I had previously noted this thread and connected with the grampian archives as suggested by Forfarian. I received a wonderfully complete response and there was no cost to me.
It did leave me with some further questions, but suggested I then connect with Aberdeen archives because her board at the asylum was paid by the Marnoch parochial authorities. "All surviving poor law records for the North-East are held by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives, Old Aberdeen House, Dunbar Street, Aberdeen AB24 3UJ, telephone 01224 481775, e-mail
archives@aberdeencity.gov.uk A comprehensive name index to these records is held by the City Archives and also by the Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society." I contacted them by email and received an authomatic reply that I would be contacted within 15 business days. I am hopeful that I can get answers to the questions I have.
As for the confidentiality issue, this is likely covered by Privacy Laws, as it is in Canada, where I live. There is a lot of information in these records which can be used for nefarious or just nosy purposes. I have noticed that censuses seem to have different period before release in different countries. For example, you can easily access the US 1940 census, but the UK and Canada do not release their records for 100 years.
