Alex Wood Genealogy

14/04/2026

I've newly completed some work for an American client, seeking to identify her Scottish ancestors prior to visiting Scotland. She wrote to me: "Your services are so greatly appreciated. At this point we have achieved exactly what I was hoping for, but as I read through the information you discovered, it has certainly piqued my interest.
I’m grateful and impressed with your ability to dig and find information that was beyond my scope! Thanks again!"
Happy to research YOUR Scottish ancestors!
My book remains available from local bookshops, Amazon and from the publishers, Luath:

Explore the complex legacy of illegitimacy in Scotland from the 18th to 20th century. Alex Wood's groundbreaking book reveals its cultural and historical impact

26/03/2026

My recently published book, Scottish Bastards, Perceptions of Illegitimacy in Scotland has received very positive responses. Delighted if friends share this.

'Really well researched and beautifully written.' [Robin Banks]

'The book takes a broad historical view of changing perceptions of illegitimacy in Scotland, examines the punitive role of the Kirk, explores the lives of several famous illegitimate Scots (including Keir Hardie, Ramsay MacDonald and George Douglas Brown) and considers a series of case studies of women who have borne illegitimate children.' [Glasgow & Southwest Scotland Family History Society]

'Scottish Bastards: Illegitimacy in Scotland by Alex Wood delves into a fascinating yet often overlooked aspect of Scottish history. This groundbreaking book explores the complex tapestry of illegitimacy woven into the fabric of Scottish life, sparking debate and discussion across generations. [Typewronger Books]

'One of the strengths of this book is that it provides an accessible overview of and introduction to a challenging topic, and a concept, which although now mercifully historic, was ‘crucial to Scottish ethics and norms for centuries.’ Another is the adept genealogical research contained within its various case studies, which track cases of illegitimacy across the social landscape of 19th and early 20th century Scotland.' [Charlie Lynch, Bella Caledonia]

If you're interested in purchasing a copy it should be available in your local bookshop or from the publishers, Luath:

Explore the complex legacy of illegitimacy in Scotland from the 18th to 20th century. Alex Wood's groundbreaking book reveals its cultural and historical impact

13/12/2025

Looking for a special Christmas present? My book, Scottish Bastards, Perspectives on Illegitimacy, my be exactly what someoeone special mya love. Get it from Luatch press:

Explore the complex legacy of illegitimacy in Scotland from the 18th to 20th century. Alex Wood's groundbreaking book reveals its cultural and historical impact

04/12/2025

https://luath.co.uk/products/scottish-bastards
My book can be ordered from any bookshop or get it direct from the publishers at this link. Or get it from Waterstones or Amazon.

Explore the complex legacy of illegitimacy in Scotland from the 18th to 20th century. Alex Wood's groundbreaking book reveals its cultural and historical impact

10/11/2025

The Edinburgh launch of my book, SCOTTISH BASTARDS, Perceptions of Illegitimacy in Scotland, will take place in the Scottish Genealogy Society premises, 15 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, at 6:00 pm on Thursday 20 November. There will be copies for sale. Look forward to seeing you there.

04/11/2025

My book, SCOTTISH BASTARDS, a historical view of illegitimacy, in Scotland will be launched at Far From The Madding Crowd bookshop, High Street, Linlithgow, at 6:30 pm on Wednesday 5 November. See: https://www.maddingcrowdlinlithgow.com/collections/event-tickets/products/book-launch-with-alex-wood-scottish-b-stards-wednesday-5th-november
The Edinburgh launch will be in the Scottish Genealogy Society rooms, 15 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, on Thursday 20 November at 6:00 pm. Hope to see lots of you at one or other of the launch events!

BOOK LAUNCH: ALEX WOOD WEDNESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER, 6.30PM FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD BOOKSHOP Local legend Alex Wood has a brand new book out, a history of illegitimacy in Scotland spanning the 18th-20th century and examining how changing views on the subject have affected our society. Alex will be join...

22/10/2025

My book, Scottish Bastards, will be published and on the bookshop shelves by the end of October. There will be a launch event in the FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD bookshop, High Street, Linlithgow at 6:30 pm on Wednesday 5 November: see below.
https://www.maddingcrowdlinlithgow.com/products/book-launch-with-alex-wood-scottish-b-stards-wednesday-5th-november
There will be a further launch event later in November in Edinburgh.

BOOK LAUNCH: ALEX WOOD WEDNESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER, 6.30PM FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD BOOKSHOP Local legend Alex Wood has a brand new book out, a history of illegitimacy in Scotland spanning the 18th-20th century and examining how changing views on the subject have affected our society. Alex will be join...

06/10/2025

My book, SCOTTISH BASTARDS, Exploring the lives of Scotland’s illegitimate children through history, is about to be published by Luath.
The book examines a subject which has intrigued me throughout my life and starts with my grandmother whose character was shaped by her illegitimacy. The book uncovers the often-overlooked stories of Scotland’s illegitimate children, including Keir Hardie, Ramsay MacDonald, Sir George McCrae and George Douglas Brown, and provides illuminating case-studies of many more individuals.
Order it from your local bookshop.

23/07/2025

May 2025 was the 80th anniversary of VE day. I made a presentation on the lifes and deaths of the war dead of my new home, Winchburgh. I'd be delighted to hear from anyone who can provide me with more information on any of these men: https://alexwood.org.uk/2025/07/23/2745/

12/06/2025

New programme on ITV tonight on DNA Journey. A great insight into new developments in family history. If you want to discover your ancestors and have a narrative of their lives,check out my web-site:

As well as being fortunate enough to teach genealogy, I am also a regular contributor to genealogy magazines and publications which I often upload here.

19/11/2024

Looking for a VERY special Christmas gift for a friend or family member? I can produce a family history, with dates, places, charts and narrative, back to the 1850s, for £250…but there are only 5 weeks left. Contact me soon!

01/11/2024

Anyone been watching the BBC programme DNA FAMILY SECRETS? It centres on the fascinating capacity of modern DNA databases to trace relatives. I've recently had a client asked me to research living relatives of a family of which she believes her grandfather was a member and I've succeeded in identifying a couple of living members with whom, hopefully, she can compare DNA samples. As well as tracing your ancestors I'm always happy to seek to trace living relatives.

Stacey Dooley helps people find answers to life-changing questions using the power of DNA.