Here's an example of how to use these tables and the films they represent:

Let's say you think your relative John McHarmon was born around 1858/1859 somewhere around Aberdeen. You would:

1. Use the General Index of Births to locate the film number(s) that list the births in Aberdeen in 1858 and 1859. If your local FHC doesn't have the film(s) already, you can order them for a nominal fee (right now around $3.25 each).

2. The index film is sorted first by gender, then by surname then by given name. Scan the index for male births for the name McHarmon, John. To the right of each name is the parish name and registry number for that "event". Copy them down.

3. Now use the Parish Number List to find the number of that Parish for that year.

At this point you have two choices:

You can send to Scotland and have them send you a copy of the registry entry (I paid $20.40 US for mine but prices vary WIDELY depending on how much work they have to do), or, if it falls in one of the years that were filmed:

4. Using the birth tables (here or at the library if they have it), find the film number that covers the registry for that parish number for that year and order the film (if you have to).

5. Once you have the film at your local FHC, find your parish on the film, then look for the registry number in the parish registry. What you will find is a picture of the original entry made by the registrar in that year. Copy it. This is the same thing Scotland will send you except theirs will be on a handsome form and will be notarized.

Now that you have this, you can use it to find out the names (and other information) about his parents and repeat the whole process again. Hence, this is why I've posted these tables here.