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Following the success of a previous study day and evenings we are looking forward to our new evening online event designed to further support those that are on their journey of researching their family history.
Join us for two inspiring evenings of discovery, learning, and lively conversation as we explore the fascinating worlds of Scottish surnames, placenames, and family histories.
Our speakers bring together decades of expertise, storytelling, and scholarship — helping us see how language, geography, and heritage weave together to form the story of Scotland and its people.
Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or simply curious about your roots, this study day promises to be both informative and engaging. Come along, share ideas, and be part of a welcoming community of history enthusiasts.
On both evenings our speakers will be introduced and the Q&A sessions chaired by Colonel GrahamW. Fountain,GWF,MA,BS, Deputy Commissioner of the Clan Campbell Society of North America
On both evenings our speakers will be introduced and the Q&A sessions chaired by Colonel GrahamW. Fountain,GWF,MA,BS, Deputy Commissioner of the Clan Campbell Society of North America
On both evenings our speakers will be introduced, and the Q&A session chaired by
Colonel Graham W. Fountain, MA, BS, a distinguished public servant and historian. A retired County Commissioner, State Law Enforcement Director, and Undersheriff, Colonel Fountain serves as Honorary Commander of the USAF 492nd Special Operations Command and Deputy Commissioner of the Clan Campbell Society of North America. He is also a member of the Argyll Estate Archives International Committee.
Monday 3rd November 18:00 -20:00 GMT
Surnames and Place names in Scotland – Language, Ancestral Ethnicity, DNA and Heraldry
Speaker: Dr Bruce Durie
Dr Bruce Durie is one of Scotland’s most respected genealogists and heraldists, known internationally for his expertise and his passion for uncovering Scotland’s rich ancestral tapestry. Best known for his BBC Radio series “Digging Up Your Roots” and “A House with a Past”, Bruce has also authored over 30 books on genealogy, heraldry, and Scottish history, including the best-selling Scottish Genealogy.
In this talk, Bruce explores Scotland’s cultural mosaic — from Picts and Gaels to Norse settlers and Anglo-Normans — and how each has left its mark on our surnames, placenames, and even our DNA. Expect myth-busting insights, lively discussion, and a generous helping of wit as he takes us on a journey through time to rediscover who we really are — and where we came from.
Obscure Origins of Some Family Names – Not What They Seem
Speaker: Duncan Beaton
In this wonderfully personal and entertaining session, Duncan Beaton invites us to explore the surprising — and sometimes quirky — origins of family names that are not quite what they appear.
Born and raised in Furnace, Duncan’s lifelong connection to local history shines through his storytelling. After nearly 50 years in engineering, his passion for genealogy blossomed into deep research into Argyll families and beyond. A long-time contributor to Clan Campbell Society journals and a dedicated volunteer with the Argyll Archives, Duncan brings warmth, humour, and local knowledge to every story he tells.
Join Duncan as he traces unexpected twists in family histories, shares the lessons learned from decades of research, and reminds us that behind every name lies a tale worth telling.
Monday 10th November 18:00 -20:00 GMT
Interpreting Place-Names in Historical Research
Speaker: Dr Jacob King
We open the second evening with Dr Jacob King, who brings his deep expertise in Gaelic and place-name studies to illuminate how the landscape around us tells its own history. As a researcher at the University of the Highlands and Islands and part of Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba — the body responsible for standardising Gaelic place-names — Jacob works daily at the intersection of language, culture, and geography.
Author of numerous books and articles, including Scottish Gaelic Place-Names: The Collected Works of Charles M. Robertson and The A–Z of Whisky Place-Names, Jacob’s work reveals the stories embedded in our maps and signposts. In this engaging talk, he will show how place-names are vital tools for historical research — offering clues to settlement, landscape, and identity that written records alone can’t provide.
“Where on Earth is That?” – A Guide to Online Map Resources
Speaker: Donald MacDougall
Closing the second evening, Donald MacDougall offers a practical and fascinating exploration of how online map resources can transform historical and genealogical research.
As Assistant Archivist at Argyll Estates Archives in Inveraray Castle, Donald brings firsthand experience in managing one of Scotland’s most significant private archives. With a background in history, politics, and archival studies, he combines academic precision with an approachable teaching style.
In this session, Donald will guide participants through the best digital map tools available — from historical maps to modern GIS databases — and show how to use them to uncover the changing stories of people and places. Whether you’re tracing family roots or researching local history, this session promises to open up new landscapes of discovery.
Tickets 👉 Purchase tickets here
Bookings will close 3 days before the event
📌 Recordings will be available for those unable to attend both evenings.
- £25 – Standard ticket
- £20 – Friends of Argyll Estate Archives
- £20 – Student ticket
(Email judynmuhn@gmail.com for a student code)