Academic Background
Background
My career in education began in 1973 and spanned almost 40 full-time years. I retired in 2011 from my post as Head Teacher at Wester Hailes Education Centre.
I have taught adult classes in the city of Edinburgh and at Strathclyde University in Glasgow but my main professional activity is now genealogical research. Based on my genealogical research, I have recently written a book, Scottish Bastards, examining illegitimacy as a social and cultural phenomenon and exploring the lives of illegitimate Scots through history.
Genealogy
I have been an active genealogical researcher for thirty years. I hold the University of Strathclyde’s MSc in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies and am a full member of the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives. If you would like more info on courses or are interested in my carrying out research on your behalf, please visit my genealogy page or get in touch.
Personal and Family Life
Linlithgow was my family home for many years but I have recently moved to Winchburgh. As well as genealogy, education, Scottish culture, and politics, I am an active runner, a former-secretary of my local athletic club, and I retain a partisan interest in Brechin City FC.