Help me find my long-lost family
Photo sparked Gillian’s search for relatives
A woman is on the search for her Buddie relatives after stumbling across a touching photograph of her long-lost family.
The photograph came to light when Gillian Dean, 64, began looking back at her family tree.
Gillian, whose maiden name is Flood, said: “It all started when I began researching my father’s side of the family.
“He was only 50 when he died so there were so many things I didn’t have a chance to ask him about his family and our history.”
Gillian’s father, James Seamus Flood, was born in County Wicklow on the east of Ireland and then moved to the west coast of Scotland in 1941 at the age of 20.
Records show he worked during that time as a joiner in Glasgow before he was called up to the Royal Navy.
Gillian’s research then suggests he spent some time with family in Paisley.
Through her research, Gillian has managed to trace the story of her Irish ancestors, her father’s connection to Paisley and the length of time he stayed there remains a mystery.
Now Gillian hopes this new photograph, that shows her father posing at a family christening in Paisley, will prove to be the missing piece of the puzzle.
She said: “It would be nice to know how the Wicklow Floods fit into Scotland Floods.
“A Margaret Pratt née Flood gave me the names on the photo but I cannot find any information on anyone.
“My father is in the photo holding one of the twins, Edward and Catherine, and the little fellow is Jim Flood.
“Parents of the three little ones are Edie and Winnie Flood.
“I remember him saying he stayed with Eddie and Winnie when he came over from Wicklow.”
Gillian is hoping that by sharing the photograph, she will be able to jog the memories of Buddies who have ties to the Flood family.
She said: “Dad loved all things Scottish.
“If I can add anyone to my family tree I would be very grateful.
“Any information will be very welcome.”
Do you know relatives of the Flood clan?
If so, please call the Paisley Daily Express on 0141 309 3555 and ask for reporter Kirsty McKenzie.