Question 1

Do you offer a free initial consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer a free initial consultation by email, telephone or video call to discuss your research requirements, answer any questions and recommend the most suitable research option. There is no obligation to proceed, and if you're unsure which service or package is right for you, I can recommend the service or package best suited to your research goals.

Question 2

How much information do I need to get started?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to know everything about your family history to begin. Even a small amount of information can often be enough to start researching.

Ideally, it helps if you can provide:
Full name
Approximate date of birth
Place of birth
Names of parents or a spouse (if known)

Family photographs, certificates, letters, military records, family Bibles and old family stories can also provide valuable clues and may help guide the research.

Question 3

Which Family Tree Research package is right for me?

Accepted Answer

The right package depends on your research goals and how many family lines you would like to explore.

One Surname Research follows a single direct family line (either paternal or maternal).
Two Surname Research follows any two direct family lines, chosen by you.
Four Surname Research explores all four grandparent family lines, providing a broader picture of your ancestry.

Each package can be used to trace either your direct ancestors or the descendants of a chosen ancestor.

If you're unsure which approach best suits your research goals, I can explain the options and recommend the most appropriate package.

Question 4

What's the difference between ancestor and descendant research?

Accepted Answer

Family Tree Research can be carried out in two ways.

Ancestor research traces your direct family line back through previous generations to discover where your family came from and identify your ancestors.

Descendant research follows the descendants of a chosen ancestor forward through the generations. This type of research can be useful for reconnecting with living relatives, organising family reunions, researching the wider history of a family or locating potential DNA matches.

If you're unsure which approach best suits your research goals, I can explain the options and recommend the most appropriate package.

Question 5

What's included in the One Surname Research package?

Accepted Answer

One Surname Research traces a single direct family line, either paternal or maternal, through up to four generations, depending on the availability of historical records.

This package includes research into the chosen surname line, together with the spouses of your direct ancestors, providing a clear picture of your family's history and ancestry.

The completed research includes a professionally presented family tree chart, a fully referenced research report and digital PDF copies of the findings.

Question 6

What's included in the Two Surname Research package?

Accepted Answer

Two Surname Research traces any two direct family lines through up to four generations, depending on the availability of historical records.

The two family lines are entirely your choice. They can be:
Two paternal lines
Two maternal lines
One paternal and one maternal line

This flexibility allows you to focus on the branches of your family that are of greatest interest or importance to your research.

The completed research includes professionally presented family tree charts, a fully referenced research report and digital PDF copies of the findings.

Question 7

What's included in the Four Surname Research package?

Accepted Answer

Four Surname Research traces all four direct family lines through up to four generations, depending on the availability of historical records.

This package follows each of your grandparents' family lines, providing the most comprehensive overview of your ancestry and allowing you to explore the origins and history of your family from all four branches.

The completed research includes professionally presented family tree charts, a fully referenced research report and digital PDF copies of the findings.

Question 8

What if I need a different Family Tree Research package?

Accepted Answer

The Family Tree Research packages have been designed to suit most research projects. However, if you're looking for a different combination of family lines, would like to trace a family line back as far as the surviving records allow, or have another specific objective, I can provide a custom Family Tree Research service tailored to your needs.

Custom Family Tree Research is charged at £20 per hour. Before any research begins, we'll discuss your project and, wherever possible, I'll provide an estimate of the time involved.

Question 9

How long will the research take?

Accepted Answer

The time required will depend on the complexity of the project, the availability of historical records and my current workload. As a general guide:

One Surname Research: approximately 3 to 4 weeks
Two Surname Research: approximately 4 to 6 weeks
Four Surname Research: approximately 6 to 8 weeks

Custom research projects vary according to the nature of the work. An estimated timescale will be discussed and agreed before research begins.

Question 10

What happens if you can't find all of my ancestors?

Accepted Answer

Genealogical research is based on the survival and availability of historical records, so no professional genealogist can guarantee that every ancestor can be identified.

Where records are incomplete, missing or contradictory, every effort will be made to establish the correct family connections using the best available evidence.

If research reaches a genuine dead end, I'll explain the reasons why and outline any realistic options for taking the research further.

Question 11

What does the completed research include?

