland Counties.jpg|thumb|left|Pre-1974 counties of Scotland]]County changes made in 1974 == | ||
In 1974 the British government reorganized the counties of Scotland. Twelve areas called ''regions'' were created from the original thirty-four counties. | In 1974 the British government reorganized the counties of Scotland. Twelve areas called ''regions'' were created from the original thirty-four counties. | ||
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However, you should still use the pre-1974 county name when you start your genealogical research. For a list of the pre-1974 counties, with links to their Wiki article pages, see below. | However, you should still use the pre-1974 county name when you start your genealogical research. For a list of the pre-1974 counties, with links to their Wiki article pages, see below. | ||
== Use of the suffix 'shire' == | == Use of the suffix 'shire' == | ||
'Shire' is an old Anglo-Saxon word designating a county or district, which was integrated into Scotland by the English. A shire was policed by a 'shire reeve' or sheriff. | 'Shire' is an old Anglo-Saxon word designating a county or district, which was integrated into Scotland by the English. A shire was policed by a 'shire reeve' or sheriff. | ||
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One exception worth noting is that of Fife, which has never actually been a county in the true sense of the word, but anciently was a kingdom. It is still referred to as "the Kingdom of Fife" and should not at any time be given the -shire suffix. | One exception worth noting is that of Fife, which has never actually been a county in the true sense of the word, but anciently was a kingdom. It is still referred to as "the Kingdom of Fife" and should not at any time be given the -shire suffix. | ||
== Alternate names == | == Alternate names == | ||
Long before the 1974 reorganization, some counties had alternate names by which they were at times known. These include Edinburghshire or Midlothian, Elginshire or Moray, Forfarshire or Angus, Haddingtonshire or East Lothian, and Linlithgowshire or West Lothian. | Long before the 1974 reorganization, some counties had alternate names by which they were at times known. These include Edinburghshire or Midlothian, Elginshire or Moray, Forfarshire or Angus, Haddingtonshire or East Lothian, and Linlithgowshire or West Lothian. | ||