isvc 2017 bid brochure

Ninth International Sheep Veterinary Congress Harrogate, England, May 2017

Bid Brochure

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y50 Years of the Sheep Veterinary Society

2017 marks the 50th Anniversary of our wonderful society – we have an enthusiastic membership drawn from throughout Great Britain and Europe as well as members from the rest of the world. The Sheep Veterinary Society has transformed from small beginnings into a society renowned for its friendly gatherings in the spring and autumn of each year. These provide a focus for all our members and develop interests in all branches of sheep health and welfare and the wider Industry. We are very proud of our heritage and realise the debt we owe to our founding members.

The Moredun Research Institute (formerly the Animal Disease Research Association) has been closely associated with the Society’s development and continues to support us with the accommodation of our secretariat at the Moredun. This symbiotic relationship ensures that the direction of research and the implementation of advice developed through the Institute’s science is widely implemented and focuses on developing a sustainable future for our sheep Industry.

We take our responsibility for providing informed leadership to our sector seriously.

Our first 50 years have seen tremendous developments and changes within the Industry. All our efforts are needed to ensure the contributions to sustainability that we can bring remain recognised and implemented on farm. The importance of sheep to providing food security and safety in a sustainable fashion to our global Industry whilst retaining the rural infrastructure remains critical to our development in the future.

Our pride in our sheep Industry is matched by the hospitality found amongst the members of our Industry internationally. We welcome the opportunity to show you all our Island, its heritage and its sheep, and to sharing a memorable and friendly gathering in beautiful surroundings.

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Contents

Letters of Support 4

Draft Programme 13

Accompanying Persons Programme 14

Harrogate International Conference Centre 16

Conference Centre and Town Maps 19

About Harrogate 20

Getting to Harrogate 23

Bid Budget 24

The County of Yorkshire 26

Visiting the UK 32

Pre-Conference Tours 40

Our Sheep 44

Stratification of the UK Sheep Industry 46

Harrogate International Conference Centre

Beautiful Yorkshire

British heritage breeds Tower Bridge, London

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ague William Hague

Dear Sheep Veterinary Society President

I am particularly pleased to hear of your efforts to bring the prestigious and well respected International Sheep Veterinary Association Congress to Harrogate in North Yorkshire

This is an event the area is well suited to host as the importance of sheep farming remains high for the rural areas of Yorkshire and particularly in our National Parks where many of our distinctive and locally developed British breeds thrive.

It is good to see that the International Conference Facilities in Harrogate can provide a suitable venue which is central to our area and, apart from the scientific programme, will allow a superb opportunity for accompanying people (and delegates) to explore the local countryside with its many attractions.

I appreciate that this is a signal moment in the history of the Sheep Veterinary Society and would like to take this opportunity to wish you well for the next 50 years, I am certain they will mount many challenges to us all.

The Government in which I serve as Foreign Secretary is committed to providing safe food in a secure manner that acknowledges the importance of animal health and welfare and puts it in perspective providing protection against incursion of zoonotic disease whilst maintaining a watchful eye on exotic diseases that may threaten us as we see global climate changes. I can also see that it can help cement on a global level some of the initiatives that are continuing to happen locally. These include particularly support for young professionals involved in all aspects of livestock agriculture and the hope to provide a sustainable future for our livestock industry.

I understand that the conference can attract delegates from all over the world and think this exciting initiative will encourage international co-operation and help to address issues with the world food supply as our global population increases.

Yours sincerely

The Rt Hon William Hague MP

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VOChief Veterinary Officer

Dear Board Members of the International Sheep Veterinary Society

I am writing in support of the Sheep Veterinary Society’s bid to host the International Sheep Veterinary Congress in 2017 as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.

The UK has the largest sheep population in Europe and the Sheep Veterinary Society has played an important role in supporting this sector of the livestock industry, not just in the UK but globally.

I welcome the proposed focus of the meeting on health and welfare for sustainable sheep production and the supporting activities on knowledge transfer.

I look forward to welcoming you to the UK if they are awarded this prestigious event.

