Welcome to Braes & Burghs Genealogy

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Hello, my name is Elizabeth, a professional genealogist based near Glasgow with over a decade of experience in the field. My lifelong interest in family history led me to complete my Postgraduate Diploma in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies at the University of Strathclyde in 2025. This qualification, combined with years of practical research, allows me to bring both academic rigor and a deep personal passion to every project I undertake.

Whether I am deciphering complex 17th-century documents or tracing a family’s journey through the industrial heartlands and the surrounding countryside, my focus is on accuracy and storytelling. Being based in the Central Belt, I have the advantage of regular access to the National Records of Scotland and the Mitchell Library, allowing me to find the vital details that haven't yet made it online. I pride myself on turning "brick walls" into clear narratives, helping you connect with the real people behind the names on your tree.

1.  Family History Research

I provide comprehensive genealogical research to trace your lineage across Scotland and beyond. Whether you are looking to build a full family tree or explore a specific ancestral line, I offer:

Scottish Ancestral Research: Tracing families across parishes, counties, and cities throughout Scotland, using civil, church, census, land, and court records.

Historical Context: Bringing your ancestors’ lives to light by exploring the social, economic, and cultural environments in which they lived and worked.

Detailed Reporting: Every project includes a professionally presented report with full source citations and digital copies of relevant original records.

2. Archival Record Retrieval

Living in Central Scotland gives me the advantage of visiting major repositories in person. I can access records that are not yet digitised or available on major websites, including:

The National Records of Scotland (NRS) in Edinburgh.

The Mitchell Library in Glasgow.

Regional Archives across Stirlingshire, Lanarkshire, and the Lothians.

3. Palaeography & Transcription

Old Scottish handwriting—particularly from the 16th to 18th centuries—can be a significant barrier for researchers. I offer professional transcription services for:

Wills and Testaments: Discovering the final wishes and household details of your ancestors.

Kirk Session Records: Uncovering local stories of community life and parish discipline.

Property Records: Navigating sasine's and estate papers to understand land ownership and tenancy.

4. "Brick Wall" Consultations

If you have hit a dead end in your own research, I can provide a fresh perspective. I apply the rigorous standards of my Strathclyde training to analyse existing evidence, identify overlooked sources, and help you find a path forward.

1. The Consultation

We start with what you already know. You share your existing family notes or "brick walls," and we define a clear goal for the research—whether that’s a single ancestor or an entire family line.

 Initial Consultation: Free of charge. 

2. The Research Proposal

Before any work begins, I provide a written proposal outlining a clear research plan. We will agree on a set number of hours to suit your budget, so you are always in control of the cost.

Research Rate: £28 per hour.

Expenses: Costs for official document copies (such as official copies of certificates )and travel to specific archives are additional.

Transparency: All anticipated expenses are confirmed and approved by you before they are incurred.

3. The Search

I head into the archives. This includes searching professional digital databases or making in-person visits to repositories like the National Records of Scotland to find original documents not available online.

4.  Analysis and Results

Using the skills developed through my Strathclyde training, I verify every connection and assess the strength of the evidence. I also consider the wider social context of the time, such as families moving between the Scottish countryside and the industrial heartlands.

You receive a professional research report, including a clear narrative of your family’s story, digital copies of original records, and a full list of sources used. All findings are included—both positive and negative—so you can clearly see what has been searched, what has been identified, and where no relevant records were found.