ASGRA - FAQ
Q. Why should I
choose an ASGRA researcher?
A. ASGRA is the
only association of accredited professional genealogists in Scotland and our
members have all undergone tests proving their proficiency in genealogical and
historical research. Our members adhere to a strict code of practice and
you can thus be assured of professional, experienced and efficient assistance
with your research.
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Q. Is ASGRA linked
to any other genealogical associations?
A. Yes, ASGRA is
in partnership with its counterpart in England and Wales, the Association of
Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA). Many of our members also have valuable
individual connections with other local and family history societies and ASGRA
itself is a member of the Scottish Association of Family History Societies
(SAFHS). We work closely with these
organisations to ensure that we provide our clients with the best possible
service.
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Q. What sort of
sources can a professional researcher access that I cannot view online?
A. The list is
almost endless! Although many records of
births, deaths and marriages are now available online (e.g. the Statutory
Records and the Old Parish Registers (OPRs)), there are a wide range of other
sources that can prove extremely valuable for your research and which are only
accessible here in the Scottish archives.
Among these some good examples are other church records – in particular
perhaps the records of some of the other Presbyterian churches in Scotland.* It
can sometimes also be worth consulting sources like Sasines (land owning
records), university records, local estate papers (including rental and tenancy
papers), wills and testaments, and court records (which can include almost
anything - from court cases about debts to marriage contracts and deeds of
apprenticeship). Searches of these types
of records could reveal more detail about your ancestors and can help you to
find out more about the lives they led.
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Q. How far back can the researcher be
expected to go with my family history?
A.
Every family research project is different and much depends upon how much
information you already have, and exactly what it is that you want to find out
from the research. Our members will be
able to advise you on the best way to proceed, but it is often a good idea
initially to think about your own priorities for the research – e.g. are you
interested in a particular person or line of the family, or do you want a broad
initial survey undertaken. The progress
backwards in time depends entirely on the availability of source material and
it is impossible to predict with complete accuracy in advance how far the
research will take you – but that, of course, is part of the joy of discovery!
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Q. What could
commissioning research into my family history cost me?
A. This will vary
on a case by case basis and depends entirely upon the type of work that is
being commissioned. Our members will be
able to advise you in more detail about their own fees and charges but, as a
general guide, prices will start from a minimum of £22 per hour.
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Q. What Methods of
Payment does ASGRA use?
A. As an
association ASGRA does not proscribe set methods of payment and this is
something that should be agreed in advance between each individual client and
researcher.
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* Secession
Churches were still Presbyterian but were formed by congregations breaking away
from the Established Church during the 18th century, culminating in
the largest split in 1843 when the Free Church of Scotland came into
being. It can also often be worth
consulting the records of other Dissenting Churches or those from Independent
Churches, many of which date from the 18th century.