Yours sincerely

Nigel Gibbens Chief Veterinary Officer

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Dear President of the Sheep Veterinary Society

International Sheep Veterinary Conference, Harrogate 2017

The British Veterinary Association is pleased to support the bid to host the 2017 International Sheep Veterinary Association Congress in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England and believes that the historical association of the area with the sheep industry makes this most apposite; particularly as our Sheep Veterinary Society celebrates the 50th anniversary of its foundation in that year.

As a division of the BVA, the initiative that the Sheep Veterinary Society has shown in developing a recognised pathway for specialism in sheep health and production has been appreciated and we believe that developing this area would be well served by the recognition that hosting of such a meeting would give, not only to the sheep sector, but to the development of professional goals across the profession.

SVS fulfils an essential role in our representative body and is highly valued as a source of information to the profession within the UK. In recognising the importance of this congress the BVA encourages and welcomes initiatives to spread the uptake and engagement in Continuing Professional Development and in the international sharing of ideas and technical innovation. Our links globally strengthen our representative ability. The theme of sustainability is one that should guarantee an exciting and focussed delivery of key messages for the wider industry and that should encourage and disseminate knowledge in an area where there is a global need for engagement

Yours sincerely

Carl Padgett BVMS CertCHP MRCVS President

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teMayor of Harrogate

Dear Mr Mansley

We would be absolutely delighted to welcome the International Sheep Veterinary Association’s Conference to Harrogate and would fully support your endeavours in promoting our town as a viable venue. As you probably know, the International Centre is an amazing facility set in this historic town which is famous for its cafes, bars and restaurants. We are also very proud of our authentic Victorian Baths and Health Spa, of which there are only seven in the UK that date back to the nineteenth century, but none are as originally complete as ours.

We have excellent road, rail and air links to the rest of the UK and yet the town is often referred to as the ‘gateway to the Dales’, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Harrogate is, and has always been, synonymous with hospitality and there are over 1600 bedspaces within walking distance of the International Centre.

As a town and conference venue, we know how to look after and welcome our guests and as Mayor of the District, I am looking forward to meeting many exhibitors, visitors and delegates to our exhibition halls and conference centre during my year of office. I know that the Mayor of 2017 would be equally delighted for the opportunity to address the conference should Harrogate be selected as the host location in your 50th anniversary year.

I wish you luck for a successful bid.

Yours most sincerely

Councillor Robert Windass The Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate

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or Moredun Director


The Moredun Research Institute and The Moredun Group are pleased to support the bid to host the 2017 International Sheep Veterinary Society Congress in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England. The historical association of this area of England with the sheep industry makes it a very appropriate venue especially as our National Sheep Veterinary Society celebrates the 50th anniversary of its foundation in that year. The Moredun Research Institute recently celebrated 90 years of providing Research and Development outputs for the sheep industry, indicating the long standing importance of sheep to our national economy and to our landscapes.

The Sheep Veterinary Society’s leadership in developing a recognised pathway for specialism in sheep health and production has been widely appreciated and we believe that developing this specialism would be well served by the recognition the hosting of such a meeting would give to both the sheep sector and the veterinary profession.

The Sheep Veterinary Society also fulfils an essential role as a representative body and is highly valued as a source of information to the profession within the UK.

In recognising the importance of this congress the Moredun encourages and welcomes initiatives to spread the uptake and engagement in Continued Professional Development and in the international sharing of ideas and technical innovation. Our links globally strengthen our representative ability. The theme of sustainability is one that should guarantee an exciting and focussed delivery of key messages for the wider industry and should encourage and disseminate knowledge in an area where there is a global need for engagement.

The focus of Moredun’s research is on improving the biological efficiency and sustainability of the sheep sector through optimising animal health and welfare via the development of new vaccines, diagnostic tests and disease control programmes. Our international linkages and collaborations with researchers, veterinary surgeons and farmers extends to many countries and continents are very important to us and we will be delighted to further these should Harrogate, England be chosen as the location of the International Sheep Veterinary Society Congress in 2017.

