In Scotland the Registers of Testaments are generally available from the late 16th century to the early 19th century, and these will records contain significant material of relevance to the family historian. Ordinarily these documents can be expected to reveal the name and designation of the deceased, the date of death, the executor, an inventory of assets, liabilities, debtors and creditors, and usually a will.

Until the 1820s testaments in Scotland were “confirmed” by various Commissariot Courts throughout the nation. These three booklets are, in essence, an index to the testaments confirmed for the period 1715-1734, giving the name of the deceased, a place of residence, and the year of death. In many cases Mrs. McDonnell has also supplied additional identifying information, such as occupation or next of kin.