East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure is running a series of classes to help residents get started on their family tree or brush up on local history.

The workshops range from Introduction to Ancestry and Family History for Beginners to classes exploring the roots of different areas in East Renfrewshire.

Two new classes have also been added to this season’s line-up, with DNA for Family History exploring how the latest innovation in family history can be used and the one-day House History for Beginners course being led by an experienced genealogist who helps to pull back the curtains on how our ancestors lived.

Amanda Robb, of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: “We’re looking forward to helping locals dig a bit deeper when researching their roots.

“Our local and family history class tutors have a wealth of knowledge to share with participants during our courses.

“The sessions are becoming increasingly popular with people looking to explore the origins of the local area they live in or trace their own family tree and, once again, we have a varied and interesting programme on offer.”

Discovering Eaglesham: Village History runs on February 24 and March 2, led by Susan Hunter, who has spent the last 20 years surveying the farmlands of the area and uncovering fascinating historical facts.

Susan, who is also the author of ‘Eaglesham: The Farmlands and the Orry,’ said: “I am delighted to be leading this history session.

“We will start with a walk to explore the built heritage of Eaglesham past and present and follow it up with a class looking at 18th and 19th-century historical sources, including maps, documents and photographs.”

Discovering Mearns: Bleachfield and Printfields is on March 11 and 18 at the Albertslund Hall, while Discovering Maps will be hosted at Giffnock Library on March 31.

The Family History for Beginners day-course takes place at Eastwood House on April 27, while Discovering Giffnock: Mines & Minerals starts on April 29 and Discovering Busby: Origins of the Village runs on May 21 and 29.

House History for Beginners takes place at Eastwood House on June 1.

To find out more, visit www.ercultureandleisure.org.