Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND

Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET) 18th Biennial International Conference 11th – 15th July 2016

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

CONTENTS PAGE Welcome to Scotland

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Welcome to Aberdeen!

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Access all Areas

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Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (Venue)

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Social Programme

10 Aberdeen Beach

Extend Your Stay

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Accommodation

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Local Organising Committee

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

Further information about IIFET 2016 is available from: Hazel Curtis Chief Economist Sea Fish Industry Authority E: [email protected] Professor James Young The University of Stirling E: [email protected]

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

WELCOME TO SCOTLAND A bright national identity with instant international appeal…. Discover Scotland, a country with a mix of stunning landscapes and within convenient and easy reach from the rest of the UK and overseas. Scotland is a country with its own instantly recognisable identity, quality of character, warmth of personality and people with a vivid history and vibrant future. A nation known for its innovation, a world leader in finance, medicine, science and technology, the creative source of iconic inventions, host to highlyrespected universities. Scotland is a hub of activity, a centre of excellence with wide-ranging associations, where urban and rural work together. Here you can discover a spirit for adventure, a competitive edge in the Home of Golf, a social whirl on the ceilidh dance floor, a relaxing space and pace before and after, a winning blend of work and play - only in Scotland. Adam Smith, the Scottish moral philosopher and pioneer of political economy is one of the key figures in the Scottish Enlightenment. Smith’s work was an integral part th of the 18 Century Scottish Enlightenment movement and his work was discussed at various meetings including many at the ancient University of Aberdeen. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, Smith’s seminal work, lead to his being cited as the “father of modern economics” and ensures that he is considered to be still among the most influential thinkers in the field of economics today.

With one of the most varied landscapes of any country in Europe, Scotland is a land boasting mountains, glens, lochs and rivers within a few hours of its cities’ towers and spires. Scotland’s coastline stretches thousands of miles and includes everything from rocky shorelines to secluded beaches. Home to five million people - proud people, passionate about their country - Scotland has a rich heritage and a range of activities for visitors to enjoy during their stay. Scotland benefits from seemingly endless long evenings and glorious sunset finales in summer.

Scotland is home to several highland games through the summer months, when competitors are pitted against one another in ancient highland sports including Tossing the Caber and Throwing the Hammer. From bagpipes and Burns to castles and ceilidhs, Scotland never fails to entrance and entertain even the most discerning visitor. We hope to see you here in 2016!

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

WELOME TO ABERDEEN! Welcome to our thriving city… With its sparkling granite buildings and elegant architecture, Aberdeen has one of Scotland’s most enchanting skylines, while the city’s Old Town has a magical air of time gone by. The capital of the Grampian Highlands is also unique thanks to the treasures on its doorstep. The majestic Grampian Mountains dominate the skyline to the west whilst miles of unspoiled and dramatic coastline frame the area in the east, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages and dramatic cliff top scenery waiting to be explored. As one of the most prosperous cities in Scotland, Aberdeen is a thriving centre for international business with a social scene to match. Home to many successful industries, this ensures a dynamic and interesting wealth of talent in the sectors of life sciences, technology, environment and food and drink. The city’s two universities boast four Nobel Prize winners and contribute to the blend of scientific achievement, culture, commerce and history. Aberdeen acts as the Gateway to Castle and Whisky Country and Aberdeenshire is one of Scotland’s most captivating regions. Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park are within easy access of the city, and there are plenty of charming towns and villages scattered along the coast for IIFET delegates to enjoy. Aberdeen sits on the North Sea coast, with its golden sandy beach and granite buildings which glint in the sunshine making Aberdeen one of Scotland’s most striking cities. There is a range of wonderful attractions for delegates to enjoy from ancient buildings, cathedrals and fascinating museums to art galleries, beautiful parks and gardens for all to enjoy. A fantastic range of first-class restaurants and a vibrant nightlife combined with a thriving cultural calendar and shops galore all help make Scotland’s third largest city a modern and lively destination that is well worth the trip. While delegates can enjoy the bustling city of Aberdeen, they can also step out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Aberdeenshire. With small bustling towns located along the coast, delegates can enjoy beautiful scenery. Peterhead, in the north east of Scotland, 30 minutes from the conference venue, is a busy fishing port. Peterhead is the largest white fish port in Europe home to most of Scotland’s whitefish fleet and a bustling daily fish market – a must-see visit when attending the IIFET conference. There are other key fishing ports in the North East of Scotland for delegates to explore. Fraserburgh, located 40 miles north of Aberdeen City, is the largest shellfish port in Europe and home to many of Scotland’s modern fleet of large pelagic fishing vessels.

