Searching for Scottish Roots - Tips for Scottish Genealogy Searches

Searching for Scottish Ancestors

How Should You Approach Relatives

When you sit down to discuss this with relatives the first rule is to you should phrase it in the way they are use to thinking of a person. For example, if you are asking your grandmother about your greatgreat grandmother you would say, "Around when did your Grandmother die?" It is usually easier for people to remember events like "end of WWII" than an exact date.

You should ask the relative whether they mind you tape recording your discussion as it more accurate than taking notes and you can go over it later. If they are uncomfortable with the tape then take notes. Which ever you do make a point of recording as much information as possible, including the details which seem unimportant at the time. They might turn out to be valuable at a later point.

Be polite and try to evaluate as you go if they are tiring or have other things they need to do. Let them know you are genuinely interested in family history and in THEM. It always help to begin with chatting about their environment or pets to break the ice.

Some of the information above came from My Ain Folk.

Another helpful page in your search may be our list of books found in Looking for Scottish Surnames.

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