Kith & Kin: Looking Back, Moving Forward
Originally published 28 December 2025
As we approach the end of 2025 and anticipate the beginning of 2026, I have been reviewing our initial 6 months at Kith & Kin and had a wee look forward to what 2026 has in store.
Towards the end of June 2025, we successfully launched our website and have spent many hours developing and updating it. Still a long way to go but it is taking some shape now.
We established our genealogy service, providing support to numerous clients exploring their family histories.
Our online store was launched and has since fulfilled orders across the UK as well as to customers in the USA.
Since June, we have published over 20 blog posts on both our website and Facebook page.
The Kinship Calendar was introduced and maintained, featuring a variety of significant Scottish historical events. The idea was to create a one stop shop for users to go to see what events are happening in Scotland or online. It is still in development, but I think it will become a useful resource for our followers.
On Facebook, we have developed a growing international community with almost 3.5K followers. Sincere appreciation is extended to all members of this community.
Our commitment to volunteer work has continued through research work for Comann Eachdraidh Sgìre a’ Bhac (Back Historical Society) on the Isle of Lewis, alongside new volunteering efforts with Lanarkshire Family History Society in Motherwell.
While I am proud of our achievements to date, there are considerable plans ahead for Kith & Kin. Looking forward to 2026, several enhancements are being immediately implemented.
Notably, the initial stage of our genealogy service will be provided at no cost; clients will receive a complimentary pedigree chart, a family history document detailing our findings, and a recommended plan for further research. To start your own journey for free click on the link on the left.
Additionally, our hourly research rate will be reduced from £30 to £25, with an even greater saving available when purchasing three hours at £20 per hour. These changes align with our ongoing mission to make Scottish family history and broader historical research more accessible.
We have many other initiatives in plan, and I really look forward to sharing those with you as 2026 progresses.
Thank you for your support throughout 2025. I look forward to continued progress and engagement within the Kith & Kin community in 2026.
Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year.
Best wishes
Ian