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

ACCESS ALL AREAS Scotland is well connected. Major air, road and rail routes link to the rest of the UK and Europe Scotland is a well-connected hub, with three international airports - Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh all with great connections to the world. Glasgow and Edinburgh have direct connections to the USA and Canada, while Aberdeen is proposing to have a direct flight from the USA in late 2014, in time for IIFET 2016. Scheduled flights from Aberdeen’s International airport, located just six miles from the city centre, serve a host of major European cities. Aberdeen is one of the best hub-connected airports in Europe and provides multiple services throughout each day to Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), Dublin (DUB), Copenhagen (CPH), and London’s 4 airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and City). You can reach Aberdeen from the UK capital in just 75 minutes flying time. AECC Conference Partnership A partnership between AECC and Virgin Atlantic’s new little red service allows all delegates attending a conference to receive discounted fares. We’ll aim to set up a dedicated bespoke link allowing you to book and get discounted fares when travelling with Virgin Atlantic. This includes travelling into London Heathrow from an international location and up to Aberdeen. More information will follow on this offer as we advance our conference planning. International hubs detailed below, direct flights into Aberdeen. Destination Amsterdam Baku Bergen Copenhagen Esbjerg Dublin

Flights per week 41 2 13 13 6 12

Destination Frankfurt Groningen Paris (CDG) Stavanger

Flights per week 21 3 20 44

Direct routes in and around the UK to Aberdeen: Destination Belfast Birmingham Bristol Cardiff Durham Tees Valley

Flights per week 6 23 14 7 20

Destination Humberside Manchester Newcastle Norwich Southampton

By rail Rail services connect Aberdeen to north and south, with are regular direct trains to London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Inverness, the scenic West Coast and the Highlands are reached northwards. London Euston also runs a nightly sleeper six times per week. Fares vary depending on when you travel and how far in advance you book. For all IIFET delegates travelling to Aberdeen, Scotrail, the national rail service in Scotland, will offer 20% off travel for all delegates attending the conference at the AECC. 7

Flights per week 20 54 20 28 11

Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

ABERDEEN EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE CENTRE The striking venue for IIFET 2016 Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) is Scotland’s second largest conference venue, regularly hosting major international events. AECC is purpose built and the team there has over 25 years of experience in providing a professional and friendly service to conference delegates.

AECC is a flexible conference centre with a range of rooms and facilities which will help make the IIFET Conference a great success. Audio-visual and IT facilities together with a skilled technical team are all on-site to provide support throughout the IIFET conference. All conference rooms are fully equipped with the latest Audio-visual equipment, including an LCD projector, screen, flipchart and our larger suites are fitted with PA systems. The Centre has Wireless LAN facilities throughout the complex. All meeting rooms, conference and exhibition facilities are easily accessible by moving escalators, lifts, stairs and wheelchair ramps. The onsite hotel is also connected by a covered link way. Getting to the AECC from the town centre, couldn’t be easier, there are regular bus services to and from the the city centre every 10 minutes. AECC has hosted a range of national and international association events, including:     

World Conference on Marine Biodiversity 2011, 1000 delegates World Heavy Oil Congress 2012, 1000 delegates European Optical Society 2012, 500 delegates GUT Microbiology 2014, 400 delegates Association of Paediatric Anaesthetist 2015, 500 delegates

