Research

I offer individually-tailored research for a variety of clients. Fees cover research time plus extra costs.

Consultations and Coaching

I am experienced in providing family history consultations for a variety of needs. These include solving genealogy mysteries, breaking down brick walls, finding living relatives, and offering genetic genealogy advice.

These digital consultations are popular with beginner family historians. I share my screen to research with you and help to produce or develop an online family tree. I also show quick research methods and other expert tips. These sessions usually last an hour but can be arranged for longer, as required.

I also offer consultations exploring family health (including mental health) history for clients with a general interest, as well as those in recovery, those interested in emotional genealogy/epigenetics (uncovering past trauma/secrets), and where knowledge of family history has been recommended by a therapist or other medical professional.

During the consultation, we will discuss any past research, questions you have, and construct a plan for research. Online checks will be made of indexes and (where possible) digitised copies of original documents relevant to your queries. Any limitations to the research will be highlighted.

Initial consultations can take place by WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, FaceTime, or telephone.

Follow up consultations may take place in St Andrews, by mutual agreement.

Genetic Genealogy Services

DNA testing can reveal fascinating insights about your ancestry, break through brick walls in your family tree, and help you connect with unknown relatives. I provide expert guidance to help you interpret and make the most of your DNA results.

How It Works:

• Initial Consultation (1 hour) – Discuss your DNA results and family tree via Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, or a preferred method. I will guide you through the data and provide recommendations.
• Research Day – Following the consultation, I will conduct in-depth research to analyse DNA matches and integrate findings into your family history.
• Follow-Up Support – Get expert advice on next steps, including contacting matches, refining your tree, or exploring additional tests.

"Thank you again for your amazing work solving a 62-year-old family mystery. Obviously, I could never have done it without you. Thank you for all your expertise, hard work, and wise advice."

Family History Plan

You may wish to carry out your own research into your family tree, but are unsure how best to approach it. I offer guided family history plans, personally tailored to your individual research requirements, allowing you to proceed on your own but with structure.

Family History Gifts

Gift Vouchers

Give the gift of genealogy with personalised family history vouchers.

A wonderful present for anyone, whether they have specific family history mysteries or a general interest.

Family history is a priceless gift, but this voucher can help friends or relatives embark on a journey for life.

Vouchers are available from £50.

Ancestral Tourism

Basic research + 2 hours personal guided tour of ancestral sites (homes/churches/schools etc) in St Andrews. See where your ancestors lived, went to school, worked, married, and were buried.

Tours of other areas can be arranged with colleagues across the UK and Ireland.

Explore your physical/environmental roots by experiencing the climate, (landscape), homes, workplaces, schools, churches, shops, cemeteries, and possibly food, of your ancestors.

Packages

I offer bespoke research packages, which can be emailed as a digital report, printed in a family history folder, or presented alongside a professionally printed genealogy chart. All options will be discussed before the package is agreed.

All packages include extra costs. You will only pay the price of the package; this includes postage.