Surname DNA Projects A Surname Project studies the different Y-Chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) lineages associated with a surname or group of surnames. The project may be narrowly focused on one particularly spelling variant in a specific location. It may also include all known variants of a surname in any time or place. Because surnames often follow a Y-DNA lineage for many generations, surname project participants are typically men with that surname. Of course, women (and men who are interested in their ancestry beyond their direct paternal line) may have an appropriate representative of the line they are interested in testing. As of 2021, 89 clan societies have been identified has having associated Y-DNA Surname Projects, most of which are hosted by FamilyTreeDNA. Learn more here: https://www.cosca.scot/dna-projects (members only) |
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Building Relationships and Membership Using Google Analytics Increasing the membership of your society starts with building relationships with potential members. While societies have traditionally relied on in-person meetings and events, more societies are leaning heavily on the internet through social media and their websites. A great tool for learning more about your website visitors is Google Analytics, the most widely used tool for tracking web visitors. Acquisition Overview will provide you with insight into how your visitors find you. This includes from an “organic search” (e.g., through a search engine such as Google), from a direct link from another website; connections from social media sites, and “referrals” that are automatically forwarded from another location without being passed by the user’s web browser, such as from a PDF or MS Word document. To find out what web pages your visitors are viewing, you can see the Behavior Overview. The default includes the top ten pages by pageviews but you can see all the results by clicking “view full report.” Learn more here: https://www.cosca.scot/post/google-analytics |
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Scotland Travel Tips If your Society is planning a trip to Scotland, get the guidance of an expert! Janet Robertson of Thistle Dubh Enterprises has managed tours to Scotland for almost 20 years, including for Clan MacFarlane Worldwide, Clan Rose Society of America, and most recently for Clan Forbes Society. Janet suggests packing a wardrobe that is adaptable and versatile. Layered clothing and versatile footwear with gripping soles are best. She recommends packing any prescription medications, travel documents, and a change of clothing in a carryon bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Other guidance included: prepared to pay in cash in the more remote areas of Scotland; don't expect to always find a restaurant open late at night or on Sunday, especially in smaller towns and villages; always "queue up" (get in line) when waiting for a bus, in a shop or at a ticket window; tip up to 10% if a service charge is not included on the bill; check with our cell phone providers for using your phone in Scotland; bring a universal electric adapter; and don't initiate conversations about politics or religion. Learn more here: https://www.cosca.scot/post/scotland-travel-tips |
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Join or Renew Today Join the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations! We welcome clan and family groups, St. Andrew's Societies, local and national Scottish heritage organizations, games and festival organizers, and purveyors of Scottish goods and services. Your organization will receive our e-newsletter, gain access to the Members Services section of the website, become eligible to vote, and receive all other benefits of members. Scottish heritage societies are stronger together! Join or renew here: https://www.cosca.scot/join |
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