ALL TOURS IN 2020 ARE SOLD OUT!!

All four genealogy research tours scheduled for 2020 are now FULL! 

Two research opportunities in Edinburgh (May and Sept), one research opportunity in Orkney and one in the Borders. 2020 promises to be a busy year for finding Scottish ancestors, researching in Scottish archives and libraries, visiting ancestral homes and honouring ancestors at their graves. 

Watch this blog (or sign up for email alerts) to follow my tour participants as they discover more of their ancestral stories, learn about and better understand their ancestor's history, deepen their sense of heritage and fall more in love with Scotland. 

Plans for 2021 are still in the works and won't likely be announced until after the Scottish ViC 

Once everything is confirmed (dates and location) the 2021 schedule will be shared via this blog and my mailing list. Stay tuned....

SINGLE SPACE OPENS FOR EDINBURGH RESEARCH TOUR SEPT 2020

SEPT 13 - 19, 2020

The tour is scheduled for Sept 13 - 19th, 2020. Arrival will be on the Sunday and check out on the following Saturday.  This allows five full days of dedicated genealogy research.

The tour fees are $2545 canadian. This includes: 

• Pre-tour preparation and support
• Hotel and breakfast
• Three days at the ScotlandsPeople Centre/National Records of Scotland
• One full day at the National Library of Scotland
• One full day of research at the Scottish Genealogy Society. 

*each person is responsible for getting to and from Edinburgh on their own. Airfare and transport between the airport and hotel are not included.

​​***Non researching companions/spouses/family members sharing a room are welcome to join us for $500 Canadian. This includes their extra fee to the hotel. Non researchers do not count for available spaces so a single space DOES allow you to bring a companion. It is the research spaces that are limited.  
 

Walk where your ancetors walked. Worship where your ancestors worshipped. Visit your ancestors at their gravesides.

Find your Scottish ancestors waiting for you on the shelves of the archives, libraries and family history societies in Edinburgh

Gain a deeper sense of your story, your history and your place within the wider Scottish Diaspora. 

As with all spaces, this availability will go on a first come first served basis.  

https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/edinburgh-sept-2020.html

Just TWO Spaces Remain for Edinburgh Research Tour Sept 2020

There are just two spaces left for the Edinburgh research tour in Sept 2020. The dates are Sept 13-19, 2020 with research opportunities at:

ScotlandsPeople Centre/National Records of Scotland (3 full days)
National Library of Scotland
Scottish Genealogy Society

This is a fantastic opportunity to find your Scottish ancestors on the shelves of the Scottish libraries and archives. Edinburgh records cover the whole of Scotland.

As with all of the research tours, spaces will go on a first come first served basis. This will be the LAST Edinburgh tour for the forseeable future. Edinburgh will NOT be offered in 2021.

For more details about the tour or to book: 
https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/edinburgh-sept-2020.html

Fewer Tours Going Forward

2020 is PACKED with tours. As a result I will be significantly reducing the number of trips in 2021. 

There will be NO Edinburgh tour in 2021. If you are interested in researching in Edinburgh, there are two spaces left for the Sept 2020 tour. Once they are gone, that will be it for the forseeable future. 

For more information or register: https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/home.html

OPEN SPACE FOR EDINBURGH RESEARCH TOUR SEPT 2020

A SPACE HAS BECOME AVAILABLE IN THE SEPT 2020 EDINBURGH TOUR

The Edinburgh tour runs from Sept 13-19, 2020 directly ahead of the Borders Tour.

Fees include:

Pre-tour preparation

Hotel & Breakfast

Three full days of research at ScotlandsPeople Centre (NRS)

Research at Scottish Genealogy Society

Research at National Library of Scotland

As with all empty spaces, this will go on a first come first serve basis.

For more information, or to book your space:

https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/edinburgh-sept-2020.html

LAST SPACE FOR EDINBURGH 2020

There is ONE space left for each of the Edinburgh tours in 2020. Through some shuffling, a space opened up in the May 2020 tour. And there is still one space left for the September 2020 tour.

Each Edinburgh tour is timed to precede one of the regional tours that are being offered in 2020. May is ahead of the Orkney Tour and Sept is ahead of the Scottish Borders Tour.

I have found in the past that people appreciate being able to research in two different places while only needing to fly once.

As always, the spaces will fill on a first come first serve basis.

To register: https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/

Just TWO Spaces Left for September 2020 Edinburgh Research Tour

The very popular Edinburgh research tour is almost FULL with just TWO spaces left. This is the second Edinburgh Tour for 2020, and takes place Sept 13-19, 2020, just ahead of the Scottish Borders Tour.
 
