Date for the next Scottish Indexes conference

Just a quick heads up that the next Scottish Indexes conference is to be held on Saturday 19 September 2026.

No speakers have been announced for this yet, but keep an eye out at https://www.scottishindexes.com/conference.aspx for further details.

 

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. To purchase in the USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

Scottish Indexes conference on 28 February

The next Scottish Indexes (www.scottishindexes.com) conference takes place on Saturday 28 February, with the following talks confirmed:

• ‘Family History Research at the National Library of Ireland’ by Steven Skeldon
• ‘Researching British Prisoners of War, 1914 –1919 and 1939 –1946’ by Ken Nisbet
• ‘Patients and staff: stories of health and wellbeing’ by Lorna Steele-McGinn
• 'Introducing the Archives and Manuscripts of the National Library of Scotland' by Chris Cassells
• ‘Braking Brick Walls: How local Family History Societies can help’ by Alan Beattie

For further details visit the Scottish Indexes website.

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. To purchase in the USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

Date announced for next Scottish Indexes conference

Thanks to those who attended my DNA talk at yesterday's Scottish Indexes genealogy conference, run by Graham and Emma Maxwell, I hope it helped!

Graham and Emma have announced that the next Scottish Indexes conference will take place online on Saturday 28 February 2026. 

For further details keep an eye out at https://www.scottishindexes.com/conference.aspx.

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. To purchase in the USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

RootsTech keynotes announced, and talks programme to be published this week - UPDATED

FamilySearch has announced its keynote speakers for its 2026 RootsTech conference. I personally have no idea who any of them are, but you may well do - full details are available at https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/. 

The virtual keynotes will be available on demand from 13 February 2026, with the rest given at the event itself from 5-7 March 2026. 

FamilySearch has also confirmed that the full talks schedule will be available on its site from Thursday 8 January.

Update: The schedule is now published and available at https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/schedule?day=2026-03-05 

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. To purchase in the USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

First speakers confirmed for next Scottish Indexes conference

The following speakers are already confirmed for the next Scottish Indexes (www.scottishindexes.com) conference event on 31 January 2026:

• 'How did my Scottish ancestors get married?' by Tahitia McCabe
• 'Taking The High Road' by Andrew Armstrong
• ‘The Edinburgh Public Dispensary, Patients and Doctors’ by Daisy Cunynghame
• ‘Dive Deeper Into Scottish Church Records’ by Alison Spring 

For further details on the conference, including additional speakers to be announced in due course, please keep an eye on https://www.scottishindexes.com/conference.aspx.

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. To purchase in the USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

Family Tree magazine's Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors event in February 2026

I'm delighted to be participating once again in Family Tree magazine's annual Scottish family history month events in February 2026, where I will be both hosting and taking part as a presenter. The following are the details from the magazine for the event, which will be called Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors:  

Are you ready to take your Scottish family history research to the next level?

Whether you’re just starting out or want to break through a brick wall, our Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors series is designed to help you uncover the stories, records and techniques that will improve your research.

From unmissable online resources to expert tuition from National Records of Scotland, Scotland’s People, and leading genealogists, each session gives you practical tools you can use immediately in your own research.

The series consists of four sessions…

3 February, 6.30pm – Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors: Meet the Experts
Free introductory discussion panel

10 February, 6.30pm: Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors: Finding the Best Online Resources, with Chris Paton

17 February, 6.30pm: Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors: Develop Your Research Skills, with Tahitia McCabe, University of Strathclyde

24 February, 6.30pm: Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors: Searching the Records with National Records of Scotland & Scotland’s People

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN:

Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors
3 - 24 February 2026 | 6.30pm | Live on Zoom

How does the pricing work?

Book individual webinars or save with the bundle ticket and come to them all…

3 February: Meet the Experts – Free

10 February: Online Resources – Register for £25

17 February: Research Skills – Register for £25

24 February: Searching the Records – Register for £25


Best Value: Attend all four sessions for £60 (£50 for Family Tree Plus members)

What will I learn?

Across four expert-led sessions, you’ll learn how to:

•     Begin your Scottish genealogy with confidence
•     Use Scotland’s key online resources effectively
•     Strengthen your research skills
•     Search and understand Scottish records
•     Understand the social history behind your ancestors

What's included in the bundle ticket?

Access to all four sessions, a dedicated hub page with recordings of each session, available to you until 1 April 2026. 

