Another Successful Genealogy Tour

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Gwendoline Fletcher
6 years ago
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1 Another Successful Genealogy Tour I honestly have the best job. When I first started out giving talks and doing webinars on Scottish genealogy, I made the realization that so many people of Scots descent had never been to Scotland. Having been born in Scotland, and having traveled back and forth for my entire life, it was beyond my ken to think that others who had roots in Scotland hadn't had the same experience. And so, Genealogy Tours of Scotland was born. Every year, I get the honour of accompanying groups of genealogy researcher to Scotland where they can immerse themselves in their Scottish ancestry. We stay in Edinburgh for 10 days, in the same hotel, so that the participants get the experience of living in Scotland. They get to acquaint themselves with their new neighbourhood - the sights, the smells, the sounds. While I am in Scotland, I get the opportunity to take in other events or see historic sights. This is always such a rewarding time for me. Two such events this year were the Who Do You Think You Are? Live event in Birmingham and the other was the annual conference of the Scottish Association of Family History Societies, which was held in Stirling. I was also able to attend a meeting between the Ancestral Tourism Committee and the Scottish Government to look at the findings of some recent research regarding the younger diaspora, which was called Engaging the Next Generation. It was interesting in that many of the research results quantified what I have also experienced via my tour participants. I also get the opportunity to meet up with colleagues that I don't often get to see, or who I only engage with online. These opportunities allow for networking and added value for tour participants, webinar attendees and those who attend talks and workshops that I give. Exciting things are in the works, some of which will be shared in this newsletter. Other items will be shared once the details have been worked out and I am able to give more than just a hope or a promise. The historic sites were new to me this year. The Govan Stones in the Old Parish Church in Govan. An eerie step back to an ancient time that somehow makes one feel that they are in the presence of greatness. A visit to the Fairfield Shipyard Museum and the opportunity to catch a glimpse into the life of my shipbuilder ancestor. A fantastic guided walk around the very historic Linlithgow with very knowledgeable guides from Mary s Meanders. And of course, no trip to Scotland would feel complete without a wander round the old cemeteries and the chance to marvel at the history that lies beneath the soil. Already looking forward to the next Genealogy Tour of Scotland! 1

Great Research Opportunities and Discoveries This year s genealogy research trip in Scotland provided some terrific opportunities for the participants to discover their ancestors in records not

2 Great Research Opportunities and Discoveries This year s genealogy research trip in Scotland provided some terrific opportunities for the participants to discover their ancestors in records not available to them in North America. We had three really productive days at the ScotlandsPeople Centre. In addition to the Old Parish Registers (OPRs), Statutory Records (BMD) and Census Records, tour participants were able to view Kirk Session records and to pull books that are held in the library of the ScotlandsPeople Centre. Gaps were filled in, myths dispelled, questions answered and new information discovered. The best part for most participants was getting confirmation of the research that they had started in North America. Participants were also able to do research in the Historical Reading Room at the NRS and this was where many of the stories were fleshed out. We spent two very productive days at the National Library of Scotland. The first day, we were at the Maps building on Causewayside. It was fascinating to be able to see maps of the places where our ancestors lived and to be able to see what their communities looked like. The staff are incredibly enthusiastic which made the day. We learned that for next year s tour, participants will be encouraged to take their own computers since there aren t enough terminals for the larger group. On the second day, we were at the George IV Building. After a fantastic talk, we were able to take to the collections and shelves, newspapers and microfilms to see what we could uncover about our ancestors. Some of the group chose to stay until closing time at 8:30 pm! While the Friday was intended to be a day off from research and to provide people the opportunity to travel to the area of Scotland where their ancestors lived, only two did so. The rest all returned to the research facilities to engage in another day of research. 2

ANCESTRAL TOURS WITH BORDERS JOURNEYS For three tour seasons now, tour participants have been using the services of Ian Walker at Borders Journeys to complete their ancestral journey in Scotland.

He is able to take the participants to see the landscape that surrounded their ancestors, the streets they lived, worked and walked on, the churches they worshipped at and, when possible, the

It is for this reason, that Genealogy Tours of Scotland exclusively uses Borders Journeys to provide this remarkable experience for its tour participants.

uk/ In the meantime, he has already shared the stories of all of their journeys on his company Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bordersjourneys?

