Getting your DNA results is exciting. You log in, see a list of people who share DNA with you, and can’t wait to explore your connections. But then you notice … Help! My DNA matches don’t have treesRead more
Explainer
How Poor Law Records helped me understand my ancestor’s story
You’ve hit a brick wall. You’ve found an ancestor on a census, but their life that brought them to that point is a complete mystery. You have a name, maybe … How Poor Law Records helped me understand my ancestor’s storyRead more
I took a DNA test… now what?
Your results have arrived. There’s a colourful map, a list of matches, and a lot of percentages. It’s exciting but also a bit overwhelming. Here’s how to make sense of … I took a DNA test… now what?Read more
How to organise your genealogy documents
If you have been researching your family history for even a short time, you will know how quickly the documents pile up. Birth certificates, census printouts, notes from websites, and … How to organise your genealogy documentsRead more
Should I take a DNA test?
You’ve probably seen many ads for DNA tests promising to unlock your ancestry. But what exactly do they do, and do you need one to trace your family tree? Here’s … Should I take a DNA test?Read more
Unearthing Scotland’s hidden history of servitude
When you think about your Scottish ancestors, you probably imagine hardworking people in bustling communities. But did you know that many miners and salt workers in Scotland lived under a … Unearthing Scotland’s hidden history of servitudeRead more
Understanding Scottish and Irish maiden names
We have all struggled to track a female ancestor or wondered why the same names appear over and over again in our family tree. Scottish and Irish naming traditions can … Understanding Scottish and Irish maiden namesRead more
Why are my ancestors not in a census
You’re searching the census, expecting to see your ancestor listed neatly with their family, but the record just isn’t there. You check again. And again. Still nothing. If this sounds … Why are my ancestors not in a censusRead more
The 1911 Scottish census: a closer look at your ancestors’ lives
If you’ve dipped your toes into Scottish family history, you may already know that census records are goldmines of information. But the 1911 Scottish census is a little different. It’s … The 1911 Scottish census: a closer look at your ancestors’ livesRead more
What’s in a Scottish parish record? A beginner’s guide
If you’re researching Scottish ancestors from before 1855, parish records will likely be your best (and sometimes only) source of information. But what exactly is a parish record, and what … What’s in a Scottish parish record? A beginner’s guideRead more