Scottish Crannog Centre

The weekend is set aside for the tour participants to travel to the part of Scotland where their ancestors lived and/or to do further research, either locally or in Edinburgh. While several participants set off to Glasgow City Archives or parts a wee bit further afield, the kids and I headed north to Aberfeldy to visit the Scottish Crannog Centre. 

Crrannogs are early iron age homes, built out on the water. They were large enough to house up to 20 people, like a several generation family. It is truly amazing that several of these buildings still dot the floors of the northern lochs. 

 The replicated crannog, based on items recovered from an underwater archaeological dig

 very sturdy door to keep out predators or draughts

The firepit was central to the home. This was used for cooking and for heating 

 All of the eating utensils were carved from wood of the surrounding alder trees

A butter maker. The buttermilk would seep through the holes and the butter would remain in the pan. The butter could also be made into cheese 

A ladder to the lofts where people slept

 Fishing basket. The fish would swim in but couldn't swim back out.

One ton boat carved from a single tree trunk was the major means of transportation

Snow Paws

NEW SNOW PAW SHOES FEATURE HARRIS TWEED

I was recently invited to view a new collection of shoes - SNOW PAW - and asked to give a review.  I was given a pair of shoes (of my choosing) in exchange for a review of the shoes as well as the opportunity to wear the shoes so others can see what they look like. I chose the dockers with a HoundsTooth check.  The shoes are soft and supple. There is a very healthy tread which will allow me to wear them several months of the year. While the shoes are not made to be waterproof, they are water resistant, with the water beading off of them rather than soaking in. So, I can wear them in a mild mist, but they wouldn't fare as well in a downpour. The inside of the shoes are very soft and very comfortable and my first "ahhhh" was noticing the arch support. I walked a couple of miles after putting the shoes on and had no blisters and no sore spots. Truly a comfortable fit.  The brogues are quite popular and look every bit as durable as the Dockers. These are on my shopping list and I plan to pick up a pair on the weekend. The Buffalo Leather uppers are nicely paired with hand woven Harris Tweed, making them a nice change from standard brogues. These wear well with anything and will get a great deal of use during my talks, exhibit hall days and travel. Brogues are available for both men and women.  The Snow Paw collection started with the button boot. These are similar in style to Uggs. The boots can be worn tall with a lovely button accent, or rolled down to wear as an ankle boot. The uppers are water resistant suede. The legs are hand woven Harris Tweed and the linings are sheep skin.  Snow Paws bags Kids boots If you are interested in having a look, click the SHOP NOW button below. You do NOT need to buy. However, if you choose to buy, you can use the code TOURGUIDE  at check out to get a 10% discount. International shipping is available! SHOP NOW

A Busy Week of Research

This week has flown by for the Edinburgh Genealogy Tour. The group has had four full days of research. Two full days at the ScotlandsPeople Centre where they have been able to find Old Parish Registers, Statutory birth, marriage and death records, census rolls and valuation rolls. As well they have been able to consult the Kirk Session records to determine paternity, discover illegitimacy and learn about other immoral behaviours. 

The group has also had two full days at the National Library. Some participants have been able to see exactly where their ancestors lived on the maps that were consulted. Everyone learned about the phenomenal variety of records available for family history research and others were able to look through the Sutherland Estate records. 

A few of the participants went to the Glasgow City Archives on Saturday and were amazed at the depth of information that they found on their Glasgow ancestors. Cemetery and Lair records, Trades records, City Directories and Poor Law records. 

A few participants traveled to the part of Scotland where their ancestor lived and were delighted to be able to walk the streets, visit cemeteries or research in local family history societies. 

Yet others took the time to enjoy the amazing sights, history and culture of Edinburgh. 

We have one full day of research left at the ScotlandsPeople Centre tomorrow after which we will get the chance to indulge in our Scottish heritage at the Taste of Scotland Show. 

Then it will be time to say goodbye as we prepare to return home with certificates, books, maps, photographs and fond memories. 

There is ONE space left for the spring 2018 Genealogy Tour to Scotland. No fall tours will be offered in 2018. 

Here's your chance: 

Historic Edinburgh Tour of Victorian Slums of Edinburgh

Robert led us on another brilliant tour of Old Edinburgh last night, this time focusing on the slum areas of the old town.

We started with an overview of poverty while standing in the Kirkyard of Greyfriar's

Then we walked over to the next alley where we were introduced to Edinburgh's Poor House

From the Poorhouse, we walked to the Vennel to see the Telfer Wall. On the way, we heard about the Royal Infirmary, cholera outbreaks and diseases of the poor. 

From the Vennel we came to Grassmarket and learned about different forms of lodging. All agreed we did not want the 2p option of hanging over a rope to sleep (sometimes referred to as a "four penny coffin". )

From Grassmarket we were off to the Cowgate - one of the poorest parts of Old Edinburgh

The lives of our ancestors were difficult times. Poverty was rampant in Scotland and for many their daily existence was centered around survival and making enough to be able to eat and cover their shelter costs. We really do need to be grateful to them for the stamina, the fortitude and their amazing courage. For without that, none of us would be here today. 

Thank you, Robert and Historic Edinburgh Tours for another incredibly informative tour. 

Last Minute Opening for Sept 2017 Genealogy Tour

Due to a last minute cancellation, there is an opening for the September Genealogy Tour. This tour takes place in Edinburgh and includes three full days of research at the ScotlandsPeople Centre and two full days at the National Library.

The weekend is free for you to visit the part of Scotland where your ancestors lived. The Monday following the weekend is open to allow you to do local research in the archives or Family History Society where your ancestor lived.

The Monday, if not researching locally allows you time to go to the Scottish Genealogy Society, or to return to the National Library, ScotlandsPeople or the National Archives.

If  you are interested in researching your Scottish ancestors onsite in Scotland, don't miss out

Book this unexpected opening before anyone else does!

The Edinburgh Research Begins

The Edinburgh group spent their first day of research at the ScotlandsPeople Centre. 

The day began with an overview of the records and the computer system by Centre Manager, Iain Ferguson. 

After the talk, we were down to the computers and the digging for ancestors began. 

The Edinburgh Research Begins

The Edinburgh group spent their first day of research at the ScotlandsPeople Centre. 

The day began with an overview of the records and the computer system by Centre Manager, Iain Ferguson. 

After the talk, we were down to the computers and the digging for ancestors began.