Small reunion - c1997, Marsboro, Quebec
(L-R) Leodhas Macleod, Evelyn (nee Macleod) & Raymond Smith, Kay (nee Macleod) Young, Angus and Mary Morrison and Duncan Mcleod
About me
Since 1994, genealogy has been a central part of my life. At age 20, I had the life-changing opportunity to connect with my second cousin, Evelyn (MacLeod) Smith, then in her 70s. Evelyn was the long-time record keeper for the Lewis community in the Eastern Townships of Quebec (ETQ), and it was through her guidance that I began my own journey.
She gave me my first genealogy software—Ancestral Quest—on floppy disks, along with her personal database of over 27,000 names. This detailed archive documented the 500 families who emigrated from the Isle of Lewis to settle in the ETQ. Long before Google and digital tools, Evelyn had built it through years of manually transcribing church records, cemetery listings, and family trees mailed from around the world.
What makes this database unique is its exclusive focus on Isle of Lewis ancestry. Every entry is verified—if a family can’t be traced back to Lewis, it isn’t included. About 90% of the families have lineages stretching back 3 to 4 generations, while the rest are families who briefly lived in the ETQ before moving on.
Today, that once-small archive has grown into a living database of over 154,000 individuals—all connected by Lewis bloodlines. It remains a deeply personal project and a lasting tribute to our shared Hebridean heritage.
FAQ
Over the past 30 years, I’ve been asked countless questions about all things related to the Isle of Lewis. Here are some of the most common—but there are many more! If you have a unique question, feel free to reach out.
🧬 DNA FAQ – Ancestry, MyHeritage & 23andMe Users
1. Do I need to give you my login details to Ancestry or MyHeritage? No. You can invite us as a guest viewer or collaborator on your DNA test without sharing your login. We’ll guide you through how to safely do that—your account stays private. 2. I tested with 23andMe—how can you help if they don’t allow guest access? 23andMe doesn’t allow viewer sharing, so login access is needed. However, we strongly recommend downloading your raw DNA file and uploading it to MyHeritage and GEDmatch, both of which are free and offer better tools for genealogical matching. 3. How do I download my raw DNA file? We’ll provide step-by-step instructions for Ancestry, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. It’s a quick process, and once downloaded, you can send the file to us securely or upload it yourself to GEDmatch and MyHeritage. 4. What is GEDmatch, and why should I use it? GEDmatch is a free third-party DNA tool that allows you to compare your DNA with users from all platforms (Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, etc.). It’s especially helpful for breaking down brick walls and confirming Lewis-related clusters. 5. Will my DNA data be kept private? Yes. We treat all data with strict confidentiality. Your information is used only for genealogical analysis and never shared or published without your consent. 6. Do I need a subscription to use MyHeritage or GEDmatch after uploading? No. You can upload your raw DNA for free to both platforms. While MyHeritage has a paid tier, we can analyze your matches with our own subscription if you share guest access or screenshots. 7. Can you work with screenshots if I don’t want to give access? Yes. If you prefer not to give guest access, you can send screenshots of your match list, trees, or shared matches, and we’ll use that as the basis of our analysis. 8. Can you combine my DNA data from different sites? Yes. We specialize in cross-platform DNA research. We can match your results across Ancestry, GEDmatch, MyHeritage, and even integrate them with our private Lewis surname and township databases. 9. Will uploading my DNA to other sites affect my privacy? No. Platforms like MyHeritage and GEDmatch allow you to control privacy settings and opt out of public matching. We’ll help you upload safely and keep your identity protected. 10. Why do you recommend uploading to more than one site? Each platform has a different user base. Uploading to MyHeritage or GEDmatch increases your chances of finding key matches—especially if your Lewis ancestor’s descendants tested elsewhere.