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

SOCIAL EVENTS – possible venues, watch this space! Hospitality lies at the very heart of Scotland. It’s part of our nature to make others feel at home Your local organising committee will have plenty of options to choose from as we plan the conference social events. Here’s what we’ve been invited to consider so far… Aberdeen acts as the Gateway to Castle and Whisky Country. Scotland’s castle trail runs through the heart of Aberdeenshire and the region is home to thirteen of the world’s most unique castles. This gives us a choice of unique venues to choose from for your gala dinner and networking events. For a drinks reception, the Beach Ballroom is a ten minute journey from AECC located on Aberdeen’s beach front. It first opened in 1929 and has played host to a wide range of events, functions and shows. Its sprung dance floor perfectly complements its art deco features, which have been lovingly preserved. It can accommodate up to 600 for a dinner and drinks reception over the two levels and entertainment, such as traditional Scottish Country Dancing, could be held.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum is an unrivalled location for all manners of events, with stunning views over the harbour and fascinating stories of Aberdeen’s long association with the sea and its mix of architectural styles. This venue can accommodate 200 delegates for drinks and canapé reception. Nick Nairn Cook School is a fantastic new School which in opened in 2012 in Aberdeen and is a great place for IIFET members to network and relax. This is the perfect place for delegates to observe cooking demonstrations by talented chefs in the North East of Scotland. Elphinstone Hall, University of Aberdeen is a beautiful venue situated 10 minutes from the AECC in the old part of Aberdeen. The venue can accommodate a large number of events from dinner dances, corporate events and business breakfasts. The hall benefits from a high volume of natural day light, oak panelled walls and some of the oldest canvas paintings in Scotland. The venue can accommodate 250 guests for a reception and dinner and 200 for a dinner dance. Mercure Ardoe House Hotel is a 19th Century mansion house, inspired by Balmoral Castle. Set in 30 acres of beautiful parkland, with breath-taking views across the River Dee and just a short distance from Aberdeen City Centre, it is an ideal venue for a conference dinner, accommodating up to 400 delegates for a dinner dance.

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

EXTEND YOUR STAY See the very best of the north east…..from Mountains to Sea Home of Golf: Aberdeen City and Shire have over 54 golf courses, perfect for golfers of all abilities. From stunning links and cliff top courses to state of the art practice facilities, golfers can enjoy a round or two in the Home of Golf. Aberdeenshire is home to breath-taking ruins, stately homes and imposing fortresses that dot around the area. A selection of 13 of the world’s most striking castles can be found in the Shire. The coastal trail is another discovery for delegates to experience, the magnificent north east coast of Aberdeenshire offers delegates the chance to explore miles of cliff-tops, coves, beaches, charming towns, villages and wildlife. Delegates can stop by historic lighthouses and harbours while taking the time to sample delicious seafood and soak up spectacular scenery. Fraserburgh is a stop for delegates to visit the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, and you can take a tour of the 18th century Kinnaird Lighthouse, the only light house to be built atop a fortified castle. Moving along the coast, IIFET delegates can enjoy the Banffshire coast, also known as Scotland’s “Dolphin Coast” for the chance to see the magical creatures and you can enjoy old fishing villages like Crovie and Pennan. The renowned Malt Whisky Trail, the only trail of its kind in the world, can be found in Aberdeenshire. Speyside offers delegates the chance to explore the different whisky distilleries, and discover the history of this famous drink located around the north east of Scotland. Social Tours: There is a range of exciting and informative tours that can be enjoyed by a wide range of IIFET delegates and their accompanying family members. The following are examples of what Aberdeen can offer (itineraries courtesy of Pam Wells, Scottish Tourist Guide Association): “The Royal Tour” - Crathes Castle & Royal Lochnagar Distillery: This day trip provides the wonderful combination of a 16th Century castle, with the chance to discover something of the distilling process at a Deeside distillery once visited by Queen Victoria. The itinerary closely follows the famous River Dee firstly en route for Crathes Castle with its superb interior and walled garden and owned by the Burnett family for over 350 years. Then, after a leisurely lunch in the restaurant, the journey resumes along the Dee towards Balmoral Castle and its close neighbour Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Here visitors will tour the distillery and hear the story of the distilling process used to produce the well-loved Royal Lochnagar. Before leaving, there will be a chance to enjoy a ‘dram' of Scotland's national drink or ‘water of life' as it's often called, before returning to Aberdeen. "Food Glorious Food" - Dean's of Huntly & Baxter's of Fochabers: Travelling north of Aberdeen, the first stop of this tour is in Huntly at the well-known family company Dean's of Huntly where they make mouth-watering shortbread, one of Scotland's bestknown and loved biscuits made with flour, butter and sugar. Here visitors can watch the shortbread being made and, most importantly, taste for themselves. From Huntly the tour travels further north, this time to the small town of Fochabers, home to Baxter's, known throughout the world for its unique selection of soups and jams. At this fascinating complex, visitors can enjoy an audio-visual presentation, taste some of the famous products, browse in the shops and lunch in the Spey Restaurant. 11

Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

Scotland is well-known for its wonderful fish and seafood and there are many places in the North East of Scotland where delegates can watch the day’s catch being brought in from the boats. Delegates can enjoy some of the country’s favourite fish dishes including Cullen Skink, Finnan Haddie and, of course, traditional fish and chips. One of the country’s most distinctive fish dishes is Abroath Smokies, this is created by smoke-curing haddock over hot oak chips which gives the fish a strong flavour and rich, golden colour, a must try dish while visiting the North East. “Ships and Shorelines” is another fantastic opportunity for IIFET delegates to experience the fishing villages in Aberdeenshire and the bustling harbour in the City of Aberdeen. Travelling by luxury coach and with a dedicated tour guide, this is a chance for delegates to experience a fascinating journey alongside Aberdeen’s silver sands, explore the fishing villages along the Aberdeenshire coast and take in the wildlife. In the summer months (May – September) along the coastline, delegates may get a chance to see the wildlife which is known to attract killer whales, the occasional humpback whale and there are plenty of seals and dolphins that rise out of the water. Delegates can also enjoy the sights of the city’s bustling harbour and relax in the peace of a tranquil stretch of the River Dee. Old Aberdeen and the famous sandy beach of Aberdeen can also be enjoyed by foot, a mixture of fabulous sea front, picturesque riverside and woodland combined with an exploration of the cobbled streets and ancient buildings, University and cathedral of Old Aberdeen make this a must visit part of the city when attending the IIFET conference. Shop till you drop: For delegates or their family who want to experience the shopping district of Aberdeen, there are plenty of opportunities for delegates to spend some cash. Aberdeen’s shopping district has seen millions of pounds of investment since the opening of Union Square in 2009. The integrated shopping mall, retail park and train and bus station is the second largest shopping development in Scotland. The opening of a cluster of top high street brands effectively creates a ‘fashion hub'. A Nick Nairn Cook School has opened in Aberdeen, with two floors of ‘foodie heaven’, with a Jamie Oliver restaurant to open in spring 2013. Once tired of shopping, visitors can revive themselves in one of our 330+ restaurants. From the freshest seafood and local cuisine to truly international dishes, you are always sure to find award-winning dining options. For a little culture, delegates can visit our performing arts venues, such as the Edwardian His Majesty’s Theatre which dates from 1906, The Lemon Tree or Music Hall to experience a diverse programme of ballet, opera, stand-up comedy, concerts and shows.