For further details, and to sign up for sessions, please visit https://www.family-tree.co.uk/store/genealogy-tools/family-tree-magazine/tracing-scottish-ancestors-masterclass 

COMMENT: I hope to see you there, it's always great fun at Family Tree's Scottish February event!

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. To purchase in the USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

The first Scottish Indexes conference of 2026

A quick note that the first Scottish Indexes conference of 2026 will take place on Saturday 31 January 2026. 

You can find details of this, and register, via https://www.scottishindexes.com/conference.aspx.

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. To purchase in the USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

Scottish Indexes 30th anniversary conference

The 30th Scottish Indexes Conference will take place on Saturday 22 November 2025, with the following speakers and talks lined up for the event:

• Introducing the Ordnance Survey Name Books and historical tax rolls on Scotland's People by Tessa Spencer, Head of Learning at the National Records of Scotland
• An Arran Jigsaw: some records relating to people and places between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries by Robert Urquhart of Abbotshall Palaeography
• 5th Duke of Buccleuch: a forward thinking landed aristocrat by Craig Thomas, Assistant Archivist at Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust
• The Doctor will see your ancestors now by Fiona Musk NHS Grampian Archivist
• Weaving the threads of time: exploring the lives of Dundee textile workers by Caroline Brown, University Archivist and an Assistant Director in the Library Academic and Cultural Services at the University of Dundee
• Scottish Genealogy Q&A hosted by Graham and Emma Maxwell  

Congratulations to Graham and Emma on reaching this milestone event. The conference is free to attend, and you can find out more details on how to do so at their conferences page at https://www.scottishindexes.com/conference.aspx.

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies - Conference Call for Presentations, Workshops, Panel Discussions and Posters

From the University of Strathclyde' Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies: 

Conference Call for Presentations, Workshops, Panel Discussions & Posters

Conference Title: 2-day Academic Conference - Beyond the Family Tree: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on AI, DNA, Education, and Community in Genealogy
Conference Dates: 25–26 June 2026
Location: University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland (Hybrid Format)

The Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies (SIGS) will hold an international academic genealogy conference in Scotland at the University of Strathclyde, June 25-26, 2026. The conference will be hybrid. While most sessions will be accessible online, some activities, including evening receptions, will be available in person only.

In addition, on June 24, a separate symposium on professional genealogy practice hosted by the Association for Professional Genealogists (APG) will be held on campus and via hybrid access. (Please note, speakers for the APG Professional Genealogy Symposium are by invitation only).

Call for Presentations

All proposals must be submitted via email by December 08, 2025. Acceptance decisions will be sent out by end of December 2025.

Speakers & poster presenters will receive free registration for the conference.

Full details, including themes and submission guidelines are available on the event website page > https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/centreforlifelonglearning/genealogy/beyondfamilytreeconference2026/

We look forward to your participation and contributions to this exciting event! 

(With thanks to Clare Hennessey at Strathclyde) 

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

RootsTech 2026 registration now open

From FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org):

RootsTech by FamilySearch announced today that registration for RootsTech 2026, the world’s largest family discovery event, is now open. The event will be held 5–7 March 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and online at RootsTech.org. Select content will be available in multiple languages. Register now for the in-person or online experience and plan to enjoy this one-of-a-kind global family connection and discovery event. 

For the full announcement, visit https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/rootstech-2026-registration-now-open. 

To register for the event, visit https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/.

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

Association of Professional Genealogists heads to Scotland in 2026

For members of the Association of Professional Genealogists (https://www.apgen.org) based in Scotland, or for members who can get to Scotland (!), the following may be of interest: 

Save the Date! APG is heading to Scotland! 

Join us in Glasgow, 24 June 2026, for the APG Professional Genealogy Symposium, presented in partnership with the University of Strathclyde’s Institute for Genealogical Studies (SIGS). 

What to expect:

• Sessions led by industry experts
• Topics on business growth, client deliverables, financials, productivity, cross-border marketing, ethics & more
• Two ways to attend: in person in vibrant Glasgow or online from anywhere in the world

Extend your experience by staying for SIGS’ two-day conference, Beyond the Family Tree: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on AI, DNA, Education and Community in Genealogy (25–26 June 2026).

Members can register interest for further updates on pricing, sessions, and speakers here. 

