I've come up against a brick wall with John Donaldson from Muiryhall, Urquhart. On 1851 Census it says he was born in Drainie but on 1861 - 1911 Census it says he was born in Urquhart ( This is probably right). I can't find a birth for him at all C 1835 - 1839. He died in 1919. His father is James Donaldson. John was obviously illegitimate as his father is unmarried on all the Census records and on James will it states that John is his natural son. On John's Marriage and death certificate, his mothers name is Ann Barber. He was married to Elspet Chalmers, whose parents were John Chalmers and Elizabeth Phin according to Marriage certificate. I've tried entering just the father's name but nothing on Scotlands People or Family Search. I've even tried just searching for a John but still nothing.
A distant cousin compiled the family tree and had John's mother as Jean Smith. There was a marriage in 1823 for a James Donaldson to a Jean Smith in New Spynie but I'm surprised that details weren't checked out and can find no connection to this Donaldson. Also, he had Elspet Chalmers parents as Peter Chalmers and Margaret Innes. Obviously, he didn't check the certificates while researching because the names are wrong.
Can anyone tell me if there are any other records I can check to confirm.