discover your scottish roots
Trace your Scottish ancestors with a professional genealogist
Do you have Scottish ancestors but don't know where to begin? Perhaps you have a family name, an old certificate, a photograph or a story passed down through your family — but little else.
I can help you discover what the records can tell you.
I’m Chris Halliday, a professionally qualified and accredited Scottish genealogist, with more than 30 years' experience researching Scottish family history, records and archives.
Based in the Scottish Highlands, I undertake research for clients in Scotland and around the world.
Scottish Family History Research
Every family history is different. I research the Scottish records and archives relevant to your particular research question, following the documentary evidence wherever it leads.
I can help with:
Tracing Scottish ancestors and family lines
Scottish birth, marriage and death records
Census and Old Parish Register research
Wills, testaments and other historical records
Scottish archives and local records
Surname and family research
Scottish places and local history
Difficult or previously unsuccessful research
Not Sure Where to Start?
You don't need to have your family tree worked out before asking for help.
Even a name, approximate date, Scottish place or family document can provide a starting point.
Tell me what you know and what you would like to discover. I'll assess your information and explain what further research may be possible.
There is no obligation to proceed. If research is appropriate, I'll explain the proposed work and costs before it begins.
Why Choose Scottish Genealogist?
Professionally Qualified
I hold an MSc in Scottish Family History and an MA(Hons) in Scottish Cultural Studies.
Accredited
I am an accredited member of the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (ASGRA).
Scottish Research Experience
My experience includes working with Scottish historical and genealogical records and archives, including my former role as Family History Leader at Highland Archive Centre in Inverness.
Evidence-Based Research
Family stories can provide valuable clues, but they are not proof. My approach is to follow the documentary evidence and clearly distinguish established facts from assumptions.
Researching Scottish Ancestors From Overseas
Do you live in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or elsewhere and know that your family came from Scotland?
Researching your Scottish ancestry from overseas can present particular challenges. Names, dates and places recorded in overseas documents may not always be accurate, and identifying the correct Scottish family can require careful research.
I undertake Scottish genealogy research for clients around the world.
Free Scottish Genealogy Resources
You don't have to hire a genealogist to begin researching your Scottish family history.
I've created free guides and articles to help you understand Scottish records and make better use of the information they contain.
Scottish Birth, Marriage & Death Records
Find out what information you can expect to find in Scottish certificates and how those records can help you trace your ancestors.
Scottish Genealogist on Substack
I also publish Scottish Genealogist, a free publication covering Scottish family history, genealogy records, research methods and the evidence behind the stories we inherit.
Ready to Start Your Research?
Whether you're just beginning to investigate your Scottish ancestry or you've reached a point where your own research has stalled, I may be able to help.
Tell me what you know, what you've already discovered and what you'd like to find out.
I'll review your enquiry and let you know what can realistically be researched and what the next steps would be.
