Family Tree Packages

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in family history and genealogy research, I am genuinely passionate about uncovering your ancestors’ stories.  My commitment extends to tailor-made family history reports setting me apart from those who rely on automated software for family trees and timelines.

As a member of ASGRA, the professional body for Scottish genealogists, I abide to their Code of Practice.  This means you can have absolute confidence that you are working with a professional genealogist.

My expertise allows me to explore your ancestors' lives, placing them within the broader context of the times they lived in. I will use maps, newspapers, and local histories, to give you a better understanding of their lives. I can also include your family photographs to bring their stories alive.

My commitment to detailed research ensures that your family history report is not just a collection of names and dates but a factual narrative that connects you to the past.

Yes! Your free 15-minute consultation will allow me to assess your case. I also offer an Exploratory Service which allows me to explore resources and try to break a brick wall or solve a family question.  Alternatively choose my verification service if you want me to double check your research. My findings are included in a report with recommendations for the next steps.

For every family tree I research, I will plant a tree in partnership with More Trees.  So why not help save the planet and learn about your family history?

I am not an expert in DNA genealogy.  However, I can help research a potential family tree or get you in touch with a relevant DNA genealogist.

I need as much information as possible, even if you think it is irrelevant.

The family tree will feature key dates (birth/marriage/death) with locations for your direct ancestors.  The names of their spouses will also be included as well as siblings (but not the siblings' families, i.e. spouses and children). 

Yes, you can. 

You can either send a GEDCOM file or you can share your tree depending on the genealogical software package or online database you are using.

It is possible to research to 1855 when Scottish statutory registration became compulsory for all key events.

The ability to research beyond 1855 can be done using Old Parish Registers (OPRs) bearing in mind that it was not compulsory to register a baptism, marriage or a burial. In general terms, the further back you go the more difficult it is to progress further.  This is where the Kirk Session records can help - your ancestor might be mentioned in the pages.  Although not indexed, it takes time to read through pages of old writing but it is worth it. They can be accessed for free on ScotlandsPeople website.

This can happen when records cannot be found for a number of reasons -

• the event was not recorded,
• the record has been lost due to a fire or thrown away,
• your ancestor migrated,
• the surname was not transcribed properly,
• your ancestor changed their name.

All research is considered positive when you rule out a particular document or research avenue. I will always provide a detailed list of all the records searched. All research, whether with positive or negative results, is charged.

Not everything is online. The genealogical subscription sites do include the more popular records that the majority of people need for their research. However, there is an ocean of records in the archives not covered online.  This is where I come in with my expertise to help you find what you need.

No it's not.  Postage is additional. 

If you decide to proceed, an online invoice will be sent with an email outlining the scope of the work and providing advice on any limitations.