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Questions about the Centre

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

New Register House, location of the Dundas search room

Access

Do I need a search pass to get into the Centre?

No. Passes are not required.

What identification do I need to get into the Centre?

Identification is only required in the Adam Dome to access the free search facility. This is to ensure there is no abuse of the taster session which is intended as a one-time offer. Acceptable forms of ID are a credit/debit card or driving licence. If you want to pay by cash, then no ID is required to use and set up an account in one of the other search rooms.

Can I bring my laptop in?

Yes, but only in the Reid, Matheson and Dundas search rooms. You can use your laptop to store images received from your USB stick. There are sockets on desks to plug them in.

Can I choose which search room to go into?

Yes, you can choose between the Reid, Matheson and Dundas search rooms. If you express a preference for a search room at the time of booking a seat, it will be accommodated - providing there are seats available. You cannot book the Adam Dome though as this is limited to the free two-hour searches.

Are you going to open at weekends and evenings?

No. At the moment there are no plans to open at the weekends or evenings. This may change in the future depending on demand. There are evening visits by groups which must be booked in advance.

What happens if I leave for lunch?

Once you have paid for your seat it is yours for the day. Don't leave valuables such as a laptop behind as the ScotlandsPeople Centre cannot be held liable for any loss or damage to property.

What advantages are there in coming to the Centre over researching on the internet?

In the Centre customers can view images of recent records (less than 100 years old) that are unavailable online. For the day search fee customers can view as many images as they like.

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

Facilities

Do you have lockers to store bags?

Yes. Lockers are situated throughout the buildings. They are coin-operated by pound coins (your coin is returned once you have finished using the locker). Bags may also be stored under desks as long as they do not interfere with other users. Larger items too big for lockers or under desks must be stored off-site.

Is there a smoking area?

No. Customers are required to leave the grounds if they want to smoke.

Can I bring my guide dog into the Centre?

Yes. See the disabled access page for full details of our facilities for those with special needs.

If I bring someone with me can we both sit at the same terminal?

Customers may only share a terminal if they are disabled and require a helper to assist them with their own research. Helpers accompanying disabled persons will be admitted free of charge and given a second seat at the terminal of the disabled visitor.

Please note that disabled persons may be required to provide evidence of their disabled status.

Do you have facilities for the disabled?

Yes. We have facilities for wheelchair users and those with hearing and visual impairment. See the disabled access page for full details.