“It was a privilege to be in this class, and to have Paul Milner as the instructor. Paul’s knowledge is vast, and he gives so freely of his time answering questions and sharing
examples of how we can be better researchers. My head is full, but Paul provided our class with a detailed syllabus so that further review is always at our fingertips. This is one of my very favorite institute classes that I have taken.”

“The course was beyond my expectations. I feel like I learned a lot all week, and now also have a lot of resources to check out and a better understanding of how to research in Scotland. It was a great course!!!”

“I was quite surprised how well the remote sessions worked. It provided flexibility in going through the material. Yet – the amount of time with the instructor each day was more than I expected. Very well done.”

“I was unsure of how I would like the asynchronous format, but it was WONDERFUL!! It felt like we had way MORE time to ask question and interact with the instructor and the other students.”

“I have the utmost respect and highest recommendation for this instructor. Generous with knowledge, experience, feedback, time and more. Felt engaged with, acknowledged, challenged and encouraged before, during and after each session. Not an easy feat, to say the least. I feel very equipped, and my high expectations for the instructor and course, including syllabus. presentations, discussions were well exceeded.”

Scottish Research: The Fundamentals and Beyond

• Registration begins November 22, 2025
• Registration ends on June 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern
• Classes begin Monday, July 27 and end Friday, July 31, 2026
• Cancellation Deadline: July 4, 2026
• Tuition: $545. Georgia Genealogical Society (GGS) members receive $50 discount.

About the Course

• Maximum: 40 students
• Virtual classrooms using Zoom
• Lectures will be pre-recorded and available 2 weeks prior to the course, students will be expected to have watched before the discussion
• Pre-recorded lectures and all zoom discussions will be available to view for one month after the end of the course.
• All courses come with a digital syllabus
• Students will receive a digital certificate upon course completion

Course Faculty

Paul Milner, MDiv, FUGA, Course Coordinator

Description

This Scottish course caters to both those just starting their Scottish research and more experienced researchers. All the foundational records will be explained but expanded upon using case studies for all researchers to be able to get the most out of the records. An extensive syllabus will provide details on the records, the laws that created them, and finding aids, online and published. Extensive bibliographic references will provide guidance for those who want to dig deeper into any particular topic.

Prerequisites, textbooks, and other student information

Course prerequisites:

Prior to the class participants will be expected to read a history of Scotland, your choice. This will form the historical framework to which the genealogical records will be attached.

Required books:

Wilkinson, Kirsty F. Finding Your Scottish Ancestors: Techniques for Solving Genealogy Problems. 2020.

2026 Course Schedule (All times listed are Eastern Time)

All presentations will be prerecorded and made available for viewing beginning two weeks prior to the Institute. Students will be expected to watch the recordings, on their own schedule, prior to the Institute. During the Institute there will be two daily zoom discussion groups, and homework will be set. All recordings, including the zoom discussions, will be available to rewatch for a month following the Institute.