About Me : Lorna Kinnaird
Providing primary source evidence that links clients’ ancestors to the past is my passion. I enjoy providing a research service to my clients worldwide. Residing in Edinburgh allows me to utilise the major primary resources within the National Records of Scotland; the National Library of Scotland and City Archives including other depositories throughout Scotland.
I started my own family research in 1986 with my late Dad Robert T Muat, and have seen many changes both in the availability of records and the methods of research applied. Being part of ASGRA (Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives) and the RQG (The Register of Qualified Genealogists) and the SGN (Scottish Genealogy Network) allows me to attend CPD training, visit archives and research hubs across Scotland and to continue to improve my knowledge. I don’t see brick walls as obstacles, rather as opportunities to apply my skills.
A family tree should stand proud and tall, a testament to the different branches it holds. Scotland holds a tremendous amount of vital and social history in its many depositories, and it is through accessing this information that clients can be assured of a first-class service where the archives are searched for all suitable sources. Trees can grow anywhere, but it needs strong foundations from which the branches can grow and bear fruit. Leaving a complete family archive to descendants is a rewarding gift.
My Qualifications:
- An accredited Member of ASGRA (Association of Scottish Genealogists & Researchers in Archives)
- Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (FSAScot)
- A member of the Register of Qualified Genealogists (QG)
- Holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Palaeographic, Heraldic & Genealogical Studies with Strathclyde University
- Holds a Higher Certificate in Heraldic & Genealogical Studies with the Institute of Heraldic & Genealogical Studies in Canterbury (Kent)
- Currently working on the Licentiateship of the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (L.H.G.)
Teaching/Tutor:
- Tutor with IHGS (Institute of Heraldic & Genealogical Studies) Canterbury (Kent)
- Tutor for ERCL (East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure) Giffnock Library (workshops in genealogy and house histories)
- Speaker on many aspects of Scottish genealogy or historical sources
My Interests:
- Aberlady One Place Study
- The Caledonian Asylum Petition Applications Project
- Scottish Heraldry
- Scottish Militia records and the Scottish Diaspora
- The Border Reivers and the Jacobite Uprisings
- Muat One Name Study and Muat DNA Project
- Chairman of the Lothians Family History Society
- Member of the Irish Genealogical Research Society
- Member of the Scottish Genealogy Society
- Member of the Scottish Genealogy Network
My Approach:
I am a traditional genealogist, aiming principally to find the primary source of any evidence that puts clients’ ancestors at a particular place and time and in context to their environment. There is something remarkable about finding and touching a piece of history with an ancestor’s name or signature on it! I offer an individual and personal service to each client. I work with other professionals with AGI (Accredited Genealogists Ireland), AGRA (Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives, England) and in other countries. I follow a methodical approach to research by carefully following your instructions. I run a busy service to clients and always have a waiting list. As my late Dad always said, if something was worth doing it was worth doing right – and concluding the research with a report can often take longer as I like to produce the best report I can to clients.
Note:
I make no guarantees that the information you seek will be found, as some record sources simply do not exist, and I advise accordingly to the best of my knowledge. If sources are found they will always be included within the final report.
How can I help?
“Get in touch with your enquiry and I'll explain what I can do for you.”
Lorna Kinnaird
