Discover My Past Scotland magazine

[Roxy]

I've just got details of this magazine from a regular FMP e-mail (I'm not a member): is the magazine worth the subscription cost?

Roxy

[Ina]

Hi Roxy,

I subscribe to the magazine and I think it's worth the money.

Ina

[ChristineW]

Hi Roxy

I purchased a year’s subscription to the magazine (issues 1-15).

On the plus side, I do think some of the ‘Spotlight on…’ articles are excellent and very informative - even when they didn’t have any direct relevance to the areas I’m interested in!

There are some super in-depth articles (such as ‘The Age of the Train’) which helped me understand why some of my ancestors appeared in some unlikely places on the censuses in the late 19th century.

Under the ‘Newsround’ feature, it details the current events around Scottish genealogy ‘under one roof’. (eg: Up to date information on newly available records from Scotlands People and other sources, information from various Family History Societies about current and forthcoming developments, meetings etc.).

On the down side, much of the information given is already available on-line - indeed, many of the sources quoted for furthering family research are neatly encapsulated on our own Talking Scot website under ‘TS Library' or 'Research Resources’ and, indeed, under Scotland Resources on the Rootschat website.

On balance, I did enjoy the magazine, but at times I think much of its content is targeted towards those starting out on family research. Whilst I am absolutely no expert on genealogy, I did find myself skipping over much of the content, as it seemed to become very ‘samey’ after the first few issues. Perhaps this is because I live in Scotland and much of which was reported in the magazine had already appeared in the local press, radio or tv. That said, I think it is difficult for any family history magazine to come up with new, exciting news every month and, like many folk, I only buy the genealogy magazines from the shops when there is an article or feature that is relevant to my own area of research.

Also, these days, it seems most of my spare cash is ploughed into SP’s credits……………!

I did not renew my annual subscription - but, if there is something that catches my eye in future editions, I will certainly purchase that single issue of the magazine.

Hope this helps.

Christine

[Roxy]

Ina and Christine,

Thanks. It looks like it is at least worth a look!

Roxy

[Waverley]

i have taken the plunge and ordered the magazine but still awaiting its arrival.
Will respond at a later date to let you know what I think of it.

[Ina]

Hi Waverly,

If you've taken out a subscription, you can download your copy of the magazine directly from scotlandspeople.

Happy reading.

Ina

[Waverley]

Hi ina
thanks for that information and download complete so will read my copy tomorrow.
its 11pm in this side of the world so time to go to bed.
regards James

[Waverley]

I have read 3 copies so far and have found it a worth while magazine to have.

[Lindsay]

Thought I'd post my question here rather than start a new thread as some of you fellow readers may be able to help. I vaguely remember reading somewhere that this magazine might cease although it is still list on SP without mentioning that it is no longer active. The last issue I got was No 39 - March/April 2012. I'm not really too bothered if the magazine has stopped, but, as a subscriber it would have been nice to be contacted and informed.

I do see that the only subscription option is for 1 issue which would also suggest they have stopped. I usually defend the good customer service of SP and associated companies, but I'm really not impressed by the lack of info on this one