I am pleased to provide full support for your bid.

Best wishes

Professor Julie Fitzpatrick BVMS (Hons), MSc, PhD, DipECBHM, SLSHTM Scientific Director & Chief Executive

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uteJames Hutton Research Institute


On behalf of the James Hutton Institute, I would like to offer my support to the bid for the 2017 International Sheep Veterinary Congress to be held in the United Kingdom under the auspices of the Sheep Veterinary Society. Since 2017 is a significant anniversary, its fiftieth, for the Sheep Veterinary Society it seems very fitting for the Congress to return to its roots. The James Hutton Institute and its predecessors, the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and, formerly, the Hill Farming Research Organisation, have for many years played an important role in supporting sheep health and production through various long-term programmes covering sheep nutrition, breeding and welfare.

It is clear that the SVS fosters an active programme of continuing professional development across all levels of achievement and has been at the centre of the formation of the new European College of Small Ruminant Health Management. Holding the 2017 ISVS Conference in the UK would be a further way to enhance the provision of first class CPD opportunities on a world stage and would encourage further scientific and technological innovation across the sheep sector.

Yours sincerely

Professor Iain J Gordon Chief Executive.

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As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, I am pleased to support the bid to host the 2017 International Sheep Veterinary Association Congress in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England and believe that the historical association of the area with the sheep industry makes this most apposite, particularly as our Sheep Veterinary Society celebrates the 50th anniversary of its foundation in that year.

As a representative of the educational system in the UK, I would acknowledge that the initiative that the sector has shown in developing a recognised pathway for specialism in sheep health and production has been appreciated and I believe this developing area would be well served by the recognition the hosting of such a meeting would give not only to the sheep sector but to the development of professional goals across the profession. These innovative ideas are important in the development of educational strategies for the future.

My University fully supports international collaboration and the sharing of research ideas and results and firmly believes that a Congress such as this promotes and facilitates these processes.

The theme of sustainability is one that should guarantee an exciting and focussed delivery of key messages for the wider industry and that should encourage and disseminate knowledge in an area where there is a need for engagement.

Best wishes for a successful bid

Professor Quintin McKellar CBE Vice-Chancellor

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SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services is pleased to support the UK bid to host the 2017 International Sheep Veterinary Association Congress in Harrogate, Yorkshire. It seems particularly appropriate that the Society should choose to celebrate its 50th anniversary in a county that has such a rich history associated with sheep breeding and the production and marketing of wool. The Sheep Veterinary Society is a non-territorial division of the British Veterinary Association.

Being a leading centre for innovation, research and knowledge transfer offering support and consultancy services across the UK and beyond, the SAC appreciates and applauds the Society’s development and delivery of top quality sheep health and production CPD opportunities. We further believe that these opportunities will be greatly enhanced should the bid to hold the Congress be successful.

In recognising the importance of this congress the SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services encourages and welcomes initiatives to spread the uptake and engagement in Continuing Professional Development and in the international sharing of ideas and technical innovation. Setting this event in England in 2017 during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Sheep Veterinary Society will deliver the quality of event for which the ISVA is known.

The central theme of sheep health and welfare for sustainable production should stimulate debate in a subject of increasing international importance.

With best wishes for a successful bid.

Yours sincerely

Brian Hosie Group Manager Veterinary Services

Draft programme – Health and Welfare for Sustainable Sheep Production

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Sheep farming is integral to the Yorkshire Dales landscape

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

09.00-10.00

10.00-10.30

10.30-11.00 Tea/coffee Tea/coffee Tea/coffee Tea/coffee

11.00-11.30

11.30-12.00

12.00- 12.30

12.30-14.00 Lunch Posters & Commercial Exhibition

Lunch Posters & Commercial Exhibition



14.00-14.30

14.30-15.00

15.00-15.30 Tea/coffee Tea/coffee Tea/coffee Tea/coffee

15.30-16.00 Registration

17.00-19.00 Conference Opening

19.00-23.00. Welcome Reception & Dinner

Free Evening Reception, Dinner & Societies entertain

Cocktail Reception & Gala Dinner

Farewell Reception & Dinner

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*Tour 1 Castle Howard Mansion and gardens. Farm and Craft shops.

