Scottish Sikh Heritage Trail

The Scottish Sikh Heritage Trail is an extension of the Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail which was commenced in 2004, and commemorates the unique links between Scots and Sikhs that goes back to the 1700s. Examples of the links between the two nations include the highly respected Maharajah Duleep Singh who took up residence at the Grandtully estate in Perthshire, becoming known locally as the 'Black Prince of Perthshire; and Captain Thomas Rattray, who was chosen to raise a group of military police to control the lower provinces of Bengal, and for whom the 3rd Battalion Sikh Regiment was renamed the Rattray Sikhs, now part of today's modern Indian army.

For more on the story, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7644716.stm and http://www.asht.info/ .

Chris

www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Scotland's Greatest Story
Professional family history research & genealogical problem solving

Robert Burns goes to the loo...

Robert Burns was, and is, many things. To many Scots, the greatest poet the country has ever seen. To the less enlightened (like me), he's a great, iconic image on a shortbread tin. But I doubt the inspiration behind next year's Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebration ever thought he'd be the proud subject of a lavvy seat...!

At the Selkirk Arms, the reputed birthplace of the bard's Selkirk Grace, the owner has taken leave of his senses and immortalised the poet on all the toilet seats within his pub. Whilst some may see that as a fitting tribute, others will undoubtedly be up in arms.

For co-owner Douglas McDavid, the tribute is heartfelt: "We need to tell the world that Burns' memory is alive and well and here in Kirkcudbright." Indeed...

For more, see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/7641907.stm .

Chris

www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Scotland's Greatest Story
Professional family history research & genealogical problem solving

Forthcoming Scottish lectures and events in October

To have an event listed of Scottish genealogical or historical interest, please e-mail me at enquiry@scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk - all listings are free!


Exhibition - Imprentit: 500 Years of the Scottish printed word
National Library of Scotland
Friday 27 June to Sunday 12 October, at George IV Bridge Building, Edinburgh. Monday to Friday: 10.00-20.00. Saturday: 10.00-17.00Sunday: 14.00-17.00. Admission free. No need to book.
Web: www.nls.uk/events/printing-exhibition/index.html


Annual Coffee Morning
Largs and North Ayrshire Family History Society
Sat OCT 4 2008, at 10.00am in the Dunn Memorial Hall, Largs
Web: www.largsnafhs.org.uk/home.htm


Workshop
West Lothian Family History Society
Sat 4 OCT 2008 from 7.00pm to 9.00 pm, West Lothian Library Headquarters, Connolly House, Blackburn
E-mail: honsec@wlfhs.org.uk Web: www.wlfhs.org.uk


Talk by Elizabeth Carmichael, of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow
West Lothian Family History Society
Tue 7 OCT 2008, from 7.00 to 9.00pm, at Blackburn Community Centre
E-mail: honsec@wlfhs.org.uk Web: www.wlfhs.org.uk


Aberfoyle: Studies in Family & Local History using the Census, by Louis Stott
Central Scotland Family History Society
Wed 8 OCT 2008 at 7:30pm, in the Smith Museum and Art Gallery, Dumbarton Road, StirlingWeb: www.csfhs.org.uk


Annual General Meeting
Caithness Family History Society
Wed 8 OCT 2008 at Miller Academy, Thurso – time unknown
E-Mail: sandy.gunn@btinternet.com Web: www.caithnessfhs.org.uk


British & Irish Health Records from the 1800's, by Alastair Tough
Lanarkshire Family History Society
Thur 9 OCT 2008, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm, at the GLO Centre, Muir Street, Motherwell.
E-mail: info@lanarkshirefhs.org.uk or society@lanarkshirefhs.org.uk


Cessnock Castle, by J. McGill
East Ayrshire Family History Society
Thur 9 OCT 2008 at 7.30pm, in the Gateway Centre, Foregate Square, Kilmarnock
E-mail: enquiries@eastayrshirefhs.org.uk Web: www.eastayrshirefhs.org.uk


