The Generation Frame sees two families go on a personal journey to uncover their family story with an exciting modern twist. With the help of genealogists and experts, each family discovers how their story fits into the wider history of Scotland and, in turn, how they each became who they are today.

On the southside of Glasgow, Laura runs her own online antiques business. With a personal interest in history and Scotland’s links to slavery, Laura is desperate to find out where her ancestors came from and what kind of lives they led. She has some basic information from her father, Ian, who went to Jamaica to find out more, but Laura has a personal desire to discover more about her identity. With help from genealogist Elizabeth Cunningham and expert Sir Geoff Palmer, Laura explores the realties of slavery and the effects on her family story. She discovers that had it not been for the bravery and strength of her ancestors, life today might have been very different for her.

Neil is a keen landscape photographer and scout leader living in the north east of Scotland. There has been a long-standing family rumour that they are related to notorious Edinburgh murderers Burke and Hare and Neil wants to find out the truth. With the help of genealogist Lorna Kinnaird, Neil journeys through the winding closes and underground world of the old town in the hope of finding out the truth about the skeletons in his family’s closet. With rumours explored and war heroes remembered, Neil discovers long-forgotten ancestors who shaped the life of his family.

As each family investigates their own history, they delve into Scotland’s rich public archive collections and meet genealogists and experts who offer enlightening context to the family stories that have passed through the generations.

At the end of the programme each family is presented with a unique family treasure – their very own Generation Frame. Show less