Setting for many historical films, e.g., ‘Brideshead Revisited’.

Tour 2 North Yorkshire Moors Rievaulx Abbey. Moors Visitor Centre at Danby

Take a trip on the North Yorks Moors Steam Railway

Tour 3 Middleham, Richmondshire Richard III’s Castle. Busy market town. Centre for Racehorse Training in Northern England

Tour 4 Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve

High Force & Cauldron Snout, England’s highest and longest waterfalls.

Walk the Pennine Way to High Cup Nick. Listen for the Helm Wind. Spot rare alpine plants.

Tour 5 Thirsk, North Yorkshire James Herriot Museum. Dales market town.

The original Herriot surgery and museum.

Tour 6 Haworth, West Yorkshire Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre come to life

Bronte Parsonage museum. Worth Valley Railway (“Railway Children”)

Tour 7 Kettlewell, Upper Wharfedale Dales village and area of outstanding natural beauty

Walk in the Dales. Film buffs can follow the “Calendar Girls” trail.

Tour 8 Ingleton, North Yorkshire Visit Ingleton’s waterfalls, White Scar & Ingleborough caves, look into Gaping Gill.

Easy walking alongside beautiful becks and waterfalls. England’s longest and deepest caves.

Tour 9 Wharfedale and Nidderdale Grassington and Pateley Bridge market towns

Oldest sweet shop in England! Stump Cross caves. Dale’s life museums.

Tour 10 Whitby, coastal town Harbour, Abbey and Captain Cook’s Museum.

Captain Cook’s birthplace. Inspiration & setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Tour 11 Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Gardens

Two UNESCO World Heritage sites Medieval monastery built on the English wool trade. Georgian garden – follies, statues & water features.

Tour 12 Masham & Hawes, Wensleydale Market towns. Masham has two breweries – Black Sheep and Theakstones

Visit both if you’ve got a thirst! Visit Wensleydale cheese makers and Jervaulx Abbey.

*Tour 13 York Minster Second chance to visit the Minster or go shopping

Plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs too.

**Tour 14 Durham Cathedral and Beamish Museum

Cathedral City and award winning museum.

Story of the people of North East England during the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods.

**Tour 15 York York Minster. Walled city. The ‘Shambles’. National Railways Museum. Jorvik Viking Centre, shops and pubs

**Tour 16 Otley Agricultural Show Oldest one day show in England Very traditional English agricultural show – a great day out.

Accompanying persons programme

There will be a choice of three full day tours on each of the first three conference days. On the final day a morning tour will be arranged, probably to York either for sightseeing or shopping.

*Tours 1-13 are half day tours that will be amalgamated into full day tours. **Tours 14-16 are full day tours.

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Wharfedale countryside

Stunning High Force views

City walls, York

Ingleton Falls

Rievaulx Abbey

Studley Royal GardensWhitby

*Tour 1 Castle Howard Mansion and gardens. Farm and Craft shops.

Setting for many historical films, e.g., ‘Brideshead Revisited’.

Tour 2 North Yorkshire Moors Rievaulx Abbey. Moors Visitor Centre at Danby

Take a trip on the North Yorks Moors Steam Railway

Tour 3 Middleham, Richmondshire Richard III’s Castle. Busy market town. Centre for Racehorse Training in Northern England

Tour 4 Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve

High Force & Cauldron Snout, England’s highest and longest waterfalls.

Walk the Pennine Way to High Cup Nick. Listen for the Helm Wind. Spot rare alpine plants.

Tour 5 Thirsk, North Yorkshire James Herriot Museum. Dales market town.

The original Herriot surgery and museum.

Tour 6 Haworth, West Yorkshire Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre come to life

Bronte Parsonage museum. Worth Valley Railway (“Railway Children”)

Tour 7 Kettlewell, Upper Wharfedale Dales village and area of outstanding natural beauty

Walk in the Dales. Film buffs can follow the “Calendar Girls” trail.

