Social Programme
RSAI-BIS Annual Conference, Glasgow 2010
In true RSABIS tradition we have organised an exciting programme of events and a conference dinner for your time in Glasgow. This is a special programme put together to give you a true taste of Glasgow past and present. Partners are welcome to all the events and we encourage your partners to contact us for information about activities and things to do in Glasgow while the conference is on.
In addition to the inclusive conference social programme the social programme detailed below we are organising a golfing trip up north on Tuesday 24th August, the day before the conference begins. The location for this will be Ross Priory which hosts a picturesque nine hole golf course on the south banks of Loch Lomond. The cost for this event will be calculated on a demand basis. For information about this, or for information about other activities on offer in Glasgow please contact karen.turner@strath.ac.uk.
Events included in the conference fee:
Tuesday 24th August
8.30-9.30pm – Welcome gathering in the hotel bar at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel.
As you arrive in Glasgow please join us for a drink in the hotel bar on the ground floor of the Glasgow Marriott Hotel. For the whisky enthusiast we have organised some expert advice and the opportunity to learn about the whisky basics. There will also be a selection of haggis canapés and nibbles to enjoy while everyone arrives.
Glasgow hosts an array of fine restaurants that cater to both fine and casual dining. Good sources of information on places to eat in Glasgow are The List and Glasgow Dining. The local organising committee will also be at hand to give some personal recommendations on good places to eat or drink.
Wednesday 25th August
7pm – Civic reception at the Glasgow City Chambers (drinks and Scottish-themed buffet).
The social event of the first evening will be held in the Glasgow City Chambers which is one of the most eye catching and impossing buildings the city has to offer. Overlooking George Square which is the principal civic square in the city, you will be able to see the Georgian influences which were laid out in 1781. Although the exterior is renowned for its impressive nature and has been used in films such as Heavenly Pursuits (1985) where it stood in for the Vatican, it is the interior of the building that is truly opulent. Furthermore, the central window of leaded Venetian glass on the north side commemorates Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
The location of the City chambers will allow you to venture onwards to experience some of Glasgow’s famous hospitality. The Merchant City and the City Centre (including a great selection of pubs and bars) are both within walking distance of the Chambers.
Thursday 26th August
6.30pm – Open-top bus sightseeing tour of Glasgow
Travelling to the East End of the city in style, we have organised two of Glasgow’s sightseeing tour buses to pick you up at the conference hotel. On the way to the conference dinner the buses will take you on a mini-tour of the East End and pass by well known areas such as the Salt Market and the infamous Barras market.
7.30pm – Drinks reception at St Andrews in the Square, followed by conference dinner and ceilidh dancing.
After the short tour of Glasgow’s East End, you will be taken to St Andrews in the Square, a beautifully restored 18th century church that has played a key role in the history of this area of the city. This is a very special place within the history books of Glasgow and has exterior and interior architecture that will make the reception and dinner very special. This venue is stunning and benefits from beautiful natural light by day and glittering chandeliers after dark. Historically , the church is believed to have been the wedding location of Mrs Agnes McLehose, the love of Scottish poet Robert burns for whom he wrote ‘Ae Fond Kiss’. The church was also a hideaway used by Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army when they returned from England in 1745. Today St Andrews in the Square is Glasgow’s centre for Scottish culture and is true must see building in the heart of the city.
After your arrival on the buses you will have the occasion to walk up the impressive entrance and be shown to the balcony for a drinks reception where you will have the chance to admire original art work and interior design from the 18th century. The natural light of an August evening will create a lovely warm atmosphere, fitting for the evening and the conference feel. Following the drinks reception you will be led down to the ground floor of the church where you will be seated at long tables reminiscent of how banquets were served in earlier centuries. Here you will be served a delicious three course meal which comes from the restaurant situated below the church. There is also a bar available for use throughout the night on the ground floor of the church building.
After the eating and drinking we have organised a Scottish treat in the form of a ceilidh dance that will allow you to dance the night away or just enjoy some traditional Scottish music provided by a well known ceilidh band. There is no need to worry about not knowing the dances as the caller from the band is on hand to take everyone through each dance before it begins. Ceilidh dancing is a special Scottish tradition that is usually kept for New Year, weddings and special events, we are sure you will enjoy this and find it a relaxing way to pass the evening.
Additional events:
Tuesday 24th August
Golf and nature on the shores of Loch Lomond
For those interested in golf or for others who want to see one of the world’s most famous Lochs we will be organising a day trip on 24th August to Ross Priory on the shores of Loch Lomond.
Scotland is renowned for its golf and we are delighted to be able to offer you the chance to experience this at a truly picturesque location. Loch Lomond, written about in many songs and verses, is an area renowned for its beauty and tranquillity with postcard views around every corner. If golf next to the Loch is not your thing then there are lovely walks, boating activities and a traditional Scottish bar for you to enjoy. Details and costs for this additional event will be worked out based on demand.
Visit to the Burrell Collection
Alternatively, we are also looking into organising a trip to the Burrell Collection that would take place on the Tuesday afternoon. Like the golf trip, this will also be priced and organised based on demand. The Burrell Collection is one of Glasgow’s finest art collections and attracts exhibits from all over the world. It also benefits from being located in Pollok Country Park, a beautiful green space just outside the city centre which has an 18th century mansion that visitors can look around.
For information about these events please contact karen.turner@strath.ac.uk.
Additional information:
Glasgow is a beautiful, culturally diverse city with something to offer everyone. Not only having won several awards for culture but is now known for its shopping, eating and drinking. Information about Glasgow and activities on offer can be found by following the links below. Due to good transport links, a short stay in Glasgow will allow you the opportunity to visit Edinburgh where the Edinburgh festival will be running during the time of the conference.
Other sources of information on Glasgow:
See Glasgow
Glasgow Guide
Museums and art galleries
