Qualified Genealogist · Solutions Architect
Bridging traditional genealogical scholarship and modern technology. Specialising in Scottish, English, Irish and Welsh family history, DNA analysis, and palaeography.
Originally from Paisley and now based in Wantage, Oxfordshire, Hugh Scott Douglas is a Pre-Sales and Solutions Architect with over 25 years of experience in the software industry, working predominantly with start-up companies across business intelligence, data analytics, and enterprise software.
Driven by a long-standing passion for family history, Hugh undertook postgraduate studies at the University of Strathclyde — earning a Postgraduate Certificate in Genealogical Studies (2017–2019) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Genealogical, Palaeographical and Heraldic Studies (2020–2021) — and is registered as a Full Member of the Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG). He is continuing towards an M.Sc.
His research extends beyond the UK and Ireland to diaspora projects across South Africa, Australia, the United States, and India and Burma, supported by regular access to records held at The National Archives, the British Library, and the London Metropolitan Archives. He also undertakes contract research for Legacy Tree Genealogists, and offers mentoring and speaking alongside client commissions.
His combination of solutions architecture expertise and rigorous genealogical training enables him to approach family history research with both analytical precision and scholarly depth — applying modern data techniques to historical records.
Professional genealogical research conducted to the standards of the Register of Qualified Genealogists. Located close to London with direct access to the National Archives, British Library, and Metropolitan Archives.
Comprehensive research using Old Parish Registers, statutory records, census returns, and the National Records of Scotland. Specialist knowledge of Scottish naming conventions, clan history, and Scots law.
Research across parish records, civil registration, census returns, wills and probate, and manorial records. Coverage from medieval periods to the present day using archives across England and Wales.
Navigating Ireland's complex record landscape including surviving civil and church records, Griffith's Valuation, Tithe Applotment Books, and estate papers held in Dublin and Belfast.
Interpretation of autosomal, Y-DNA and mtDNA test results. Chromosome mapping, identifying unknown relatives, and integrating genetic evidence with documentary research to resolve brick walls.
Palaeographic expertise in reading and transcribing historical documents including secretary hand and court hand from the 16th century onwards. Ideal for wills, deeds, and court records.
Research into family heraldry, coats of arms, and armorial bearings. Guidance on legitimate entitlement to heraldic devices under the laws of Scotland, England, and Ireland.
Research can be undertaken wholly by Hugh or in an advisory capacity, according to your needs.
Enquire About ServicesSolutions architecture projects with a focus on business intelligence, data analytics, and applying technology to real-world problems.
Desktop application bridging SAP Business Data Cloud — Datasphere and SAC — with Silwood Safyr, an enterprise metadata governance tool with no native BDC connector. Unified three distinct API surfaces (OData XML, REST JSON, and the Datasphere CLI) into a single normalised schema written to an Access .accdb database in Safyr's exact format. Ships as a self-contained Windows executable with a GUI for non-technical users.
Over 30 years in enterprise software across presales, solutions architecture, consulting, and product strategy — taking emerging technologies to market for blue-chip clients including Deutsche Bank, Barclays, BP, BT, SocGen, Nationwide and Tesco.
Working with ISVs, VARs and VC advisory firms (incl. Guidepoint) on solution design, value engineering, and go-to-market strategy. Currently focused on the SAP Analytics Cloud, Datasphere and BDC ecosystem.
Software and services helping Telco, FS and manufacturing clients consolidate virtual and physical infrastructure to meet legislative and efficiency targets.
DCIM solutions for SocGen, Nationwide, Experian and Amadeus.
Led EMEA presales for the Adaptive Cloud Suite, partnering with HP and IBM and delivering for Barclays Capital and Deutsche Bank.
IT process automation. Notable engagement: BP — $850k licence consolidating 18 management tools and reducing fulfilment time from months to days.
Most profitable EMEA team per head within the company (Q3 FY06).
Lead sales engineer for Telewest (£1.5m+); £6m+ in licence revenue closed in 2002.
BI presales for BT, Barclays, CSFB, Tesco and Rolls Royce. Technical Account Manager for British Airways.
Interested in genealogy services or discussing a technical project? I’d be glad to hear from you.