Genealogy + DNA FAQ
1. I’ve taken a DNA test—now what? Taking a test is just the first step. We help interpret your matches, identify shared ancestors, and connect your DNA results to specific Lewis families, crofts, and townships using our verified database and cluster-matching methods. 2. What kind of DNA tests do you work with? We work with autosomal DNA (AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, 23andMe), Y-DNA (paternal line), and mtDNA (maternal line). We especially focus on Y-DNA for surname tracking and clan research within the Isle of Lewis. 3. Can you help with unknown parentage or adoption? Yes. We welcome adoptees and those with unknown or unclear parentage. Our Deep Dive service specializes in mystery match identification using DNA clusters, shared matches, and known family networks in Lewis and the diaspora. 4. What is a “DNA cluster” or “surname cluster”? Clusters are groups of DNA matches who share a common ancestor or surname. We analyze these clusters in context—using Lewis records, census data, and family trees—to help pinpoint origins or break down brick walls. 5. Do I need to know my ancestral village in Lewis to start? No. Many clients only know they have "Lewis" ancestry. Using a combination of DNA matches, family records, cemetery links, and naming patterns, we can usually narrow it down to a township, family group, or croft. 6. I don’t have any close matches—can you still help? Yes. Even distant matches can reveal patterns. We look at recurring surnames, shared matches with known Lewis lines, and location-based clusters to build a hypothesis. Adding tests from siblings or cousins can also help. 7. What is Y-DNA, and how does it help Lewis research? Y-DNA follows the direct male line and is especially useful for surname and clan research. We use it to confirm or disprove lineages, identify ancient clan branches, and map migrations from Lewis to Canada and beyond. 8. What is the LastHighlander DNA Fund? It’s a community-supported fund that helps clients offset the cost of advanced DNA testing (especially Y-DNA upgrades). A portion of every store sale goes toward supporting individuals solving deep family mysteries. 9. Do you work with people outside Canada or Scotland? Yes. Many of our clients are in the USA, Australia, or New Zealand—descendants of emigrants from Lewis. We specialize in linking diaspora families back to their ancestral townships and original settlers. 10. How accurate is your DNA-based research? We combine DNA evidence with verified historical records, naming patterns, and local knowledge. While DNA offers probabilities, our analysis is always backed by traditional genealogy, creating a well-rounded and trusted result.
Publishing FAQ – Preserve & Share Your Story
1. What kinds of genealogy books do you publish? We publish family tree books, croft-based lineage histories, emigration stories, Highland Clearance narratives, and clan heritage volumes. Each project is tailored to your family’s story, supported by verified records and optional photo/illustration inserts. 2. Can you create a book from my Ancestry.com tree? Yes. We can import your tree from Ancestry, clean up errors, organize it into readable formats, and enhance it with historical context, maps, timelines, and photos. We turn digital trees into printed family legacies. 3. Do I have to write the book myself? No. You can simply send us your tree and notes—we can handle the writing, editing, layout, and formatting. We'll work collaboratively with you to capture your voice, stories, and family tone while ensuring historical accuracy. 4. Can you print just one copy, or do I need to order a bulk quantity? Yes, we offer flexible printing options—from one copy for yourself to larger batches for family reunions, gifts, or historical societies. Print-on-demand ensures you never have to order more than you need. 5. Do you offer digital versions of the book? Yes. We can provide your book in PDF or ePub format—ideal for sharing online or storing in digital archives. Many clients choose both print and digital versions for broader accessibility. 6. How long does the publishing process take? It depends on the size of your project. A simple 40-page booklet might take a few weeks, while a full 150+ page heritage book with photos and multiple family branches could take 2–3 months. We’ll provide an estimated timeline after your consultation. 7. Can I include photographs, maps, or croft diagrams? Absolutely. We encourage visuals! You can send us scans or original images—we’ll enhance and format them for high-quality inclusion. We also offer map customization (e.g., township maps, Lewis croft layouts). 8. I have handwritten notes from a grandparent—can you use them? Yes. We can transcribe, preserve, and even feature scanned handwritten excerpts in your book. These are often the most treasured elements of a family legacy. 9. Will I own the rights to my book? Yes. You retain full ownership and copyright. We act as your publishing partner, not a publisher that takes control. You decide how it's shared, printed, or distributed. 10. Can I sell my book through your store? In some cases, yes. If your project has broader relevance (e.g., a Lewis township, specific surname, or local emigration story), we can feature it in our online shop with your permission and help with promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions (top)
1. What kinds of genealogy books do you publish? We publish family tree books, croft-based lineage histories, emigration stories, Highland Clearance narratives, and clan heritage volumes. Each project is tailored to your family’s story, supported by verified records and optional photo/illustration inserts. 2. Can you create a book from my Ancestry.com tree? Yes. We can import your tree from Ancestry, clean up errors, organize it into readable formats, and enhance it with historical context, maps, timelines, and photos. We turn digital trees into printed family legacies. 3. Do I have to write the book myself? No. You can simply send us your tree and notes—we can handle the writing, editing, layout, and formatting. We'll work collaboratively with you to capture your voice, stories, and family tone while ensuring historical accuracy. 4. Can you print just one copy, or do I need to order a bulk quantity? Yes, we offer flexible printing options—from one copy for yourself to larger batches for family reunions, gifts, or historical societies. Print-on-demand ensures you never have to order more than you need. 5. Do you offer digital versions of the book? Yes. We can provide your book in PDF or ePub format—ideal for sharing online or storing in digital archives. Many clients choose both print and digital versions for broader accessibility. 6. How long does the publishing process take? It depends on the size of your project. A simple 40-page booklet might take a few weeks, while a full 150+ page heritage book with photos and multiple family branches could take 2–3 months. We’ll provide an estimated timeline after your consultation. 7. Can I include photographs, maps, or croft diagrams? Absolutely. We encourage visuals! You can send us scans or original images—we’ll enhance and format them for high-quality inclusion. We also offer map customization (e.g., township maps, Lewis croft layouts). 8. I have handwritten notes from a grandparent—can you use them? Yes. We can transcribe, preserve, and even feature scanned handwritten excerpts in your book. These are often the most treasured elements of a family legacy. 9. Will I own the rights to my book? Yes. You retain full ownership and copyright. We act as your publishing partner, not a publisher that takes control. You decide how it's shared, printed, or distributed. 10. Can I sell my book through your store? In some cases, yes. If your project has broader relevance (e.g., a Lewis township, specific surname, or local emigration story), we can feature it in our online shop with your permission and help with promotion. 1. Why buy Cemetery books, when they are free online? Cemetery books offer much more than basic headstone inscriptions—they include detailed records from church archives, information on parents and spouses, allotment numbers cross-referenced to your Lewis database, homestead/croft numbers tied to croft books, and preserved inscriptions even when headstones are damaged hebrides.ca. 2. What are Croft (homestead) records? These are family tree croft books documenting multiple generations, organized by croft. They include birth/marriage/death dates, personal stories, fictional historical-style addresses, cross-references to related families, and a blend of archival and modern genealogical research specific to the Isle of Lewis hebrides.ca 3. I have Ancestry/MyHeritage—why purchase your books? Hebrides.ca books deliver local expertise, verified and comprehensive local records, personal narratives, and reliability lacking in broader platforms prone to user-generated errors hebrides.ca 4. How long do you offer support? Beyond genealogical data, Hebrides.ca offers storytelling assistance: collection/editing of family anecdotes, professional genealogy book creation, and help distributing both print/digital versions for future generations hebrides.ca 5. I think my great‑great‑grandparent came from Lewis—can you help? Yes! To assist, they need to know: 1. Who emigrated and where in Canada they first settled 2. Which village in Lewis they came from 3. Whether the whole family emigrated 4. Where they are buried Note: pre‑1840 emigration from Nova Scotia or Hudson Bay may have limited documentation, but DNA matching can help narrow down origins
Let’s Work Together
Got a burning question, a mystery Macleod, or a DNA puzzle that’s keeping you up at night? Drop me a line—we’ll untangle the roots together