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available -Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

Scottish Indexes conference on 13 September 2025

The next Scottish Indexes conference (www.scottishindexes.com) takes place in a week's time on Saturday 13th September 2025. The following talks will be offered at the event:

• 'Tracing your Family History: Church Records' by Irene O'Brien
• 'Discovering Ancestors Through Royal Commission Reports and Published Sources' by Emma Maxwell
• 'Searching For Your Scottish Ancestors' by Hilary Hartigan
• 'I want to research my family history – how do I start?' by Lorraine Stewart
• 'Women of Glamis: Privilege and Privation' by Ingrid Thomson 
• 'The Servants in Traquair House' by Margaret Fox

The speakers will also be involved in Q&A sessions on the day. For further details please visit https://www.scottishindexes.com/conference.aspx.

Chris 

Order Researching Ancestral Crisis in Ireland in the UK at https://bit.ly/4jJWSEh. Also available - Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors, Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page.

Introduction to Scottish Family History event at Strathclyde University

On Tuesday 3rd June 2025 I'll be giving two presentations to the University of Strathclyde's two day long Introduction to Scottish Family History event in Glasgow, which starts on the preceding Monday 2nd June, and held at the campus itself.

My topics will be as follows:

Discover Scottish Land Records
An overview of the complicated (but useful) records concerning land and property transfer in Scotland. What they contain and where to find them.

Understanding Scottish Inheritance Records
An introduction to Scotland's system of inheritance, the records it created, how to use them and where to find them.

Also giving talks on a range of topics at the two-day event will be Tahitia McCabe, Kate Keter, Alison Spring, Dr Calista Williams, and Emma Maxwell. For the full programme please visit https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/centreforlifelonglearning/genealogy/on-campusbeginnertointermediatelevelgenealogy8-weekclasses/ - to sign up, visit https://onlineshop.strath.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/centre-for-lifelong-learning/strathclyde-institute-for-genealogical-studies/introduction-to-scottish-family-history-research.

The event will be followed by a longer on-campus academic conference entitled Ken Your Kin, from June 4th-11th 2025. Details of that event are available at https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/centreforlifelonglearning/genealogy/kenyourkin/.

Chris

Order Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors in the UK at https://bit.ly/BelfastAncestors. Also available - Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, on Threads at @scottishgenesblog and via Mastodon at https://mastodon.scot/@ScottishGENES.

Next Scottish Indexes conference will be on 13 September 2025

One to put in your diary folks - the next Scottish Indexes conference will be on 13 September 2025.

Amongst the presentastions already announced:

• 'I want to research my family history – how do I start?' by Lorraine Stewart
• 'Women of Glamis: Privilege and Privation' by Ingrid Thomson
• 'The Servants in Traquair House' by Margaret Fox

For further details, and to register (it's free), visit https://www.scottishindexes.com/conference.aspx

Chris

Order Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors in the UK at https://bit.ly/BelfastAncestors. Also available - Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, on Threads at @scottishgenesblog and via Mastodon at https://mastodon.scot/@ScottishGENES.

Schedule for this Saturday's Scottish Indexes conference

Graham and Emma at Scottish Indexes (www.scottishindexes.com) have released the schedule for this coming Saturday's free to attend online genealogy conference. The following are the UK timings:

First Session
07:00 Introduction
07:15 'Researching Scottish Border Reiver Families 1600-1800' by Andrew Armstrong
08:30 'Commissioners of Supply' by Lorna Steele-McGinn
09:30 'My Ancestor Was' by Dr Irene O'Brien
10:30 ‘Your Scottish Archives’ by John Pelan
11:30 ‘There's Been a Murder - The Mount Stewart Murder of 1866’ by Chris Paton
12:30 Genealogy Q & A hosted by Graham and Emma Maxwell
13:30 'Using the Sheriff Court to trace 18th-century Ancestors' by Emma Maxwell
14:40 'What's New on Scottish Indexes' by Graham Maxwell

Second Session
15:00 Introduction
15:15 'Researching Scottish Border Reiver Families 1600-1800' by Andrew Armstrong
16:30 'Commissioners of Supply' by Lorna Steele-McGinn
17:30 'My Ancestor Was' by Dr Irene O'Brien
18:30 ‘Your Scottish Archives’ by John Pelan
19:30 ‘There's Been a Murder - The Mount Stewart Murder of 1866’ by Chris Paton
20:30 Genealogy Q & A hosted by Graham and Emma Maxwell
21:30 'Using the Sheriff Court to trace 18th-century Ancestors' by Emma Maxwell
22:40 'What's New on Scottish Indexes' by Graham Maxwell  

For equivalent worldwide timings, and information on how to attend, please see https://www.scottishindexes.com/conference.aspx.

