Bob
I can hardly contain my excitement; I and two other Symes relatives (Carolyn & Carolyn) are researching our Symes family from Australia.
I believe your grandfather may be Robert Symes bMarch 1866 married Margaret MacKay 4 Dec 1891. they had 8 children: Annie McLaren b5 May 1892 d1893; Isabel H b1893; Frederick Harley b28 Nov 1894; William MacKay b28 Oct 1896 d1897; Robert Grant b1899; Margaret b1904; John b1905; James b1907.
Your grandfather's parents were Frederick Symes b20 Apr 1834 d8 Oct 1878 & Isabella Harley b9 Jan 1841 d6 Jan 1928 Married 28 Dec 1860.
Frederick's siblings were Elizabeth Grant b1824 d1863; James Grant b1825 d1913; Frances Grant b1828 d1881; Theresa Mary b1830 d1896; Robert b1832 d1889; Frederick b1834 d1878; & Ann b1837 d1922.
Carolyn, Carolyn and I are decended from Robert b1832 who migrated to Australia in 1864. I know his brother James b1825 emigrated to Canada - otherwise the family stayed in the UK.
I would be most appreciative of making contact with you.