How It All Began

My journey into genealogy began decades ago, long before online records and DNA tests made family history easily accessible. After immigrating to Canada from Scotland in the mid-1980s, I was often asked about my heritage. My answer was always simple: “I’m Scottish — and so were all my ancestors!”

The truth, however, was that I knew very little about the people and places that shaped my family story. Curiosity quickly took over, and I began searching for answers.

My late Aunty Joyce — my dad’s sister — became my greatest inspiration. She shared a handwritten family tree along with generations of stories that had been passed down through the family, including the tale that we were connected to the infamous Rob Roy McGregor. I was immediately hooked.

At the same time, my mum quietly warned me to be careful about digging too deeply because “you never know what skeletons you might find in the closet.” Years later, that warning would inspire the name of my genealogy business.

What started as a hobby soon became a lifelong passion. Over the years I spent countless hours researching records, chasing clues, and disappearing down genealogical rabbit holes — often with far more enthusiasm than organization! Eventually, I decided it was time to learn how to research properly and professionally.

In 2020, I enrolled with the International Institute of Genealogical Studies and began working toward the Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies, specializing initially in Scottish records and later expanding into Canadian research. This extensive program includes 40 courses, and I am now nearing completion.

Fittingly, part of my education was funded using money left to me by Aunty Joyce, the very person who sparked my love of family history. It felt like the perfect way to honour her memory.

Today, Skeletons in the Closet was created to help others begin their own family history journey in a more organized, structured, and confident way than I did all those years ago. My goal is to guide people through the early stages of genealogy research, helping them understand records, stay organized, and build a strong foundation for discovering their family stories — one branch at a time.

And yes… sometimes you really do uncover a few skeletons along the way.

A Little More About My Learning Journey

When I first began researching my family history, I was simply following my curiosity. Like many family historians, I learned through trial and error, countless hours of research, and more than a few trips down unexpected rabbit holes.

As my passion for genealogy grew, I decided to deepen my knowledge through formal study. Since 2020, I have been working toward the Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies through the International Institute of Genealogical Studies.

Along the way, I have completed certificates in Scottish Records Basic Level (with Distinction) and Canadian Records Basic Level, and I am currently nearing completion of the Canadian Records Intermediate Level.

What has been most valuable about this education is not simply learning where records are found, but learning how to evaluate evidence, organize research, solve problems, and build reliable conclusions. I have also continued my studies through courses and programs offered by the University of Strathclyde, Pharos Tutors, and the Guild of One-Name Studies.

One thing I have learned is that you don't need formal genealogy education to enjoy researching your family history. Many people do wonderful research on their own. My studies have simply helped me develop the skills and confidence to guide others, avoid common pitfalls, and make the research process a little less overwhelming for those just getting started.

After all, helping others discover their family stories is what Skeletons in the Closet is all about.