Sir Thomas Lipton by John Gallacher Largs and North Ayrshire Family History Society (Joint Meeting with Largs Historical Society)
Tue 14 OCT 2008 at 7.30pm, the Dunn Memorial Hall, Largs
Web: www.largsnafhs.org.uk/home.htm


Committee Meeting
West Lothian Family History Society
Tue 14 OCT 2008, at the Community Centre, Blackburn
E-mail: honsec@wlfhs.org.uk Web: www.wlfhs.org.uk


TBA
Lochaber And North Argyll Family History Group
Tue 14 OCT 2008 at 7:30pm, at the church hall of St Andrew’s Episcopal church, Fort William. Admission £1.50 for Members and £2.50 for non-Members
E-mail: landnafhg@fsmail.net
Web: www.lochaberandnorthargyllfamilyhistorygroup.org.uk


Fisher Lassies, by Mrs Sherrard & Cook
Fife Family History Society
Tue 14 OCT 2008 at 7.00pm, in the Methil Community Centre, Bowling Green Street, Methil
E-mail: webadmin@fifefhs.org Web: www.fifefhs.org


The People Who Built the Harbour of Dundee, by Bill Dow
Tay Valley Family History Society
Wed 15 OCT 2008 at 7.15 p.m, at the University of Abertay, Bell Street, Dundee
E-mail: tvfhs@tayvalleyfhs.org.uk Web: www.tayvalleyfhs.org.uk


Paisley Canal, by Tom Lawton
Renfrewshire Family History Society
Thur 16 OCT 2008 at 7.30pm, Paisley Museum
Web: www.renfrewshirefhs.co.uk


Maintaining your family tree using a Computer, by John Weston
Alloway & Southern Ayrshire Family History Society
Thur 16 OCT 2008 at 7.30pm for 7.45pm, Alloway Parish Church Halls, Auld Nick's View, Alloway, KA7 4RT
E-mail: secretary@asafhs.co.uk Web: www.asafhs.co.uk


Scottish Catholic Archives, by Andrew Nicoll
Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society
Sat 18 OCT 2008 at 2:30pm at the Unitarian Church, Aberdeen
E-mail: enquiries@anesfhs.org.uk Web: www.anesfhs.org.uk
Tel: 01224 646323


Appin Celebrities: Marian Pallister (also book signing)
Appin Historical Society
Sat 18 OCT 2008, at 2.30pm, Port Appin Hall
Web: www.appinhistoricalsociety.co.uk


Ancestral Breakthroughs
Anglo Scottish Family History Society
Sat 18 OCT 2008 at 2.00pm in the Society's library at Clayton House, Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AQ
E-mail: office@mlfhs.org.uk Web: www.mlfhs.org.uk


Scottish Interest Group Research Day
New Zealand Society of Genealogists Inc.
Sat 18 OCT 2008, 10.00am to 4.00pm, at the Family Research Centre, 159 Queens Rd, Panmure. Bring your own lunch, tea & coffee are provided.
E-mail: nzsg-contact@genealogy.org.nz Web: www.genealogy.org.nz


John Murray Archive, by David McClay
The Scottish Genealogy Society
Mon 20 OCT 2008 at 7.30pm Augustine Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh
E-mail: sales@scotsgenealogy.com Web: www.scotsgenealogy.com
Tel / Fax: 0131 220 3677


Scottish Emigration to Colonial America 1607 – 1785, by David Dobson
Glasgow & West of Scotland Family History Society
Mon 20 OCT 2008 at 7.30pm, Lecture Theatre No. 1 of the Boyd Orr Building, Glasgow University, University Avenue, Hillhead, Glasgow
Web: www.gwsfhs.org.uk


Who Do You Think You Are, by Hazel Johnston
Troon @ Ayrshire Family History Society
Tue Oct 21 2008 - Venue and time unknown
E-mail: info@troonayrshirefhs.org.uk Web: www.troonayrshirefhs.org.uk


Evening visit to New Register House
West Lothian Family History Society
Tue 21 OCT 2008
E-mail: honsec@wlfhs.org.uk Web: www.wlfhs.org.uk


