ScotlandsPeople Centre opening confirmed

Chris Paton · Post by **Chris Paton** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 9:46 pm

The ScotlandsPeople Centre opening date of August 25th has at long last been confirmed by the project's website at www.scotlandspeoplehub.gov.uk, though there will be a restricted service initially.

From the 25th, visitors will be able to use the Adam Dome and the shop only, and will be able to book free two-hour search sessions to gain access to all the centre's records, with the sessions available from 10.00am to 12.00 noon, and 2.00pm to 4.00pm. These sessions will be followed by a talk and a tour around the centre.

From the opening day, the Dundas Room will temporarily be closed, and access to both the Reid and Matheson Rooms will also be deferred. It is unclear when the full service will commence, but it appears that full day research passes will temporarily be unavailable once the centre opens.

The website promises a further update shortly, including details on how to book the free search session and price details for copies of records.

Chris

TAFKAM · Post by **TAFKAM** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 9:51 pm

I'm glad to have been proved right for once Chris! I've said for weeks that the SP centre would open on the 25th August - although I'll admit the stages dopening wasn't "on my radar", if you will.

I feel that what will happen is that the Dundas will indeed be open - however it will be running the Digros programme, along with the other two rooms. The new system will be used only in the taster room.

The new software? Was fine last week during testing. Apparently not this week though!

Chris Paton · Post by **Chris Paton** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 9:58 pm

Hi TAFKAM, you wise owl you...!

The website says "It is hoped that the Reid, Matheson and Dundas Search Rooms will be operational shortly afterwards." I took that to mean that it will be closed at the opening, which wouldn't be great if true, but I guess we'll find out soon enough!

I do like the idea of guided tours to start with though. I've already been on a couple of tours around the place (including the new centre), and it is great to get a sense of the history of the building itself, as well as the records.

It's all finally, finally happening...! lol

Chris

TAFKAM · Post by **TAFKAM** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:11 pm

Wise?? Good GOD, no-one's called me that in a long time!

As far as I am led to believe, the Dundas room is going to REMAIN open as it exists just now, alongside the South and West Search Rooms. Digros system, access to fiche etc. Also, I can't see them closing a 40+ seat search room, losing the income there, and replacing them with 36 taster seats - that are free to access! Only once the SP centre software is up to a decent standard and the confidence is there that it is robust enough, will the remaining rooms be opened up.

So, 2011 then!!!

I jest, honestly.

T

Chris Paton · Post by **Chris Paton** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:27 pm

On the first point, yes, it did seem a bit odd to be closing it, definitely makes more sense to have it open.

On the 2011 point - please, no, don't joke...! lol

Chris