Tour 8 Ingleton, North Yorkshire Visit Ingleton’s waterfalls, White Scar & Ingleborough caves, look into Gaping Gill.

Easy walking alongside beautiful becks and waterfalls. England’s longest and deepest caves.

Tour 9 Wharfedale and Nidderdale Grassington and Pateley Bridge market towns

Oldest sweet shop in England! Stump Cross caves. Dale’s life museums.

Tour 10 Whitby, coastal town Harbour, Abbey and Captain Cook’s Museum.

Captain Cook’s birthplace. Inspiration & setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Tour 11 Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Gardens

Two UNESCO World Heritage sites Medieval monastery built on the English wool trade. Georgian garden – follies, statues & water features.

Tour 12 Masham & Hawes, Wensleydale Market towns. Masham has two breweries – Black Sheep and Theakstones

Visit both if you’ve got a thirst! Visit Wensleydale cheese makers and Jervaulx Abbey.

*Tour 13 York Minster Second chance to visit the Minster or go shopping

Plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs too.

**Tour 14 Durham Cathedral and Beamish Museum

Cathedral City and award winning museum.

Story of the people of North East England during the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods.

**Tour 15 York York Minster. Walled city. The ‘Shambles’. National Railways Museum. Jorvik Viking Centre, shops and pubs

**Tour 16 Otley Agricultural Show Oldest one day show in England Very traditional English agricultural show – a great day out.

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The Conference Centre and main auditoriumThe state-of-the art, purpose-built auditorium will provide the perfect venue for the opening and closing ceremonies and our daily plenary sessions. There is everything one would expect from a modern venue and more, it can comfortably host up to 2000 delegates. Zoned lighting allows specific areas of the auditorium to be highlighted.

The Queen’s SuiteThe Queen’s Suite is a versatile space that will be sub-divided into 4 break-out rooms with a capacity of 120 delegates, theatre-style, per room, capable of hosting the 3 parallel scientific sessions and the CPD forum.

(The hire of the Auditorium and Queen’s Suite comes with a full technical support package including lighting, sound and projection equipment.)

Registration area and cloakroomThe HIC large reception area houses an ideal space for registration and cloakroom, giving all our delegates a special welcome.

The Queen’s Suite

HIC offers everything one would expect from a modern venue and more

Harrogate International Conference & Exhibition Centre (HIC)

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Additional meeting rooms Additional meeting rooms for visiting Societies will be provided in the Kings Suite, VIP level 7, the Restaurant, the Green Room, the Star Dressing Room or Chorus Dressing Room. Further potential meeting spaces are available in the adjoining Holiday Inn Hotel.

Exhibition Hall DHall D acts as a pivotal link to the rest of the Centre and will be the hub of the Congress. It features large glass windows that allow natural daylight to flood in and its 1,000 square metres will be ideal space for the Scientific Posters, Commercial Exhibits and break time refreshments.

ExperienceThe HIC is one of England’s biggest and longest established conference centres regularly catering for major medical, veterinary and scientific conferences and is well used to accommodating 2000 delegates.

First class cateringThanks to many years as their dedicated catering partner, Kudos Hospitality are highly skilled at providing day-long delegate catering as well as magnificent banquets, formal dinners and gala dinners.

Their menus are creative and well balanced and, where possible, the ingredients are regionally sourced from approved suppliers to ensure optimum freshness, taste and environmental responsibility.

Impressive dining is available not just within the HIC portfolio of venues, but also within some of the beautiful Victorian hotels and a wide range of restaurants situated within close proximity to the centre.

Welcome receptionThe Royal Hall is an Edwardian theatre and entertainment venue within the HIC complex that combines turn-of-the-century glamour with 21st Century

The state-of-the art main auditorium can comfortably host up to 2000 delegates

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facilities and HIC’s unrivalled event management expertise to create an exclusive dining experience. The perfect backdrop for glamorous dinners and memorable receptions, the Royal Hall is an ideal choice for banqueting, with a maximum capacity of 350 guests for a seated banquet or 700 for a buffet dinner and drinks reception.