The Angus Macleod Memorial Lecture – A’ Phairc: Sealladh Phearsanta / Park: a Personal Perspective, by Kristine Kennedy
The Islands Book Trust
Thur 23 OCT 2008, in Gravir, South Lochs, Lewis
www.theislandsbooktrust.com
Tel: John Randall on 01851 880365


Wade’s Road, Dunkeld-Dalnacardoch, by Colin Liddell
North Perthshire Family History Group
Thur 23 OCT 2008 at 7.30 pm in The Tryst Hall, behind the Church, off West Moulin Road, Pitlochry
Web: www.npfhg.org


Lord Crawford’s Armorial, by Alex Maxwell Findlater
The Heraldry Society of Scotland
Sat 25 OCT 2008 - presumed to be held at 25 Craigentinny Crescent, Edinburgh, EH7 6QA. but do confirm with the society
E-mail: c.napier@napier.aol.com.uk or info@heraldry-scotland.co.ukWeb: www.heraldry-scotland.co.uk


Land Records as a research tool, by Gregory Lauder-Frost (and Society Meeting)
Borders Family History Society
Sun 26 OCT 2008 at 2.30 pm in the Corn Exchange & Ormiston Institute, Market Square, Melrose
Web: www.bordersfhs.org.uk


Talk by Margaret Kane, Burns Room Archivist
Renfrewshire Family History Society
Tue 28 OCT 2008 at 7.30pm, Waterfront Leisure Complex Conference Suite, Greenock
Web: www.renfrewshirefhs.co.uk


Rooted in Scotland: explaining ancestral connections, by Cameron Taylor
Highland Family History Society
Thur 30 OCT 2008 at 7.30pm, Netley Centre, Highland Hospice, Bishop’s Road, Inverness, IV3 5SB - admission is free for members, but there is a charge of £2 for non-members. Tea/coffee will be available at the end of each meeting, though a voluntary donation of £1 from members and non-members alike towards the cost of refreshments would be appreciated
E-mail: jdurham@highlandfhs.org.uk Web: www.highlandfhs.org.uk

Women on the platform – seminar on the role of women in the anti-slavery movement
National Library of Scotland
Fri 31 OCT 2008, 9.30am to 3.30pm, includes lunch.
To book a free place, or for more details, phone 0131 623 4675 or email events@nls.uk


Chris

www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Scotland's Greatest Story
Professional family history research & genealogical problem solving

Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life reopens

The Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, has reopened after two years, following a major £10.5 million refit.

Based at the site of a former iron works, there have been many new additions to the museum, including a Discovery Zone for childen and a new mezzanine level with a viewing platform that offers a view to both Coatbridge and the remains of the Summerlee Iron works.

For more information, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7636346.stm

Chris

www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Scotland's Greatest Story
Professional family history research & genealogical problem solving

ScotlandsPeople provides new tool for brick wall research

We all know what it is like - we've gone through all the census entries and BDM certificates we can find, but we can't make the leap beyond one particular ancestor. Frustration turns to panic, we try the internet with no success, we even consider stealing someone else's ancestors, and then, as we realise how that would make us the biggest genealogical loser of all, we let vent with the biggest outpouring of emotion since John Knox decided to once have a wee word to the masses in a kirk in Perth...

Yup, the ancestral brick wall is the genealogist's biggest fear and crisis rolled into one. It can force marriages apart, insane babblings (with some unsightly drooling), and complete loss of self-esteem. One solution is to hire Scotland's Greatest Story to try and help with your dilemma - but there is another...!

Scotland's most thoughtful genealogical service provider has created a new solution - ladies and gentlemen, introducing the ScotlandsPeople chocolate bar!!!




It's brilliant. It tastes really good. It won't in any way actually solve your brick wall problem - but it will make you not care for five minutes!!!

I had absolutely no idea that SP had it's own chocolate bar. I was up in Edinburgh with my wife and boys for Doors Open Day, and I wanted to show them where I do a lot of research. The boys got to draw their own coats of arms in the NAS Historic search room, I caught up with a couple of friends who work in the GROS, had my first look around the new Adam Dome inside the NAS, which has undergone an amazing restoration, and after a trip to the castle and a local weaving museum on the Royal Mile, we all traipsed back to the train. As we sat down, my wife placed the shiniest bar of chocolate I've seen in a while on the table before me. It didn't last long!