3 ANCESTRAL TOURS WITH BORDERS JOURNEYS For three tour seasons now, tour participants have been using the services of Ian Walker at Borders Journeys to complete their ancestral journey in Scotland. Ian provides bespoke tours to the villages, town, cities or burghs where an individual s ancestors lived. He is able to take the participants to see the landscape that surrounded their ancestors, the streets they lived, worked and walked on, the churches they worshipped at and, when possible, the gravestones that mark their resting place. For the past three seasons, Ian s services have been raved about by the tour participants. It is for this reason, that Genealogy Tours of Scotland exclusively uses Borders Journeys to provide this remarkable experience for its tour participants. Ian provided ancestral tours to 8 participants this year. Over the next few days, Ian will be sharing their stories on his website at: In the meantime, he has already shared the stories of all of their journeys on his company Facebook page: Testamonials by Genealogy Tours of Scotland participants regarding their Borders Journeys experience: You are a gem! Thank you eternally for your research, your help with genealogy, history and most of all your sense of humour and your positive spirit. You have taught me a lot in all realms of humanness. Ian is a great tour guide. I highly recommend him for any journey you wish to make in Scotland. Ian is the best. He is so knowledgeable and so much fun. We had a fabulous day! Ian was great. He took us places we never thought we would get to see. He was fun and flexible and really cared about our experience. Can t wait to come back and take another tour with him. 3

The Residence Inn, Edinburgh While on the research part of the trip, we are housed at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Quartermile.

The rooms are large and spacious and set up as apartments, complete with a kitchenette, a dedicated work space where you can set up your research station, queen sized beds, sofa, and flat screen tv.

It is nice not to feel as though we are living out of a suitcase. A full hot and cold breakfast is available every morning.

4 The Residence Inn, Edinburgh While on the research part of the trip, we are housed at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Quartermile. The hotel is on the property of what once housed the Royal Infirmary, and more specifically on the grounds where Simpson Maternity Hospital once stood. The rooms are large and spacious and set up as apartments, complete with a kitchenette, a dedicated work space where you can set up your research station, queen sized beds, sofa, and flat screen tv. The rooms are all equipped with WiFi. The hotel caters to the long stay traveler. The rooms feel homey and make it easy to live in for a couple of weeks. It is nice not to feel as though we are living out of a suitcase. A full hot and cold breakfast is available every morning. There is a Starbucks and a Sainsburys grocery store on the same complex as the hotel. There are a number of eateries within a short walk. The Residence Inn is centrally located, making it easy to walk to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Grassmarket, the National Library, the Scottish Genealogy Society, the Edinburgh City Archives and National Museum. 4

Historic Edinburgh Tours If you are in Edinburgh and looking for something a little

people who are buried in the graveyard. The next night was a tour of the Old Town.

Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots, took place.

5 Historic Edinburgh Tours If you are in Edinburgh and looking for something a little less "touristy" to do I highly recommend a tour with Historic Edinburgh Tours. You won't be disappointed. These guys are fantastic and really make history come alive This year, we did two tours with Historic Edinburgh Tours. The first was the Ressurection tour which is an historic tour of Greyfriar s Kirkyard. It is not a ghost tour. It is an historic tour and really gives insight into the lives and times of the people who are buried in the graveyard. The next night was a tour of the Old Town. The history of this part of Edinburgh, and, indeed, Scotland, is extensive, rich and colourful. Imagine the feeling of standing in the very courtyard where the murder of Henry, Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots, took place. Or standing at the site where fishwife Maggie Dickson s blighted hanging was carried out. The stories abound and in many respects, if they were not documented in the history books would sound incredibly far-fetched! Thank you, Robert and Paul for two terrific history lessons and for sharing your passion and humour about your beloved Edinburgh with us. 5

A New Venture for Genealogy Tours of Scotland In October, 2015, Genealogy Tours of Scotland will be hosting the Scottish Institute. We will be taking a specialist group of researchers to Scotland.

6 A New Venture for Genealogy Tours of Scotland In October, 2015, Genealogy Tours of Scotland will be hosting the Scottish Institute. We will be taking a specialist group of researchers to Scotland. This is an intense week of learning and researching for Professional or Semi-professional genealogists who may or may not conduct client research. It will be of particular interest to those who want to know more about the vast wealth of genealogical information available through a variety of Scottish records. The week will consist of two and a half days full of learning from a number of specialists in Scottish records. In addition, there will be two and a half days of researching. The week culminates in a joint Professional Development Day with our genealogical colleagues in Scotland. This will also allow for networking and collaboration between the genealogists in Scotland with their counterparts in North America. For more information: 6

