Q. Why are you negative about letting us publish your research with other genealogy sites?

     Well, simple: We bore the costs (time & cash) in assembling a data base and website for the Birnie families. As always, our research is free and open to Birnies, regardless of spellings. However, soon a password will be required from birnie.org in order to protect the data from being copied en mass.

Our reward is a thank you for any research assistance we can provide for BIRNIE personal family projects.  

For us, it is a enjoyable hobby, not for commercial profit!

Q. Did we ever have a tartan or Clan ?

Unfortunately, we have no evidence we were a clan. Our early family affiliation was as a “Sept” of the West Coast Matheson Clan. They do have a tartan used today.

    The terms family and clan have become interchangeable. The “Clan” was originally the major family within a specific territory, and a “Sept” was a minor family under the Clan’s authority. For example, the Clan chief or Laird, owned the land, and we, members of the Sept, were the renting families, crofters, tradesmen, etc.  We also served in their clan wars when required.

   We are taking another look at Membership software. NO commercial activity, and a simple certificate, FREE to any Birnie!  Since it would be on the honour system, naturally, security is the prime concern. Any ideas ?

Q. Why was research suspended for a long time ?

Our fearless researcher, Ken Birnie, had, unfortunately, an extended medical leave. But relax, he is back collecting Scottish records, and will be soon be visiting Scottish Kirk yards, the GRO, Birnie families, and of course, the occasional “refreshment establishment”. Slainte!