To the best of my understanding the McCaugheys have their earliest known origins in the Connaught region of 8th or 9th century Ireland; at some point a portion (maybe the majority)of the clan migrated to Scotland. In the 17th and 18th centuries some (again, maybe a majority)were motivated by religious or economic reasons to seek their fortunes back in Ulster. From there the 19th century famine propelled many (like my g-g-grandfather) across the Atlantic to the US.

Assuming the above is generally true, why are the Scottish records of McCaughey/McCaughie/McCauchie's so sparse? I have lots of family folklore that we are "Scots-Irish" but precious little documentation that would support the Scots component of that claim.

Anyone have any insights into this issue?

Thanks.