NRH

[suzyblu]

Hi!

I am back in Scotland in July and am in the process of trying to get a booking (or two!) for NRH does anyone have advice on what to take and how to record etc what I find in the most effective and efficient way. Sooo excited
Susan

[LesleyB]

Hi Susan
Take a "to do" list.
Take plenty of your own info with you, in abbreviated form! (so you can check on what you need and look up extra if you finish your "to do" list)

To record data - take pencils, sharpener & paper or notebook. You can print out or make up your own BD&M forms - this ensures you write down all the details.

Best wishes
Lesley

[Chris Paton]

Hi Susan,

If you have a laptop computer, there are several seats that are allocated for laptop users (a few in the west search room and some in the upstairs south search room).

I would also try, if possible, to book a seat at one of the downstairs search rooms (East, West, Dome). The South Search room is no different, but involves an awful lot of walking up and down stairs if you need to get a microfiche copy of a record that is not clear on screen etc. You can book a seat in advance by phone for no extra cost.

Also, as you will be paying £17 for a day pass, remember that time is money, so it might be worth bringing a packed lunch - there is a room set aside for those wishing to eat, and probably a better option than looking outside for somewhere to eat, as there is nowhere decent close to hand.

I would bring a to do list, as Lesley says, and you might want to bring a handbook with you listing parishes and counties with the relevant Chapman codes etc - I have my Kathleen Cory book to hand all the time, as well as a road atlas if I need to look up an obscure placename! The info is available on site if you need it, but it wastes valuable time having to leave your seat to find it.

You will find pre-1855 Church of Scotland OPRs, post 1855 BDM and census records all digitised and available from your seat. Some OPRs also list mort cloth records (for burials), and there is a folder just off the Dome area which lists what records exist on site for which parish. Mort cloth records have not yet been indexed or made available digitally at each computer terminal, so if you want to search these, you will have to spool through microfilm in the Dome search room.

If you have any families from the dissenting churches (those that broke away from the established church), or Roman Catholic ancestors, use the National Archives of Scotland wesbite's online catalogue to establish what is held there prior to your trip - it is next door to the GRO, and if you know the records are available there, you could possibly factor that in to your day if you need to. (NAS has free entry). (Typically the dissenter churches will be those such as the Free Presbyterian, the United Presbyterian Church, the Secession Church, etc).

If you want to try and narrow down searches for the children of a particular couple, there is a disc based version of the IGI available for consultation in the Dome as well which could get you started quickly, though you could also do this at home using the online IGI before travelling to Edinburgh. Don't assume that if you have found something on the IGI that you will find it at the GROS, as the IGI is often innaccurate. Often the GROs will hold additional records to those you have found on the IGI - I've often found seven or eight kids when the IGI has only listed two or three!

Above all else, don't be afraid to ask one of the staff for advice or help at any stage - that is why they are there!

Good luck with your search - and enjoy the thrill of the hunt! lol

Chris

[Chris Paton]

double post - sorry!

(Not any longer - Admin)

[scooter]

Also, as you will be paying £17 for a day pass, remember that time is money, so it might be worth bringing a packed lunch - there is a room set aside for those wishing to eat, and probably a better option than looking outside for somewhere to eat, as there is nowhere decent close to hand.

What about the Burger King! :roll:

(I'd rather chew gum from the pavement myself)

[DavidWW]

Cross Princes Street to the Waverly Centre, and descend to the bottom level, and you'll find a range of fast food places, including a quite excellent Indonesian place, - great noodles and stir fried vegetables

As ever, of course, as is the case in such locations, exuberant teenagers and screaming wains can be problematic

The Guid Lord forfend that "fast food" close to NRH should only ever mean Burger King.

Not always just as fast, especially when busy, the Cafe Royal pub just a few yards from NRH has to be worth consideration, not least because the food comes from the same kitchen that feeds the diners at the Cafe Royal Restaurant, one of the premier fish/seafood restaurants in Edinburgh (around just £5 or £6 for most dishes on the pub menu !........)

As always, just please appreciate that if you don't take a break for lunch, and some sustenance, then your decreased blood sugar level may well mean that you'll make some significant mistakes during the afternoon

Some folk recommend a supply of Mars Bars and the like to be eaten on the job, so to speak, but I've always found it to be the case that a distinct break in order to take on some "fuel" and address the issue of your blood sugar level, is of great value, as it also allows you, consciously and sub-consciously, to review the searches and results for the day up to that point, and plan better your search strategies for the rest of the day ........

David

David

[Chris Paton]

The Guid Lord forfend that "fast food" close to NRH should only ever mean Burger King.

Indeed - let's remember that the Lord in his infinite wisdom has also seen fit to deposit a KFC in the Waverley Centre! A zinger tower meal at about 1.00 is always a good alternative to the packed lunch..! lol

[AnnieMack]

There are a few eateries in the cinema complex - out onto Prines Street, turn left and head towards the Playhouse Theatre - Pizza Hut, Chinese Buffet and pub style grub is what I can remember off the top of my head!

Annie

[LesleyB]

Across Princes Street, there is also a Costa on the top floor of Princes Mall - (yeah, yeah, I know..) but its a good a cup of coffee as you are likely to get in that area without wasting precious time! They also have the inevitable sandwiches, panini and cakes etc. Sometimes you just need that coffee/carrot cake hit if its been a hard day!!

Best wishes
Lesley

[Bertha]

Not forgetting off course, the upper level of St James Centre just around the corner and also John Lewis. Jenners restaurants are not all that far away either.
Hopefully tomorrow, I will heed DWs advice and not work all day without a break.
Bertha