Comment: As shown, I'll be giving a talk on the Mount Stewart Murder from 1866 at 11.30am, and again at 7.30pm UK time. I unfortunately have a Gaelic language event commitment in Glasgow on Saturday afternoon, so will be unable to do the first general Q&A session at 12.30 immediately after my first talk showing, but I will be on hand for the evening session at 8.30pm. I hope to see you there, it should be another great event!

(With thanks to Graham and Emma at Scottish Indexes)

Chris

Order Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors in the UK at https://bit.ly/BelfastAncestors. Also available - Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, on Threads at @scottishgenesblog and via Mastodon at https://mastodon.scot/@ScottishGENES.

Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies Ken Your Kin event in June

From the Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies (https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/centreforlifelonglearning/genealogy/):

Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies (SIGS) is thrilled to launch Ken Your Ken, an exciting new event being held in Glasgow, Scotland from the 4th to the 11th of June 2025.

Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or taking your first steps into the world of Scottish family history, the Ken Your Kin Summer School promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Scottish ancestry and heritage.

Our 7-day programme includes -

• Talks from Scottish historians, museum curators and family history experts
• Further your genealogy journey with one-to-one input from qualified genealogists
• Experience Scottish food, drink and traditions
• Visit a range of museums, cultural and literary venues
• Enjoy a vibrant social programme
• Ideal for groups or the solo traveller
• Join an optional 2-day ‘Introduction to Scottish Family History’ course.*

Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure group access to venues and to enable the SIGS team to deliver a high-quality experience.

Register before the 31st of January 2025 to take advantage of our Early Bird discount (deposit option also available!).

Explore our planned itinerary and secure your place today! > https://bit.ly/kyk2025 

* Comment: I'll be involved in thre two-day Introduction to Scottish Family History course on June 2nd and 3rd - you can find out more about this at https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/centreforlifelonglearning/genealogy/on-campusbeginnertointermediatelevelgenealogy8-weekclasses/

Chris

Order Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors in the UK at https://bit.ly/BelfastAncestors. Also available - Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, on Threads at @scottishgenesblog and via Mastodon at https://mastodon.scot/@ScottishGENES.

Scottish Indexes conference on January 18th 2025

Next Saturday 18th January sees the 27th Scottish Indexes Conference from Graham and Emma Maxwell.

The following talks will be given, with an pportunity to ask the speakers questions after, and at two dedicated hour long Q&A sessions during the day:

Researching Scottish Border Reiver Families 1600-1800 by Andrew Armstrong 

There's Been a Murder - The Mount Stewart Murder of 1866 by Chris Paton 

Using the Sheriff Court to trace 18th-century ancestors by Emma Maxwell 

Commissioners of Supply by Lorna Steele-McGinn 

What's New on Scottish Indexes by Graham Maxwell 

Your Scottish Archives by John Pelan 

For further details please visit https://www.scottishindexes.com/conference.aspx#c3 - and I hope you can join us!

Chris

Order Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors in the UK at https://bit.ly/BelfastAncestors. Also available - Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, on Threads at @scottishgenesblog and via Mastodon at https://mastodon.scot/@ScottishGENES.

Scottish Indexes conference on November 23rd

Graham and Emma Maxwell will be hosting their next Scottish Indexes conference, the twenty-sixth conference, on November 23rd 2024, with registration now open.

The following speakers have already been confirmed:

• 'Housing the Miners' by Kay Williams 
• 'Town and Gown – St Andrews University Archive' by Sarah Rodriguez.
• ‘Historic Scotland in the archives: Using Historic Environment Scotland Archives to explore historic sites around Scotland’ by Joseph Waterfield.
• 'Using the internet & PRONI for Northern Irish research' by Chris Paton.
• 'Beyond ScotlandsPeople: Breaking Down Brick Walls in Scottish Research' by Alison Spring.

For further details, and to register, please visit https://www.scottishindexes.com/conference.aspx.

Chris 

Order Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors in the UK at https://bit.ly/BelfastAncestors. Also available - Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, on Threads at @scottishgenesblog and via Mastodon at https://mastodon.scot/@ScottishGENES.

