Hello to all on the List. I have a general question regards access to the Genealogical material/data held at New Register House. Because I live in New Zealand, and like many others who do not live in Edinburgh, I do not have ready access to that place. As some may say "It's too far to walk". Is there any means which I could employ to access research data from my desk at home? Being a somewhat thrifty person by nature, and by upbringing, through my Scots ancestors, I am seeking the most cost effective means which could be available. My wife and I have many Scottish family connections in both the Highlands and the Lowlands, and we are aware that the full cost of researching our many ancestral lines in Scotland many be more than we are prepared to pay. The current state of international finances has the exchange rate for the Pound Stg = three and half $NZ and falling. This is a daunting state of affairs. If the kind souls on this list would pass to us any of their hard earned tips, hints, suggestions or insights we would always be in your debt. In return we many be able to make some repayment in kind through research in New Zealand on your behalf. Many records in this country are in the public domain and readily accessible at local libraries, including index to BDM, burial records, electoral rolls and business directories. I live near Wellington where I have access to the National Library and the National Archives. Regards to all, may the force be always with you, and thanks for any response you may care to make to my question. Greg in Raumati New Zealand

Greg Go to the nearest Mormon Church. You'll have to find out when the Family History room is open - look them up in the book under 'Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints'. They are nice people and eager to help you. Look through the Indices to the Old Parish Registers and IGI. They are available on both fiche and CD. You can copy out the information or download it to a floppy disk. Everything up to 1855 for Scotland is almost as good there as you'll get in Scotland. 1855-1900 - you may be lucky: it may be there. Next Order films of the original OPRs or Censuses. If there is a census index read it first: it can take hours and hours to read a whole census film. Try also the IGI on line and, for post 1855 up to 1900 Scots' Origins (It costs) Next. Start saving. For post 1900 it is really worthwhile to go to Edinburgh (New Register House). [Besides it still feels like home and I like the place] It costs £17 a day and you need to be there before 8.30 a.m. There's always a queue. Jim McArthur Invercargill NZ