7 Looking for Help to Plan Your Own Research Trip to Scotland? If you are traveling to Scotland to do research and are traveling at a different time than my tours, please know I am still interested in helping you to have a successful trip. Let me take the stress out of the planning for you. Here is a sample package to help you manage research time while you are in Scotland: FIVE DAYS OF RESEARCH This package provides five full days of research: Three days at the ScotlandsPeople Centre (including the option to use the National Archives (I will pay your day use fees for you and book your computer time) Full day at the National Library of Scotland (I will assist you in getting the most out of your time here) Full or half day of research at facility of your choice: The local family history society where your ancestors resided (I will make a donation to the society on your behalf for the use of their resources) OR Local or university archives (I will pay the fees or make a donation on your behalf) OR The Mitchell Library in Glasgow (I will pay the fees on your behalf and can arrange train tickets as well as taxi to and from the train station in Edinburgh) Package includes: Pre-tour preparation and support Five nights in the Residence Inn by Marriott Five full breakfasts All research fees Taxi fees to and from ScotlandsPeople Centre For more details or to book your individual package: Coming Fall 2015 In the fall of this year, there will be the opportunity to take part in three courses in Scottish genealogy. These will be three different levels, geared at differing levels of research expertise (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). Each course will run 4-6 weeks and will include assignments and a group chat session. Information regarding the course dates, content, availability and fees will be shared in an in early September. 7

8 Coming in 2017 VisitScotland has deemed 2017 as the year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. At the request of previous Tour participants, Genealogy Tours of Scotland and Borders Journeys will be organizing a special tour in 2017 as a Level II Research Tour. This tour will allow previous participants to return to Scotland and visit archives in areas other than Edinburgh. These may include: Mitchell Library in Glasgow - largest library in Europe with one floor dedicated to family history research Hawick Heritage Hub - information on the Border Clans including the Reivers Highland Archives in Inverness - information on the Jacobites, clans and the history of tartans Clan Donald Centre in Armadale - this museum is not limited to Clan Donald but also has a great deal of information on the history of the Western Isles and the clan system, the Jacobites, crofting and more TimeSpan deemed the museum without walls is a look into the life of those who were part of the early clearances Stromness Museum - Orkney has a strong connection to Canada, especially the Winnipeg area Orkney Family History Society and the Orkney Archives in Kirkwall - the Hudson's Bay Co specifically recruited in Orkney Details will be shared as they become finalized. Please note that priority for this tour will be given to past tour participants. Spaces will be limited to 12. 8

Upcoming Talks and Workshops May 19 2015: Genesee County Genealogical Society Researching Your Scottish Ancestors May 31 2015: OGS Conference racking Your Scots Immigrant Ancestors June 13 2015:

9 Upcoming Talks and Workshops May : Genesee County Genealogical Society Researching Your Scottish Ancestors May : OGS Conference racking Your Scots Immigrant Ancestors June : Niagara County Genealogical Society Researching Your Scottish Ancestors August : Scottish SIG Symposium Dinnae Waste Yer Credits Then August : One World One Family Conference In Search of Your Scottish Roots Lesser Known Databases for Scottish Research Sept : BIFHSGO Conference: In Search of Your Scottish Ancestors Dinnae Waste Yer Credits, Then Lesser Known Databases for Scottish Genealogy Research Tracking Your Scots Emigrant Ancestor To Book A Speaker for YOUR Society or Club, contact: genealogytoursofscotland@gmail.com 9

10 The May 2016 Genealogy Research Tour to Scotland is now 70% full. If a genealogy research trip to Scotland is on your bucket list, don t miss out book your place now: When You Join a Genealogy Tour of Scotland, You Get: Pre-tour webinar on Scottish Genealogy Research Pre-tour webinar on Planning For a Research Trip to Scotland Pre-tour assistance to make the most of your time in Scotland Pre-tour package of information to assist with your research planning 9 nights in a centrally located hotel where you will get the sense of living in Scotland Breakfast every day A Family History Talk at ScotlandsPeople Centre A Family History Talk at the National Library of Scotland 5 days of dedicated research time where staff are expecting you and are ready to assist Transportation to and from the research facilities Time to visit the area where your ancestor lived in Scotland and assistance to plan this Time to research in a local archive, family history society or library The chance to experience a Ceilidh and indulge your Scottish heritage Transportation to and from the Ceilidh Optional historic evening tours in Old Town Edinburgh, and a guided tour of Greyfriar s Cemetery The opportunity to connect with others researching their Scottish roots A great way to connect with your Scottish ancestors Memories to last a lifetime A deeper sense of belonging A better sense of who YOU are as part of the Scots diaspora Why not join a tour to research your roots and discover your heritage? By the end of the tour, participants have gained an irreducible sense of belonging to a land older than time, an ancient culture, a hail and hardy people. They understand the personality characteristics of the Scots and see where they themselves fit into the big picture. The deep sense of connection and belonging satisfy a hunger, that in the words of Alex Haley, "are marrow deep" 10

This was, without question, the most successful trip we have had, combining family history research and general sightseeing.

This was, without question, the most successful trip we have had, combining family history research and general sightseeing. Fall Tour 2016 The first ever fall tour was a great success. We didn t get the stunning summer weather that the spring group had, but we didn t let that stop us. Also for the first time ever, this was