FAQS
FAQS(Frequently Asked Questions)
Initially, a search of the statutory birth, marriage and death certificates will be carried out at The National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh, in order to compile the history of your family. Each family is unique, and the availability of supporting documentation is dependent on factors such as the locations where the individuals lived, if they owned property, if they had to apply for any assistance due to poverty and many more. Employing a professional genealogist ensures that all relevant documentation will be sourced to assist with your research.
WHAT INFORMATION IS NECESSARY TO BEGIN THE SEARCH?
To commence the research, all you have to provide are the birth, death or marriage details in Scotland for the individual whose ancestry you wish to trace. Obviously, the more details you already know about the family the better, as less time will then be needed for the search. Oral history can have its place and sometimes even family stories can lead to a better understanding of an individual, although research can often dispel the myth! It is important that ALL known details are provided about the family prior to research commencing, to avoid any duplication of work. (If all siblings are needed for each branch of the tree, this must be agreed to at the commencement of the research.)
HOW WILL THE FAMILY HISTORY BE PRESENTED?
The completed family history will be in the form of a detailed report describing the investigation process and its findings, as well as transcriptions of the relevant birth, death and marriage certificates and any other documentation referred to. The report will be emailed to the client, unless a printed version is requested, in which case a further cost will be incurred. A basic family tree will be included and this will also be emailed.
The presentation pack (see above), of which there are several options, can be tailored to suit the needs of each individual client, so please contact me for further details. Many people choose this option as a gift for a special occasion, as it will be printed and bound in a faux leather cover.
WILL YOUR DETAILS BE TREATED WITH CONFIDENTIALITY?
All information supplied to or from a client will be treated with the upmost confidentiality and yourscottishfamilytree
complies with the new data protection regulations on the storage and transmission of personal data.
WHAT IS THE TIMESCALE FOR THE RESEARCH?
It would normally take at least 2-4 weeks for a family history to be researched, but due to the fact that appointments must now be made to use the facilities at Scotlandspeople Centre, this may take longer. (If a presentation pack is requested, this will take much longer, so it is important that adequate notice is given beforehand.) If any problems occur in the research, the client will be informed immediately.
DO YOU NEED RESEARCH ON A PARTICULAR TOPIC IN YOUR FAMILY HISTORY?
If there is a gap in your own research and you need further assistance, this is when you may decide to consult a professional researcher. Please contact me to discuss your problem. It is important at the onset to inform me if copies of supporting documentation for this type of research will be required, however, as additional costs will be incurred.