So when you are thinking about coming over for Homecoming Scotland next year, or if you are local and stuck on a genealogical problem, the ScotlandsPeople chocolate bar is an absolute must!!!

Brilliant!

Chris

www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Scotland's Greatest Story
Professional family history research & genealogical problem solving

Scots migration to Poland

The Inverness Courier has a story on the appointment of David Worthington, the recently appointed history lecturer with the Inverness-based University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute, in which he discusses the long links between Poland and Scotland.

Thousands of Scots have in the last couple of hundred years made their way to Poland, and in more recent years Polish migrants have established themsleves in the Highland capital. Worthington has studied the migration of Scots to the east, including the Leslie family from Aberdeen which ended up in the service of the Holy Roman Empire, and involved in the assassination of an imperial general who was suspected of treason.

For the full story, visit http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk:80/news/fullstory.php/aid/7414/Long_links_that_join_nations_in_harmony.html

Chris

www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Scotland's Greatest Story
Professional family history research & genealogical problem solving

Rootschat

Another quick plug....!

The Rootschat forum at www.rootschat.com is a wonderful genealogy discussion forum for those doing Scottish research, with individual areas devoted to every single county of Scotland.

The site also has threads where you can practice your Gaelic (Irish and Scottish), as well as your Cornish and Welsh! Other areas deal with English, Welsh, Manx, Channel Islands and Irish history, there's an exhange and mart area for seller and advertisers, an area for those researching their travellers ancestors, and much, much more. It's very user friendly, and completely free to use. (My kind of site!)

Thoroughly recommended.

Chris

www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Scotland's Greatest Story
Professional family history research & genealogical problem solving

Covenanter books

A quick plug for two books from Isabelle McCall MacLean on the theme of the Covenanters.

Isabelle's latest book is The Oath and The Covenant, based on the life of John Whitelaw, the Monkland Martyr. Last year she also published The Scottish Covenanter Genealogical Index 1630-1712, an alphabeticised guide to thousands of Covenanters’ names, referencing books within which Covenanting stories are found in order to make research easier for family historians researching one of Scotland's most fascinating periods.

To find out more on the books, visit www.isabellemmaclean.com

Chris

www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Scotland's Greatest Story
Professional family history research & genealogical problem solving

BBC2 series Celebrations looking for contributors

Blast Films in London has been commissioned to produce a series of four one hour documentaries for a new series entitled "Celebrations". The series will follow a family reunion in each episode, and along the way try to identify what defines the notion of 'family', through a combination of both family history and family present.

Production of the series is already underway, but the team are still keen to hear from people who may be interested in taking part in a family reunion for the series.

For more information on the series, which will be broadcast on BBC2 next year, please call 0207 267 4260, or e-mail celebration@blastfilms.co.uk .

Chris

www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Scotland's Greatest Story
Professional family history research & genealogical problem solving

Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE 2009

The third WDYTYA? Live show is currently being prepared for its run between February 27th and March 1st 2009, at London's Olympia. So here's a sneak preview of what to expect...!

The show will be split into three main categories. First is the Society of Genealogists Family History Show, a platform for family history societies and specialist exhibitors to hold stalls and exhibitions of interest. Secondly, there is the Military History Pavilion, with three main areas comprising of military exhibitors, stands on medals and records and other information, and a new feature, a memorabilia checkpoint, a sort of Antiques Roadshow for military artefacts.

The third and largest area of the show is the Family History section, with many new features this time round. There will be TV Historians, celebrities from the show, various vendors selling family history products and vendors, and then various other activities classed under 'Features'. These include a new Culture and Heritage section (ancestral toruism, heritage travel theatre etc), a new Regional Pavilion dealing with subjects from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Internationally, a new DNA Lab, a new Photo Lab, and all the other usual events you would expect at WDYTYA, including the SoG's workshops, experts areas etc.

Sponsored by Ancestry, it's going to be an another impressive line-up. For more information, visit www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.co.uk .

Chris

www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Scotland's Greatest Story
Professional family history research & genealogical problem solving