The Edinburgh tour allows research at The ScotlandsPeople Centre, the National Archives, the National Library and the Scottish Genealogy Society. Each of these facilities have records for the whole of Scotland, making Edinburgh the ideal location for researching your Scottish ancestors.
 
As with all of the Genealogy Tours of Scotland, this tour will fill on a first come first serve basis and then will be closed, ending the opportunity for taking part. 

LAST CALL FOR ORKNEY RESEARCH

This is the last opportunity for the Orkney Research Tour May 24 - 31, 2020.  I have two spaces left for research (non researchers are welcome and do not take away from the research spaces available). However, the hotel is releasing the two remaining rooms TOMORROW so after that I can guarantee neither space nor price. The Orkney tour includes three full days of research at the Orkney Library, which houses both the Orkney Archives and the Orkney Family History Society. People are also welcome to head along to the Tankerness Museum in Kirkwall where there is a very large photo collection. In addition to research, there will be two full days of sightseeing. One day on the west side of the mainland where the neolithic sites are located (Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones, the Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe chambered cairn). And one day on the east side of the mainland which includes the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel. As always these two remaining spaces will go on a first come, first serve basis. This tour is a once in a lifetime and will NOT be repeated in future years.  To register: https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/orkney-2020.html

Ancestral Tourism Fosters Kinship

One of the lovely by-products of an ancestral tour is the kinship. In almost every single group I have led, two strangers leave as friends, and remain friends long after the tour ends. They share research stories, life stories and support each other in ways I never could have imagined. 

I, too, have been incredibly blessed by kinship. Tour participants return on future tours or return to Scotland on their own and contact me to share their experiences. They have become friends and I never could have imagined how enriched my life has become as a result. 

We are all kin in that we are part of the larger Scottish diaspora. We are kin because we share a hunger to uncover as much as we can about our Scottish ancestors and to embrace our Scottish heritage. And we are kin because we have shared time together in our ancestral homeland. Researching, sightseeing, learning and bonding. 

I truly do have the best job in the world. 

A Busy Week of Research

It is almost impossible to believe that today was our last day of research together. The weeks seems to have flown by. 

On Monday, the group was divided into two smaller groups for research at the Glasgow and West of Scotland Family History Society. Again, each tour participant was paired up with a volunteer to start digging into different strategies for discovering their family history in the West of Scotland area. 

Tuesday was our first full day at the Glasgow City Archives. We were given an overview of the records by Dr Irene O'Brien, senior archivist at the GCA. Then some of the participants went to the registrar to consult the ScotlandsPeople database and the rest of the group had the amazing opportunity to consult original records. What a fantastic experience that is! 

Wednesday saw a return to the Mitchell to once again consult original records at the archives, or to consult the ScotlandsPeople database. Some also went across the corridor to consult the special collections held at the Mitchell. 

On Wednesday evening, we enjoyed dinner together as a group. We walked down to the Buttery where we enjoyed a lovely meal and a nice, relaxed evening. It was a wonderful respite from a very busy week, and a chance for us to enjoy each other's company. 

Today we were back at the Mitchell with most using the ScotlandsPeople database until that department closed, then moving over to the archives. In the evening, we went to listen to a talk about the maps that are held at the Mitchell. We also learned about the changes to Glasgow over the last couple of hundred years as they are shown in the series of maps held by the library. Again, being able to consult original records was a wonderful experience. 

Tomorrow is our last breakfast together, then we are off on separate adventures. Some are heading to Europe or England, some are heading to meet up with family and others are staying to explore more of their ancestral homeland. I will be heading back home. I will be taking new information and new documents with me as well as a better understanding of the world my great grandfather grew up in. I will once again be sharing the news about the richness of the resources available for genealogy research in Scotland.
And while I will be taking back some wonderful memories, I will be forever blessed by the relationships that were developed during our time together as a research group. 

Edinburgh Tour 2020 30% THIRD FULL

SEPTEMBER 13-19, 2020

 

The ever popular Edinburgh research tour is already 30% FULL. This is the second tour that was added for 2020, and takes place Sept 13-19, 2020, just ahead of the Scottish Borders Tour.

The Edinburgh tour allows research in National Records. The ScotlandsPeople Centre, the National Archives, the National Library and the Scottish Genealogy Society all have records for the whole of Scotland, making Edinburgh the ideal location for researching your Scottish ancestors.

As with all of the Genealogy Tours of Scotland, this tour will fill on a first come first serve basis and then will be closed, ending the opportunity for taking part. 

