Where It All Began
Meet Chris Halliday – The Scottish Genealogist
Chris began his research career at New Register House in Edinburgh, back in the days before digital access. Just a pencil and paper, and 6.5 km of shelving filled with 400,000 registers of births, marriages, and deaths since 1855… and still growing.
Career Highlights
• TV researcher on Who Do You Think You Are? (USA and BBC Scotland)
• Family History Leader at the Highland Archive Centre, Inverness
• Accredited member of the Association of Scottish Genealogists & Researchers in Archives (ASGRA)
• Speaker at genealogy conferences and contributor to Family Tree Magazine
• Member of the Scottish Genealogy Society
Chris has also traced the roots of his own Highland and Dumfriesshire ancestors – so he knows just how personal this journey can be.
Whether it’s discovering long-lost branches, interpreting the stories hidden in the records, or illustrating the past for modern families, Chris brings empathy, expertise, and excitement to every project.
If you’re ready to explore your Scottish lineage, Chris is here to help you find your ancestors’ place in history.
Highland Archive Centre, Inverness
“This is my country
The land that begat me
These windy spaces
Are surely my own.
And those who toil here
In the sweat of their faces
Are flesh of my flesh
And bone of my bone
”
With decades of experience under his belt, Chris Halliday has mastered the art of uncovering Scottish family histories and bringing ancestry to life. His passion for genealogy began in school and has only grown stronger – fuelled by a deep love for Scotland’s people, places, and past.
Chris holds an MSc in Scottish Family History and an MA (Hons) in Scottish Cultural Studies, and is a recognised expert in navigating Scotland’s vast archives. His journey began the traditional way – at New Register House in Edinburgh, long before online access. Just pencil and paper, 6.5 km of shelving, and half a million records – including 400,000 registers of births, marriages and deaths dating back to 1855 (and still growing).
Let’s Discover Your Scottish Roots
Whether you’re just starting or stuck on a stubborn branch of your family tree, Chris is here to guide you. Get in touch to begin your journey through Scotland’s rich genealogical past.
What Drives Chris
Chris believes every family story matters. He has a gift for uncovering forgotten chapters and bringing the past to life – helping people connect not just to names and dates, but to the stories and struggles of those who came before them.
