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Questions about searching

Here is a list of typical questions about using the search facilities. These are arranged under various categories. Each question sits inside a box - to reveal the answer, simply click on the box.

Adam Dome, venue for free taster sessions

Free searches

Can I book a free search?

No. Free searches are only available to those who drop into the Centre from the street.

What happens at the end of my free search?

You can book further time in another search room for the cost of a day search pass.

The costs for all our services, including prints or electronic saves, are detailed in our Charges page.

Can I use two-hour free search facility more than once?

No. The two-hour free search is only intended for first-time visitors. Identification is required to use the free search facility and staff monitor usage to detect abuse.

Assisted searches

What is an assisted search?

An assisted search is where a Family History Officer sits with one customer for a maximum of two hours, helping them trace their family tree, and demonstrating our search facilities at the Centre. Further information is available by referring to Assisted search service page.

How do I book an assisted search?

An assisted search must be pre-booked. We require you to part complete the Assisted Search Form on our external website with any known information about your ancestors or relatives to allow us to determine whether it is possible to carry out any family history research for you. Generally, 48 hours notice is required, however, to obtain the best results from a possible search we highly recommend you allow us at least 5 working days. It might be possible to book an assisted search on the day you visit the ScotlandsPeople Centre but we would have to receive the completed form by 10:00. Same day bookings will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances and if there are adequate resources available to carry out the necessary research prior to the assisted search and if a Family History Officer is available at 14:00 that day to carry out the assisted search.

How much does an assisted search cost?

The cost for an assisted search is listed on our Charges page. This charge provides assistance by the Family History Officer (up to a maximum period of two hours). The day search fee for your search room place must also be paid.

Where and when do the assisted searches take place?

Assisted searches take place in either the Adam Dome or Matheson Dome. Assisted searches are available five days a week Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, and commence at either 10:00 or 14:00.

What information is required by the Centre in advance of an assisted search?

There is a form on the website, the Assisted Search Form, which must be completed prior to any visit. This asks questions about known relations and their details, in order to lay the foundation for your family history search.

What if I am adopted?

You would need to establish your birth details prior to the assisted search, as this cannot be done during the search.

What can I expect from an assisted search?

You will be treated with courtesy, respect and consideration. You will be informed of your options with the search, in terms of which family lines would be best searched within the allocated time, and which records would be most helpful. We will also provide guidance on the available facilities and resources, and assist with image printing.

What are the costs of printing from records?

Our costs are detailed on our Charges page.

Can I use my own laptop during an assisted search?

You may use your own laptop during the session for retrieving or storing information, however downloading of ScotlandsPeople information directly to your laptop is not permitted.