Register House is magic and the staff are so helpful. I well remember many years ago, not being too sure of an entry from the film reader and being brought an original parish register from 1600s, opened at the exact page by a white gloved staff member, so that with the aid of my trusty magnifying glass I could view and read for myself exactly what was written by the 'meenister' of the day. I spent weeks of 'days off' there over several years, as happy as a sandboy!
Took me a wee while after the SP website opened to understand how to narrow down searches for free before requesting an item I wanted to see. It can be done, as Looby & Monica will tell you, with minimal information using alphabetical deduction on names and narrowing down time ranges, double checking your facts and information - that costs NOTHING. If you aren't willing to spend the time are you sure this is a hobby you should be pursuing?
SP took a huge step forward, (a gamble on their part) to put on line what was only previously available to us 'searchers after truth' who had the possibility of visiting in person. [Remember the folks from overseas requesting look-ups?] Now that took a huge number of dedicated staff hours (+ millions in fees to IT companies/advisors) at not inconsiderable cost to the Scottish government, a massive task by the staff which should not be trivialised, that cost has to be recouped in some way.
I am no longer fit enough to travel to Edinburgh or well off, so I really appreciate being able to search on line when my finances can stretch to it. I dread the day I either can no longer afford to do so, or my eyes finally give up.
Be grateful to be fit for the task and to be able to afford at least some research.