ISVA conference dinnerThe ISVA conference dinner will be held in the heart of the Conference Centre in Event Hall H where guests will enjoy a spectacular banquet in beautiful themed surroundings that will give a big wow factor to the evening.

Social eventsThere is ample scope in Harrogate for social programming and networking. The HIC’s Sun Pavilion venue, set in Grade II listed Valley Gardens, and only a short walk from the centre, can host

themed events for up to 200 buffet style. There are over ninety cafés, bars and restaurants in the centre of town catering for all gastronomic tastes; from Egyptian and Japanese to afternoon tea at Betty’s Café Tea Rooms. Many of these venues are often used by conference delegates for informal networking. Additionally many of the Harrogate hotels are happy to accommodate parties or evening receptions.

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Guests will enjoy a spectacular banquet that will give a big wow factor to the event

The Royal Hall combines turn-of-the-century glamour with 21st Century facilities

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The HIC’s impressive reception area

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Harrogate

Harrogate’s cosmopolitan charm and character owes much to a heritage as a popular Victorian spa town. Modern Harrogate is a major conference destination with a lively mixture of fabulous shopping, café culture, fine restaurants and plenty of green open spaces.

A shopper’s paradise by day Harrogate has exclusive boutiques and top quality high street names featuring a range of designer clothes, shoes and accessories. The town centre as well as featuring familiar high street names has many independent retailers unique to Harrogate – check out the Westminster Arcade, Victoria Shopping Centre and Montpellier Quarter.

Visitors are also attracted by Harrogate’s status as the ‘Antiques Centre of the North’ with a wealth of antique shops and arcades

where you can hunt for the ultimate antique bargain.

Smart Harrogate streets and mews are filled with cafés and bars perfect for lunchtime or simply chilling out. For the ultimate afternoon indulgence head straight for the famous Betty’s Café Tea Rooms for fat rascals, luxurious handmade chocolates, gorgeous cakes and excellent teas and coffees from around the globe.

Stylish restaurants, fashionable bars and nightclubs give Harrogate a lively evening atmosphere. Indulge in gourmet heaven with spicy world food and tempting traditional cuisine.

Harrogate is also the perfect place just to take it easy for a bit. Watch the world go by in Montpellier Gardens, stroll around the town which is decorated with beautiful floral displays, relax on ‘The Stray’, 200 acres of green

Charming Harrogate at night

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lawns surrounding the town or stroll through the attractively landscaped and award winning Valley Gardens then up through the lush, green pine woods to another award winning attraction, RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Soak up some culture at the Mercer Art Gallery, Royal Pump Room Museum and Harrogate Theatre and browse the many commercial art galleries and crafts outlets. For a very different experience spend a couple of hours in the Turkish

Baths and Health Spa. Detox in the steam and hot rooms, be brave and take a dip in the plunge pool or take advantage of the many complementary therapies, beauty treatments and body wraps available.

Harrogate is not just a superb location it also offers a wide variety of accommodation choices to suit all tastes and budgets, there are 1500 beds within walking distance of the Harrogate International Centre (HIC).

Valley Gardens Afternoon tea ‘The Cherubs’

Montpellier Quarter

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Holiday Inn4 star, 214 bedroomsAdjacent to HIC and within a few minutes’ walk of the town centre. Contemporary and welcoming, the Classics bar and restaurant offer a variety of traditional and international dishes.

Cedar Court4 star, 100 bedroomsOverlooking Harrogate’s famous Stray, only 15 minutes from the town centre. Free car parking. Up-to-date facilities and Brasserie restaurant.

Kimberley4 star, 93 bedroomsWithin a few minutes’ walk of the town and HIC. Comfortable rooms and a delicious Yorkshire breakfast provides a perfect start to the day.

Barcelo Majestic4 star, 170 bedroomsThe Victorian Majestic towers over this beautiful spa town. It has been a favourite with visitors for over 100 years. Full leisure facilities including swimming pool, sauna and relaxing spa treatments.

