Genealogy
by mygaelic.com
- BeurlaEnglish
- Gàidhlig ShìmplidhSimple Gaelic
- GàidhligGaelic
We have all asked ourselves at one time or another: who am I? where do I come from? It is only natural to want to know who we are and where our roots are. Some of us are lucky enough to have someone in the family who can tell us about our ancestors, perhaps as far back as our great grandparents, or perhaps a lot further back. You might have a family member who has researched the family tree and you are fortunate to know exactly who you are.
If you are of Gaelic stock, then you may have a relative who can trace your family back using patronymics, or by telling you your sloinneadh. This system of naming (sloinntearachd) in Gaelic culture still exists today in some island communities, where people are known by their paternal ancestors going back usually two or three generations. So the plain Donald MacDonald becomes Dòmhnall Sheonaidh Dhòmhnaill ‘ic Ruaraidh Bhàin, or Donald, son of Johnny, grandson of Donald, great grandson of Fair Rory. This is living oral genealogy, and some people are able to boast a sloinneadh going back to Culloden!
Most of us have a story or two about our ancestors: someone who came from France maybe, or who fought with the King at a famous battle, or who emigrated to Canada hundreds of years ago, or one of the millions of other stories that make people who they are. More often than not the stories remain just that, we don’t have any proof other than the tale itself. This is where genealogy can help us find ourselves through our past, and today it is easier than ever to find out who you are through a range of resources and experts. You may well be from a Gaelic family, you may even be related to one of the famous clan chiefs!
There are plenty online services now where you can research your ancestors, and the Highlands and Islands boasts numerous facilities and experts who can help you to research your Gaelic ancestors. You may have Gaels and Gaelic in your blood, why not discover the Gaelic in you?
Rowan Tree Consulting - Company offering a genealogy fact-finding holiday.
Ar Turas - Research company based in Inverness
Genealogy Links - Research tool
Highland Council - Family History
Scots Genealogy - The Scottish Genealogy Society
Your Scottish Kin - A research company
Bill Lawson Publications - Looking at Genealogy in the Western Isles
Roots Hebrides - Website with information on genealogy in the Western Isles
Tracing your Scottish Ancestry - The Gazetteer for Scotland
Seallam Visitor Centre - Genealogy Research Centre for the Western Isles
Scotland’s People - An official government resource
Coll Genealogy - Isle of Coll Genealogy