FamilySearch's RootsTech 2025 event registration is open

From FamilySearch's RootsTech (https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/):

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (25 September 2024)—RootsTech by FamilySearch is excited to announce that registration for RootsTech 2025 is now open! RootsTech, the premier global family discovery event, will take place from March 6–8, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and online at RootsTech.org. Select content will be available in multiple languages. Register or learn more now at RootsTech.org.

This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering an exciting mix of in-person and online events designed to inspire and educate family history enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you are a seasoned genealogist or just beginning your family discovery journey, RootsTech 2025 has something for everyone. It’s a great place to connect with old friends, make new ones, and expand your social network. RootsTech 2024 attendees made more than 350 million new family connections.

Highlights of RootsTech 2025

• Hundreds of Classes: Choose from a wide variety of online and in-person classes and workshops led by industry experts, covering topics for beginners to advanced research techniques.
• Expo Hall: Explore the latest innovations and products.
• Inspiring Main Stage Sessions: Enjoy presentations from celebrities, influencers, and experts who will share their personal family stories and insights.
• Family Discovery Day: This free event on Saturday, March 8, is filled with fun activities, games, and discovery ideas for the entire family.

Registration Details

• In-Person Conference: Early bird registration is available for just $99 and will increase to $129 on November 1, 2024. Be among the first 1,000 registrants to receive a limited-edition RootsTech pin.
• Online Conference: Receive free access to all virtual sessions and events on RootsTech.org.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with family history enthusiasts from around the world, and discover new ways to explore your family’s story. Register today at RootsTech.org.

What Is RootsTech?

RootsTech is a place to learn, be inspired, and make connections through family history. Hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by other leading genealogy organizations, we have hundreds of classes, tips and tricks videos, and inspiring stories that can help you experience family history like never before. Visit our on-demand learning library, or plan to join us for our next virtual or in-person conference event. RootsTech 2025 offers a wide range of 200+ sessions, exhibitors, and experiences to help attendees discover, remember, and share their stories. 

Register via https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/.

Chris

Order Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors in the UK at https://bit.ly/BelfastAncestors. Also available - Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, on Threads at @scottishgenesblog and via Mastodon at https://mastodon.scot/@ScottishGENES.

Sheriff Court additions to Scottish Indexes, and next conference date

Scottish Indexes (www.scottishindexes.com) has added the following Sheriff Court indexes from the Borders counties to its database, following on from recent releases for Wick and Dumfries over the summer:

Banff Sheriff Court
Jury Trials (NRS Ref SC2/47/2-7, 17) 1835-1857 and 1869

Selkirk Sheriff Court
Summary and Jury Trials (NRS ref SC63/42/1,2) 1832-1850
Summary and Jury Trials (NRS ref SC63/44/1-3) 1813-1860

Peebles Sheriff Court
Jury Trials (NRS ref SC42/26/1,2) 1853-1894
Summary and Jury Trials (NRS ref SC42/23/2,3) 1758-1910

Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court
Summary Trials (NRS ref SC16/51/2-6) 1834-1849

Some of these records have enhanced indexes, also listing witnesses and jurors in cases. The records can be searched in the site's Scotish Criminal Database.

The next Scottish Indexes conference will be held on November 23rd, with the confirmed talks so far including the following:

• 'Housing the Miners' by Kay Williams
• 'Town and Gown – St Andrews University Archive' by Sarah Rodriguez
• ‘Historic Scotland in the archives: Using Historic Environment Scotland Archives to explore historic sites around Scotland’ by Joseph Waterfield
• 'Using the internet & PRONI for Northern Irish research' by Chris Paton
• 'Beyond ScotlandsPeople: Breaking Down Brick Walls in Scottish Research' by Alison Spring

For further details, and to register, please visit https://www.scottishindexes.com/conference.aspx.

(With thanks to Emma and Graham Maxwell)

Chris

Order Tracing Your Belfast Ancestors in the UK at https://bit.ly/BelfastAncestors. Also available - Tracing Your Irish Ancestors Through Land Records, Sharing Your Family History Online, Tracing Your Scottish Family History on the Internet, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records - to purchase, please visit https://bit.ly/ChrisPatonPSbooks. For purchase in tthe USA visit https://www.penandswordbooks.com. Further news published daily on The Scottish GENES Facebook page, on Threads at @scottishgenesblog and via Mastodon at https://mastodon.scot/@ScottishGENES.