Statutory records of births, marriages and deaths in Scotland date from 1855. Data obtained from these records can be supplemented by information extracted from Census records of 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911 and 1921, and from Old Parish Registers, which were maintained by the Church of Scotland in the years prior to 1855. Transcriptions of these records will be supplied, along with a computer generated family tree chart. Other sources which can supply useful information include maps, newspapers, military records, trade and town directories, monumental inscriptions, cemetery records, professional organisations, educational records, property records, church records, applications for poverty relief, wills, emigration lists, electoral and valuation rolls, etc. A report will be provided giving background information on details supplied.

If you have lost touch with a relative in Scotland, a discreet search can be undertaken to attempt to trace the person. Success is obviously not guaranteed, and it may be the case that the person does not wish to be contacted, but a pleasant surprise is always a possibility!

Families do not live out their lives in isolation, and background information on historical, social and cultural events can shed light on how people lived and may in some cases help explain why certain decisions were taken. Details can be supplied from printed and archival sources on Scottish history, geography, art, literature, sport, customs, heraldry, trades, industry, transport, government, etc.

Scottish national and local newspapers have a long and varied history, in some cases dating back to the eighteenth century. Although only a few are indexed, searches can be undertaken to find material such as obituaries, notices of births, marriages or deaths, reports of news or sporting events. For special occasions, e.g. birthdays, anniversaries, copies of newspaper pages published on a particular date can be provided.

An illustration can add an extra dimension to family history, to supplement textual material. Buildings, street or work scenes and portraits can all evoke memories, or provide a better idea of how our ancestors lived. In cases where a building or street, or graveyard headstone, is still in existence, a current photograph can be supplied.