Social Programme

Welcome to Aberdeen and the region - home to the best whisky, the best food and the highest concentration of castles in the UK.

Scottish hospitality is World renowned and the conference aimed to make no exception. The social programme managed to pack a range of cultural experiences into a very short time to give a taste of the best that Aberdeenshire has to offer.

20 August 2013 - Welcome Drinks Reception (Fraser Noble Foyer) 6pm - 8pm

Attendees enjoyed a glass of wine or an orange juice while meeting colleagues before the official start of the conference. During that time that there was a chance to see the CADR experimental laboratories.

1 August 2013 - Civic Reception (Aberdeen Town House) 7pm for 7.30pm

The historic Townhouse located in the Castlegate area of the city centre was the venue for the civic reception, kindly sponsored by Aberdeen City Council.

22 August 2013 - Castle-Whisky Tour (Fyvie Castle and Glen Garioch Distillery) 1pm – 7pm & Conference Dinner (Elphinstone Hall) commencing at 7pm

On the afternoon of the 22^nd there was an excursion into Aberdeenshire in order to soak up some of the rich history of the region. Attendees visited the World famous ‘haunted’ Castle at Fyvie on the banks of the river Ythan. A packed lunch was provided. Following this there was a visit to Glen Garioch Distillery. Located in the town of Oldmeldrum, the distillery has been operating since 1797 and is the Country’s most easterly distillery.

In the evening attendees enjoyed the conference dinner, with a selection of fresh local cuisine.

Post-conference events

The 172^nd annual Lonach Highland Gathering and Games took place on Saturday 24^th August 2013 in the village of Bellabeg, Strathdon which is approximately 42 miles from Aberdeen. For other post-conference events such as local tours attendees could check out VisitScotland.