Anyone, no matter where in the world they live, who is tracing their family history with connections in Scotland, must become a member of the Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society, based in King Street, Aberdeen. The Research Centre, opened in 1987 and was the first of its kind in the country, it is available for members to use. "The Research Centre is the hub of the Society's activities, staffed by volunteer members who are delighted to assist you trace your family tree and tell you how to go about it. Facilities include a large library, microfilm and microfiche of the IGI (the whole world), OPR's and census records for a wide area. Research assistance into N.E. Scotland ancestry can be carried out for out-of-area members by Society volunteers, at a nominal charge plus expenses (such as Registrar's fees, postage, phocopies etc.)." extract from www.anesfhs.org.uk. The Society won the coveted 'Northern Lights Tourist Award 2005' after reaching third place the previous year.