As a consequence of the American War of independence a new destination was needed for the transportation of convicts from Britain and Ireland. On 13 May 1787 the first fleet, bound for Sydney cove with a compliment of convicts, sailed from Portsmouth in England. The first fleet consisting of eleven vessels arrived in Sydney on 18 January 1788. The total number of convict arrivals were 580 males and 247 females. During the voyage 20 males and 3 females had died.
Transportation continued until the last transport arrived in Fremantle Western Australia on 9 January 1868. All told 158,829 convicts were transported, 134,261 males and 24,568 females.
Research has commenced to identify Blairs who arrived during transportation times. It is believed, the first Blair to arrive in Australia was John Blair on the ship Hercules, arriving 26 June 1802. Details so far uncovered indicate the following Blairs are the first ten convict arrivees. A comprehensive listing is available upon request (see contacts).
| NAME | SHIP | DATE | DETAIL |
| John | Hercules | 26 June 1802 | |
| Robert | Burrell | 19 Dec 1830 | |
| Betty Ann | Lord Liverpool | 5 April 1831 | |
| Andrew | James Laing | 29 June 1834 | |
| Trafford | Lady Nugent | 6 April 1835 | |
| Mary | Sir Charles Forbes | 25 Dec 1837 | see 1 |
| James | Bengal Merchant | 21 July 1838 | |
| John | Eden | 18 Nov 1840 | |
| William | 2 March 1841 | see 2 | |
| John | 22 June 1844 | see 3 |
1. Age 35. Place of Trial CO. Armagh 21 June 1837, theft, transportation 7 years
2. Age 18. Place of Trial Waterford 11 January 1841, larceny, transportation 7 years, was originally from Paisley in Scotland and was serving in the army of Ireland
3. Place of imprisonment in Ireland, Antrim, theft, transportation 15 years.
Today, it is estimated there are 1,500 Blairs in Australia. The task of this site is to link as many of the existing to those of the past. Have you any information? If so please share it with us (see contacts).