To register: https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/edinburgh-sept-2020.html

It's the Little Things That Connect Us

This morning I shared my conversation with my taxi driver on Twitter. That lead to an interesting thread about Ancestral Tourism. Ancestral tourism is so much more than genealogy research. More than access to records not found online. Ancestral tourism is about connecting. Connecting the diaspora to their homeland in ways that sometimes none of us can prepare for. Like my conversation with the taxi driver in Oban this morning:

Driver: Where are ye off to today then?

Me: Glasgow

Driver: (nods head)

Me: I came in yesterday from Tiree

Animated Driver: Were ye in Tiree? My father was born there.

Me: So was my great grandfather. In Balemartin.

Very Animated Driver: Aye, that’s where we’re from

Ever the Genealogist Me: Are you a McDonald?

Driver: McKinnon. Well I’m a Macintyre now. My granny was a McKinnon. She married an Oban man. But she went back to Tiree to have each of her babies. So they were all from Tiree.

D: Do ye still have family there?

M: I don’t know. The heritage centre was closed the three days I was there.

D: still lots of McDonalds on the island.

M: He was married to a Lamond.

D: Aye still Lamonds in Gott Bay.

Honestly, you can’t buy that level of connection. Connecting with the locals is quite likely the most salient part of a memorable ancestral tour.  

I am continuously humbled by the information a tour participant has received from a local. The participants that have been invited to see where their ancestor once lived. Participants that have been taken to see the places their ancestors lived, worked, worshipped or are buried. Participants who have made a personal connection with at volunteer at a Family History Society and have maintained contact since their visit. 

It is the interaction with and willingness of the locals to share that enriches the experience and then sets wheels in motion for those impacted by that level of interaction to plan a return journey. And it is these memorable moments of interaction with the locals that sets an ancestral tour apart from a heritage tour.

JUST THREE SPACES LEFT FOR SCOTTISH BORDERS GENEALOGY TOUR

There are just three spaces left for the genealogy tour to the Scottish borders. Dates are Sept 20-27, 2020. In addition to research opportunities there will be a trip to some historic sites in the Borders.

We will be stationed in Melrose and will travel to Galashiels and Hawick for research. 

This specialized trip is being offered on a one-time only basis and will not be offered in future years.

The three remaining spaces will go on a first come, first served basis.

For more information or to register: https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/scottish-borders-2020.html

Just TWO Spaces Left for ORKNEY 2020

There are just two spaces left for the Orkney genealogy tour in May 2020. Dates are May 24-31. In addition to three full days of research, there will be the opportunity to tour the neolithic sites, the Italian Chapel and more. 

As with all Genealogy tours, these spaces will go on a first come, first served basis. This is a one time only tour and will not be repeated in future years. 

For more information: https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/orkney-2020.html

Scottish Borders Genealogy Research Tour Itinerary

The itinerary for Scottish Borders Tour in September 2020 is now set:

SUNDAY SEPT 20 – Day of arrival. We will meet in the small meeting room of the hotel at 6:30 pm

MONDAY SEPT 21 – Today the full group will be going to the Borders Archives at the Heritage Hub in Hawick where we will receive an overview of the collections held at the archives as well as a talk about Family History. In addition, there will be the opportunity for five researchers to take advantage of the ScotlandsPeople computers available in the building. There will be a fee of £15 to use the ScotlandsPeople computers. The Centre closes at 3:15 pm

TUESDAY SEPT 22 – Today we will return to the Heritage Hub in Hawick for another full day of research. Again, there will be the opportunity for five researchers to take advantage of the ScotlandsPeople computers available onsite. The Centre is open until 7:15 pm. There is a café onsite.

WEDNESDAY SEPT 23 – Today we will travel to Galashiels for research at the Borders Family History Society. Half of the group will research in the morning and the other half in the afternoon since space is limited. Those not researching can spend time in Galashiels.

THURSDAY SEPT 24 – Today we will return to the Heritage Hub in Hawick for our final full day of research.  Anyone wishing to return to the Borders Family History Society instead may do so.

FRIDAY SEPT 25 – Today the group will be split in half. Half will remain in Melrose and can visit some historic sites (Abbotsford House, Melrose and Dryburgh Abbeys, Trimontium Museum. The other half of the group will be travelling to Moffat via Selkirk for a day of touring. We will stop in both towns.

SATURDAY SEPT 26 – Today the two groups will switch places with yesterday’s Melrose group going to Selkirk and Moffat and the other group remaining in Melrose.

SUNDAY SEPT 27 – The tour ends today when we check out of the hotel.