St George3 star, 90 bedroomsEdwardian hotel near the HIC and within a couple of minutes’ walk of the town centre. Features its own leisure club and free parking.

Grants3 star, 41 bedrooms. Close to the HIC, shops and Valley Gardens. Affiliated to the Academy Health Club.

Cairn Hotel3 star, 135 bedroomsVictorian hotel within a few minutes’ walk of HIC. Large free car park

Studley4 star, 36 bedroomsContemporary accommodation 5 minutes’ walk from HIC. Close to shops, restaurants and Valley Gardens. Includes highly regarded OrchidRestaurant.

Crown Hotel3 star, 110 bedroomsSet in the antique quarter of this beautiful town, within a few minutes’ walk of the HIC. Provides the ideal location to explore the delights of Harrogate and the surrounding area.

Hotel Du Vin4 star, 48 bedroomsRelaxed town house and bistro situated opposite The Stray and in the heart of Harrogate.

Old Swan4 star, 136 bedroomsTraditional elegance meets contemporary splendor; set in five acres of beautifully manicured gardens along with free parking. Within a few minutes’ walk of HIC.

White Hart4 star, 53 bedroomsSituated close to the town centre and the Stray, minutes from the HIC. Has dedicated disabled rooms for single or double occupancy.

The Yorkshire3 star, 80 bedroomsVictorian hotel with many original features and a contemporary feel. Situated in the heart of the town.

Rudding Park4 red stars, 90 bedrooms with luxury lodgesJust 3 miles south of Harrogate, the hotel has its own golf course and award winning Clocktower restaurant.

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Getting to Harrogate

Located in Yorkshire, midway between Edinburgh & London, Harrogate is well connected to the rest of the United Kingdom, and the world, through a network of air, rail and road links. The city is 210 miles north of London. Transport options to Harrogate include air, sea, rail and road

By airHarrogate is only 20 minutes away from Leeds Bradford International Airport offering flights to and from major cities in the UK (including Heathrow) and Ireland as well as Amsterdam, Paris, Krakow and Barcelona.

By seaHarrogate is 70 miles from the ferry port of Hull with links to Rotterdam & Zeebrugge

By railHarrogate is located in the heart of the country and is only two hours away from London by train. No less than 26 trains run each day via the major cities of Leeds and York and there are direct trains from London to Harrogate.

By roadHarrogate’s central location on the UK map, plus our proximity to a first-class motorway network, means we have ready access to London and Edinburgh by road.

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Number of Delegates

Full Paying Delegate 150 200 250

Student Registration 50 100 150

Sponsor Registration 100 150 200

Practice / Company Registration 50 75 100

Day Registration 120 180 240

Complimentary Registration 20 35 50

Accompanying Persons 100 150 200

Gala Dinner Only 25 50 75

Total 590 890 1190

Income Value (£) Number

Gold Sponsor 45,000 2 90,000 90,000 90,000

Silver Sponsor 25,000 5 125,000 125,000 125,000

Bronze Sponsor 10,000 5 50,000 50,000 50,000

Trade Exhibitor 2,000 10 20,000 20,000 20,000

Delegate Registration 400 60,000 80,000 100,000

Student Registration 75 3,750 7,500 11,250

Sponsor Registration 75 7,500 11,250 15,000

Practice / Company Registration 450 22,500 33,750 45,000

Day Registration 160 19,200 28,800 38,400

Gala Dinner 100 2,500 5,000 7,500

Complimentary Registration 0 0 0 0

Total Income (£) 400,450 451,300 502,150

Bid budget

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Total Income (£) 400,450 451,300 502,150

Fixed Costs (£)

Committee Expenses 35,000

Speaker Budget 30,000

Complimentary Provision 25,000

Hire of Venue 98,423

Event Insurance 20,000

Booking Office Expenses 10,000

Printing 12,500

Delegate Administration 7,500

Event Marshals 15,000

Website & Promotion 15,000

Gala Dinner Setup & Entertainment 5,000

Subtotal 273,423

10% Contingency 27,342.30

Total Fixed Costs (£) 300,765.30 300,765.30 300,765.30

Variable Costs (£)