Accepted Answer

The contents of the completed research will vary according to the type and scope of the project. Depending on the service commissioned, your completed project may include:

A professionally presented family tree chart
A fully referenced research report explaining the findings
Copies of relevant historical records, where copyright permits
Historical maps, photographs and illustrations, where available
Information on your ancestors' occupations, residences and significant life events
Military, local history or DNA research findings, where applicable
Transcriptions and translations of historical documents, where appropriate
Recommendations for further research
A digital PDF copy of the completed report

The Family Tree Research packages also include the option of a professionally printed hardback version of your report, creating a lasting family record or a unique gift for future generations.

Question 12

Are there any additional costs?

Accepted Answer

The fixed-price Family Tree Research packages include the research described in each package.

In some cases, additional costs may arise if official certificates, archive copies or other specialist records need to be purchased to progress the research. No additional costs will be incurred without your prior agreement.

For Custom Research projects, any likely additional expenses will be discussed before work begins wherever possible.

Question 13

How do I pay for the research?

Accepted Answer

A 50% deposit is required before research begins. This secures your booking and allows work to commence.

The remaining balance, together with any agreed additional costs, is payable on completion of the research and within 14 days of the invoice date.

Your completed report and associated documents will be supplied once full payment has been received.

Payment can be made by bank transfer (BACS) or by any other payment methods available through this website.

Question 14

Will my personal information be kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All enquiries, personal information and research projects are treated in the strictest confidence.

Information provided during the course of your project will only be used for the purposes of carrying out the agreed research and will never be shared with third parties without your permission, unless required by law.

Any examples of research published on this website or elsewhere will only be used with the client's explicit consent.

Question 15

Can you help me with DNA testing and analysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can advise on choosing the most appropriate DNA test for your research goals and provide guidance on what to expect from the testing process.

Once your results are available, I can analyse your DNA matches alongside traditional genealogical research to help identify shared ancestors, investigate family mysteries and support your family history research.

DNA analysis is available as part of my Custom Research Service and is charged at £20 per hour.

Question 16

Can you help if I've reached a brick wall in my family history research?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many clients have already begun researching their family history before deciding to seek professional assistance.

Whether you've built a family tree online, gathered historical records, or reached a point where further progress has become difficult, I can review your existing research, assess the available evidence and continue the investigation from where you left off.

A fresh approach, combined with additional sources and research techniques, can often help overcome problems that have proved difficult to solve

Question 17

Can you review my existing family history research?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you've already begun researching your family history, I can review your existing research, assess the supporting evidence and identify any areas that may benefit from further investigation.

This may involve reviewing a particular family line, checking the evidence for specific conclusions, or helping to resolve a research problem. The scope of the review will be agreed before work begins.

Question 18

Can you research families outside Scotland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Although I specialise in Scottish and Irish genealogy, I can also research families elsewhere in the United Kingdom and overseas where appropriate.

Many family history projects involve ancestors who emigrated from Scotland or Ireland, or who settled here from other parts of the world. Where relevant records are available, I can research these families and advise on the most appropriate sources.

Question 19

Do I need to live in Scotland to use your services?

Accepted Answer

No. I work with clients throughout the UK and overseas.

Research findings, family tree charts and reports are supplied digitally in PDF format, making it easy to work with clients wherever they are based.

Consultations can be arranged by email, telephone or video call where required.

Question 20

Can I purchase a Family Tree Research package as a gift?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Family Tree Research package makes a thoughtful and lasting gift for birthdays, retirements, anniversaries, Christmas and other special occasions.

The recipient will receive professionally researched family history presented in a clear and accessible format, with the option of upgrading to a professionally printed hardback report.

If you're purchasing a package as a gift and are unsure which option would be most suitable, please get in touch before placing your order.

Question 21

Can you obtain official UK birth, marriage and death certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If official UK birth, marriage or death certificates are required as part of your research, I can obtain them on your behalf or advise you how to order them yourself.

The cost of official certificates is not included in the Family Tree Research packages or Custom Research Services and will always be discussed with you before any order is placed.

Question 22

What happens after I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Once you've made contact, we'll discuss your research objectives and the information you already have. I'll then recommend the most appropriate research option and, where applicable, provide an estimate of the likely timescale and costs.

If you decide to proceed, a 50% deposit will be required before research begins. You'll be kept informed of progress throughout the project, and your completed report will be provided once the outstanding balance has been paid.

Frequently asked questions