If you have roots in the Scottish Borders and wish to join us: 

https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/scottish-borders-2020.html

ONLY 3 SPACES LEFT FOR ORKNEY GENEALOGY RESEARCH TOUR 2020

Orkney Tour 50% Sold Out

Although newly on the market, the Orkney tour is already 50% sold out. As with all of my tours, they will fill on a first come, first serve basis and spaces can not be held without a deposit. 
For more information or to register:https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/orkney-2020.html

JOIN US FOR A GENEALOGY RESEARCH TOUR TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS

The tour is scheduled for September 20-27, 2020. Arrival will be on the Sunday and check out on the following Sunday. This will give you a free day to just enjoy the area.

This research trip is specific to the Borders region – the counties of: Berwickshire, Peebleshire, Selkirkshire and Roxburghshire. It does NOT include Dumfries and Galloway or the Solway Coast.

The hotel is in historic Melrose. The Abbey is next door and Sir Walter Scott is buried there. Melrose Abbey is the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Abbotsford House was the home of Sir Walter Scott. Trimontium Museum tells the story and history of Roman Scotland. They host guided walking tours of medieval Melrose for a nominal fee.

The tour fees are $2945 canadian. This includes: 

• 7 nights hotel
• 7 breakfasts
• 3 days of research at Hawick Heritage Hub
• 1 day of research at the Borders Family History Society
• Transport to and from the research facilities
• Pre-tour preparation and support
• A day trip to some historic sites in the Scottish Borders 

To register: https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/orkney-2020.html

** non-researching companions are most welcome to join us on this tour. A discount will be applied if sharing a room with a researcher.

JOIN US FOR A GENEALOGY TOUR TO ORKNEY!

Join me for a genealogy research tour to Orkney. 

The tour is scheduled for May 24-31, 2020. We will be staying at the Shore Hotel. 

Arrival will be on the Sunday and check out on the following Sunday. This allows time to just enjoy Orkney.

We will be stationed in Kirkwall which has the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace.

The tour fees are $2995 canadian and include:

·         7 nights hotel

·        7 breakfasts

·         3 days of research

·         Day trip around the western half of Mainland Orkney

·         Day trip around the eastern side of Mainland Orkney

·         Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness

·         Skara Brae & Skaill House

·         The Bishops Palace

·         Maes Howe

·         Churchill Barriers

·         Italian Chapel (additional £3)

I can take people into Stromness for a stroll. It is a lovely wee place, full of history. The buildings have historical plaques on them letting you know their history. The museum is small but well worth a visit. We can return via the round church in Orphir. If you would like to go to any of the smaller islands, I recommend you plan additional time in Orkney. 

To register: https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/orkney-2020.html

** non researchers are welcome. If accompanying a researcher, there will be a discount. If you wish to see Orkney without researching, your fees will be the same as the researcher fees. 

SEEKING INTEREST IN A GENEALOGY TOUR TO STIRLING/PERTH

Are Your Roots in Central Scotland?

I recently sent out a poll asking people about specific localized regions that might be of interest for a future genealogy tour. Based on the results of the poll, I am seeking interest in three specific areas for a future tour. Like the Highland tour, these will likely be a one-off rather than ongoing.

The final place that came through with strong interest was the Stirling/Perth area. If I get enough interest, I will organize a tour.
 

There are archives at Stirling University, Council archives in both Stirling and Perth and the Central Scotland Family History Society in Stirling. Anyone who wishes to could manage a day trip to Dundee or Fife if your ancestors are from those areas.

In addition to research time, I would offer the opportunity to see the major points of interest Stirling: Stirling Castle, Bannockburn, Falkirk: the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel, Perth: Scone Palace

The tour would likely be a week in length. Getting to and from Stirling/Perth would be the tour participant's responsibility.

If you have an interest in researching ancestors in Central Scotland, let me know and I will add you to the list of those interested. I will need about 12-14 people to make this work.
 

Cancellation Opens Space In Glasgow Tour

I received information yesterday that one of the people who had signed up for the Glasgow 2019 tour has to cancel, leaving one space open.

Tour dates are May 16-24th and includes three full days at the Mitchell Library where there is a hub for the ScotlandsPeople database, the Glasgow City Archives and the Special Collections department. Other research opportunities include a the Glasgow and West of Scotland Family History Society and the Lanarkshire Family History Society as well as the North Lanarkshire Archives.

Optional tours are a guided walking tour of the city's east end (Calton/Bridgeton) and a guided tour of the Glasgow Necropolis.

This is the last tour that is being scheduled for the forseeable future. And likely the last one for Glasgow.

If you have Lanarkshire roots, this is an ideal research trip for you. Tour fees are just $2495 cad ($1900usd)

For more information or to register: https://www.genealogytoursofscotland.ca/glasgow-2019.html

The space will once again go on a first come, first serve basis.