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

Scotland as a whole is a fantastic country to enjoy, and once the conference comes to an end you can cover much of Scotland in a day, owing to the compact nature of the country. With the most varied landscapes of any country in Europe, Scotland is a land boasting mountains, glens, lochs and rivers within a few hours of the cities towers and spires. Consider taking advantage of the special rail discount which is offered to all IIFET delegates travelling to a conference in Aberdeen. The 20% discount offer allows delegates to experience the whole of Scotland on any Scotrail routes throughout the country. Edinburgh, the Capital City of Scotland boasts a rich history which can be uncovered as you explore the city. Cobbled streets, wonderful architecture, old closes and wide avenues allow you to be transported back in time. You can also enjoy the beautiful fortress of Edinburgh Castle, this famous icon of Scotland was voted the top UK heritage attraction and a must see attraction when visiting Scotland. The train from Aberdeen to Edinburgh only takes around 2.5 hours and is a fantastic scenic journey along the east coast. Scotland’s largest city is Glasgow which is also within easy reach from Aberdeen. You can discover Glasgow’s stylish streets, where they will find world-class attractions, museums, galleries and stunning architecture. Glasgow is a friendly city, boasting great shopping, delightful restaurants and brilliant attractions. Glasgow is within easy reach from Aberdeen, around 3 hours by train. The Highlands really is the Scotland of your imagination, a beautiful and inspiring region full of ancient landscapes with a fascinating history. You can explore the many mountains and glens, the stunning islands and stretches of coastline, or explore the UK’s largest national Park, the Cairngorms, which features ancient forests and a great deal of wildlife. The Highlands offer a rich seasonal larder from fresh seafood caught in coastal waters to prime meat from local farmers. Inverness, the key city in the Highlands is a modern and dynamic city, blessed with historic gems and culinary delights for visitors to enjoy. The famous Loch Ness can also be found here, you can take a scenery cruise along this mysterious stretch of water, said to be inhabited by the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Just off the north coast of Scotland’s mainland, a group of around 70 islands creates a glittering array of shapes set against clear blue waters. The smaller isles in the North of Scotland offer a world of serenity on sandy white shores, beautiful beaches combine with heritage, culture and wonderful wildlife makes this part of Scotland a must see place when visiting the country. Flights and ferry access for cars and foot passengers are available from Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland. To the North West of Scotland lies the Outer Hebrides, these beautiful islands offers unspoilt wilderness with breath-taking scenery in an incredible natural playground for outdoor lovers. The region is famous for the quality and distinctive tastes of Hebridean food, from specialist food such as Stornoway Black Pudding to unique whisky and delicious fresh local seafood. In short, Scotland offers the perfect backdrop for the IIFET Conference in 2016.

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

ACCOMMODATION A room with a view…. For IIFET delegates there is a wide range of hotel, Bed and Breakfast and University accommodation available to choose from. In recent years, several new hotel developments have opened in Aberdeen providing a range of options for IIFET delegates. The conference organisers will aim to offer a tiered pricing structure to suit visiting delegates’ budgets and requirements, from student accommodation to 3-star City Centre to 4-star Boutique and 5-star Luxury hotels.

Onsite hotels There are two hotels onsite at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC), the Holiday Inn which is connected to the venue is a 4 star property offering a full serviced restaurant, bar and room service facilities. The Holiday Inn Express, a 3 star property which opened in 2008, is also located onsite at the AECC. Student accommodation will also be available at the nearby University of Aberdeen. The University offers bedrooms with en suite bathroom facilities and is right next to the bus route to the conference venue. Bed and Breakfast establishments are also available for delegates to stay at, and are situated close to the conference venue and on the main bus route to the conference venue.

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Challenging new frontiers in the global seafood sector – a Northern Enlightenment

IIFET 2016 ABERDEEN - LOCAL ORGANISING TEAM Help is at hand… We are delighted that our bid to host the IIFET Biennial Conference in Aberdeen in 2016 has been successful! A local committee has already been formed, led by Hazel Curtis and Professor James Young and this team will be supplemented with other Scottish and UK based IIFET members. The following individuals/organisations were part of the bidding process:

Hazel Curtis Chief Economist, Seafish and President, European Association of Fisheries Economists

Professor James Young University of Stirling

Derek McDonald Rural and Maritime Industries Officer, Aberdeenshire Council

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Dr Catherine Tara Marshall, Senior Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen