Historical Consultancy

Dr Fiona-Jane Brown, director and founder of Hidden Aberdeen Tours, is a graduate historian who holds a doctorate in Folklore & Ethnology.  She has written 3 local history books delving into the forgotten and lost stories of the city and shire.  She has also carried out research into the history of local buildings and families, most notably for Optimus Ltd, a local business whose headquarters are situated at the glorious Rubislaw Den House in the city's west end. Lady Aberdeen was the last permanent resident here and the original house was built by Archibald Simpson's uncle, William Dauney, for his brother, Alexander Dauney, the local sheriff-substitute of Aberdeen County in the late 18th century. With experience in teaching genealogy, researching her own family back 400 years, she is a very capable investigator. She also served as Force Curator for the old Grampian Police Force and carried out a great deal of family history research for those with police ancestry.

If you want to learn more about your property - or indeed any links you have with famous Aberdeen families, please contact Dr Brown via email in the first instance to discuss your requirements.  Equally, if you are a TV/ Media/ Film producer looking for a suitable venue or information on your location, Dr Brown is also your first choice for consultation. In 2017 she sourced a location for local film director, David Ryan Keith, which features in his horror feature The Dark Within (Allalogie Cottages, Muir of Dinnet - the exterior was used). She has been STV and BBC Scotland's first call for the history behind the headlines, and collaborated extensively with the Evening Express's Scott Begbie on his nostalgia features during Lockdown 2020.  Ennan Hamill of Photoghost, Aberdeen, described Dr Brown as "Aberdeen's Google", a rare compliment to her encyclopedic knowledge of the city's heritage.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 07572 582198

Research partners:

• STV
• BBC Radio Scotland
• Aberdeen Journals
• Visit Scotland
• East Grampian Coastal Partnership
• ClearFocus Movies
• Old Torry Community Centre
• Aberdeen Burgesses of Guild
• West Midlands Police Museum
• Greyhope Bay Dolphin Project, Aberdeen
• Johnshaven Heritage Hub
• Optimus Ltd
• FortyTwo Studio
• Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen
• Bon Accord Civic Heritage Association
• Crow House Films

Research Costings:

Historical Consultancy: House histories, old maps, company histories, etc. Includes a printed / digital record of research

Initital Consultation Fee for Media Companies/ Press: £  50.00
Media Research:                                                           £500.00 for 30hr research + £50 per hour thereafter

Business Consultancy Fee:                                          £  20.00 (included in final bill)
Business Research Package:                                       £250.00 for 20hr research + £20 per hour thereafter 

Private Research Package (individuals)                        £200.00 for 20hr research + £20 per hour thereafter

Family History Research: 

Basic 20hr research package (includes Scotland's People fees)       - £250.00

Advanced research package (extended research with travel costs)  - £500.00

Bills must be paid within 31 Days - full research materials will only be delivered to customers when bill is paid. We would appreciate feedback on research, as we are a small company.