Who I Am

My name is Helen Pressland, and I am a professional genealogist who was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland.  I now live in Portobello (Edinburgh’s seaside) and have three grown up children and a dog.  I have worked as a copy editor, and social care worker with young people. My 20 years of studying my own family history led me to my career as a professional genealogist.

My interest in family history was sparked many years ago when I discovered a Victorian album containing musty old photographs of long dead relatives. Some years later I studied History at University, and from that developed a keen interest in social history, which over time developed into a real passion for family history research. I studied my own roots for 20 years researching various branches of my own ancestry which led to a rich and thorough family tree. Over time friends asked for help with their own family history profiles, and as I unravelled mysteries for them and enjoyed their journeys as much as my own, I knew this was the job for me! There is nothing more exciting than uncovering the lives of our ancestors, exploring their family dynamics, locations, occupations, and military achievements, making discoveries, removing and solving mysteries and so much more.

Earlier this year I graduated from the University of Strathclyde with the Post-Graduate Certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographical and Heraldic Studies. The past two years of studying intensively with experts in all fields of family history have enhanced my skills which I now apply to my work with my clients.

I am a probationary member of the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (ASGRA) and adhere to their professional standards and Code of Practice.

I do voluntary work for Scottish Indexes and have been involved in indexing prison records for their website.

Guiding Principles

• To uncover, restore and acknowledge the lives of your ancestors

• To place your ancestors within a local, social and historical context

• To provide a service that is both personable and ethical

Mission Statement

To research the lives of your ancestors and put the flesh back on their bones.