Meaning 'open place of the hares', the Harley surname in Scotland gained prominence in the area around the Firth of Forth.

This site concerns the descendants of a James Harley, whose origins are currently unknown, and his two wives Agnes Ritchie and Helen Farmer. It's likely James was born in Fife, possibly Moonzie where he married his first wife, Agnes Ritchie in 1789. Agnes bore James one known son (Henry Harley) and is likely to have died within two years of their marriage. Henry went on to enlist as a Gunner in the 3rd Battalion - Royal Regiment Of Artillery in 1808 and was discharged unfit for service six years later in 1814 having lost an arm in battle. At the start of his military career Henry married Mary Walker in Moonzie and had ten children with her; descendants of who settled in Ferry Port on Craig and subsequently all over the world.

James remarried and had three children with Helen Farmer: Robert, Helen and James. At some point the family lived in Monimail and then Kinghorn. No more is known about James, Helen or their namesakes. Robert settled in Cupar where he married Janet Walker - sister of his half brother's wife Mary.

To see a list of James' descendants click on 'people'. If you are related to anyone in this database I'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch via the 'cousins' category. This research is an ongoing project by Scott Wishart with the kind help of Marlene Williamson.