Latest Scottish Genealogy News

Here is the latest Scottish genealogy news from Unlock Your Past:

Virtual Conferences:

The world’s largest family history event, RootsTech, is going virtual and it will be free to attend from 25th to 27th of February 2021. It will be hosted by FamilySearch, the free online genealogical database managed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Also, in February, there will be a virtual Family History Show on the 20th of February. Organised by the Discover your Ancestors periodical and sponsored by The Genealogist, it will feature online talks which will be available for 24 hours.  So, if you are in Australia or North America you will still be able to listen to your chosen virtual talk.  Tickets currently costs £6 or £8 on the day.

Innerpeffray Library:

This library was the first lending library in Scotland.  Located near Crieff in Perthshire, the third Lord Madertie, David Drummond, bequeathed his library of books to the local community in the late 17th century.  It contains many valuable ancient books, but the most treasured book for family historians is the original Borrower’s Register that includes the names of families who once borrowed a book. This year, it has pre-recorded Christmas songs and readings from the friends of Innerpeffray.

Research in Scotland:

The National Records of Scotland in Edinburgh have announced:

‘Following appropriate preparatory work, we anticipate that access will be available in early 2021 on a limited and appointment only basis. This will allow us to continue to prepare public access space in buildings and to ensure that all the relevant protocols are in place to protect the health of our staff and customers.’

Many family historians and researchers will be ‘queuing’ to have access to the archives. If you have asked me to help with your research, please bear in mind that there will be a waiting time and it may take up to 6 months before I can undertake your research at the National Archives of Scotland.

Elsewhere, the Dundee City Archives are still closed and have not made an announcement on when they plan to open. 

I will keep you uptodate via my monthly newsletter, and also individually by email to alert you of archives opening up and when I can access them on your behalf.

Zoom:

Zoom US has announced that it is temporarily lifting its 40-minute video call limit on the free version of its global accounts in recognition of several upcoming holidays. This means families across the world can have extended virtual chats over the holidays.  Here are the dates and times for unlimited chats:

• 10 a.m. ET Thursday, Dec. 17, to 6 a.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 19
• 10 a.m. ET Wednesday, Dec. 23, to 6 a.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 26
• 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Dec. 30, to 6 a.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 2

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and looking forward to a better 2021.