SSDBM2002
24th - 26th July 2002
Edinburgh, Scotland

Social Programme (Updated)

Wednesday 24 July 2002

18.30: Welcome Reception

A Welcome Reception will be held in the Playfair Library, Old College, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge. The welcome address will be given by Mary Sweetland, Assistant Director of the Information and Statistical Division of the National Health Service in Scotland.

Old College is situated on the west side of South Bridge between Chambers Street and South College Street. Enter under the archway into the quadrangle. Go up the steps to your left and enter into the main Reception area where you will be directed to the Playfair Library. This impressive hall, designed by William Playfair in 1816, is one of the finest Neo-classical interiors in Britain. The barrel-vaulted ceiling is a particular feature.


Thursday 25 July 2002

18.30: Transport to St Leonard's Hall, Pollock Halls

A bus will collect all guests who require transport from Chambers Street (outside the Royal Museum) and take them to St Leonard's Hall, Pollock Halls of Residence, Holyrood Park Road.


19.00: Whisky Tasting talk and sampling

Prior to the dinner there will be an informal talk and whisky tasting. This is an opportunity to learn a little about the different types of Scotch whisky and to sample some blends and malts. This will be held in the Nelson Room in St Leonard's Hall.


20.15: Conference Dinner

The Conference Dinner will take place in St Trinnean's Room in St Leonard's Hall. St Leonard's Hall was built in 1869 as the residence of Thomas Nelson, the printer. It was a Red Cross Hospital 1914-1918 and later became a girl's school (St Trinian's). This was the inspiration behind the St Trinian's cartoons and films created by Ronald Searle, whose niece attended the school. It now serves as the headquarters of the University's Accommodation Services, but it also accommodates conferences, dinners and other events using three of the elaborately decorated rooms (St Trinnean's, Nelson's and Pollock). It is situated on the edge of Holyrood Park and has fine views of Arthur's Seat.

After the Dinner, The bus will transport guests back to the centre of town.

[Note that the previous plan to visit the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre had to be changed due to a concert by Paul Simon at Edinburgh Castle in the evening of 25 July. This means that the area round the Royal Mile will be extremely congested with thousands of concert-goers. Instead we have arranged the Whisky Tasting.]