Our research process starts by determining how best to help you achieve your genealogy aims. With an agreed research plan you are always in control of the budget and can be sure you won't incur unexpected costs.

Scottish Kin charges at a flat rate of £28 per hour (or pro rata) for all research and writing up of reports with an initial minimum of one hour. 

For individual genealogy research we ask for phased payments based on the research plan, with a deposit to cover at least the first day’s research. 

For Family History and House History reports we ask for payment in advance based on our quote. As a guide, a standard Family History report would normally cost around £250. As every family is unique, so is every investigation and we cannot predict exactly what the outcome will be. Certain circumstances may bring our investigation to a premature end. An example of this would be when there is no confirmed father of a direct ancestor. In this case we will contact you to discuss the options available.

Scottish Kin’s hourly research rate includes the cost of entry to archives and travel within 15 miles of our base (which includes central Edinburgh). Copies of certificates and documents will only be purchased with your written agreement. The current cost for printing copies at the Scotlands People Centre in New Register House is 25p per record. We are happy to obtain copies on your behalf if requested at the time of order. This cost will be additional to the price shown in your research plan.

Payment can be made by bank transfer, or by credit or debit card via PayPal.

We understand that it can be difficult to choose a professional genealogist. Put simply, we want an honest and fair relationship with our clients and ask for the same approach from you.

All Scottish Kin research is undertaken in line with the Association of Professional Genealogists professional and ethical guidelines. We are also registered with the Information Commissioner as a data controller in accordance with the UK Data Protection Act 1998, giving you confidence that your personal data will be handled in a responsible and legal manner.

Scottish Kin provides genealogical and family history research services. These involve our expertise and time to identify the information requested in line with the research proposal. 

We will use our professional judgment to carry out the research in the most productive manner to achieve your goals. We don’t wish to duplicate work already performed, but there may be some necessary checking of information supplied by you if it seems that earlier research is incomplete or incorrect, or conclusions unjustified. 

No research information will be released to the client, electronically or by post, until payment has been made and has cleared in the banking system. Research work will begin a minimum of 7 days and a maximum of 30 days after your contract order is received by Scottish Kin, unless agreed otherwise. We will agree timescales with you at the time of order, depending on the nature of the research you have requested.

This is a summary of Scottish Kin's key terms & conditions: full details are in our contract provided to each client as part of our consultation process.