I was just at New Register House when we visited Scotland in February. It's a very popular place these days and it is highly recommend that you make a reservation in advance as the "day of" entries are on a space left basis only. On the scotlandspeople website there's a link for information on visitng and it has lots of good information about what you can bring and what is available. I made my reservation by email and it worked well. You need to arrive for a reservation by 10 am or they will give it away. Lastly, having a seat assigned made getting copies very easy. I would print from the computer assigned to me and went to pay/pick up at the cashiers area. Very close, simple as can be. There is a tea room, but I never got out of the room to see it.... :) I was in the main room (with the dome) and it was very comfortable. A dream come true to have all that information at your fingertips. I got very efficient help from the staff. If you are going next door to National Archives of Scotland take a pencil - they don't allow pens and have strict rules (I think depending on the room you need to be in). I would consult their website for information. Best of luck, Allison Florida, USA