Drawing upon Scottish newspapers like the Aberdeen Journal, Fife Advertiser, Scottish Guardian, etc., David Dobson has lifted the identities of 2,000 Scottish expatriates. The notices invariably give, besides the individual's full name, place of residence (country, state/province, or city), an identifying date, and the source of the information. In addition, many of the entries indicate the individual's date of birth, father's name and occupation or place of residence, spouse, or the name of the vessel upon which he or she arrived.