Credit Card Commission 0.03 2,597.63 3,741.75 4,885.87

Proceedings / Abstracts 50 24,500.00 37,000.00 49,500.00

Day Catering 75 44,250.00 66,750.00 89,250.00

Subtotal 71,347.63 107,491.75 143,635.87

10% Contingency 7,134.76 10,749.18 14,363.59

Total Variable Costs 78,482.39 118,240.93 157,999.46

Total Costs (Incl 10% Contingency) 379,247.69 419,006.23 458,764.76

Surplus /(Deficit) 21,202.31 32,293.78 43,385.24

Accommodation Value £ Number 20 40 60

Event Block Booking Rate (5 nights) 450 9,000 18,000 27,000

Event Rate Extra Nights 90 1,800 3,600 5,400

Event Costs Total 10,800 21,600 32,400

Delegate Rate (5 nights) 500 10,000 20,000 30,000

Delegate Rate (Additional nights) 100 2,000 4,000 6,000

Total Income 12,000 24,000 36,000

Margin (10%) 1,200 2,400 3,600

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National parksYorkshire is famous for it’s Countryside – the rolling hills, moors and dales. The National Parks of the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the Peak District are perfect for walking holidays in stunning surroundings – explore at your leisure…

Wonderful walksFour of Britain’s finest National Trails are in Yorkshire, so take your pick. The Pennine Way, the Pennine Bridleway, the Yorkshire Wolds Way or the Cleveland Way, which follows the edge of the North Yorks Moor National Park through some astounding scenery.

Wildlife and birdsWith many RSPB sites to choose from, you can see red kites in full flight at Harewood House, Peregrine Falcons nesting at Malham in the Yorkshire Dales and puffins on Flamborough Cliffs. The Widdale Red Squirrel Reserve near Hawes gives a rare chance to see this shy native species in its natural woodland environment.

The county of YorkshireThe beautiful outdoors

Yorkshire has huge areas of beautiful countryside to explore

Peregrine Falcon

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Yorkshire coastEncompassing some of the UK’s most rugged and charming countryside, from tiny fishing villages clinging to rocky cliffs, to glorious stretches of white sands and with everything from windswept abbeys to some of the country’s best fish and chips.

Steam trainsTake a trip on the West Coast Railway and travel over Yorkshire’s superb countryside by steam, in traditional carriages. Travel back in time on the Worth Valley Railway and steam

through the heart of Bronte country from Keighley to Oxenhope.

CavingThe UK’s largest caving area is right here in Yorkshire with over 2000 caves. Take a guided trip into White

Scar show cave near Ingleton in North Yorkshire, and prepare to be amazed with spectacular waterfalls and underground stalactites.

SportYorkshire is passionate about its sport and is home to Yorkshire County Cricket Club and many top rugby and football teams. From cross-country mountain biking at Dalby, and surfing at Scarborough, to the county’s 9 race courses, there’s something for everyone.

GardensVisit the award-winning Royal Horticultural Society gardens at Harlow Carr on the outskirts of Harrogate. Creative design and planting styles provide beautiful year round displays which are second to none.

EquestrianWith such a strong equestrian pedigree, Yorkshire’s horse trails are legendary. The North Yorks Moors are perfect horse-riding country and the diverse landscapes and abundance of wildlife make every ride an experience to remember. Riding centres cater for all levels of experience.

Staithes harbour, Yorkshire coast

Steam railway, Bronte country

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Step back into time with a visit to the ruins of the magnificent 12th century Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens. A World Heritage Site, set in 800 acres of beautiful countryside, this offers an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the range of Britain’s heritage.

Stately homesExperience something very British with a visit to one of Yorkshire’s many stately homes and houses. Harewood House near Leeds with its renowned bird garden, sits in the heart of Yorkshire. Temple Newsam House and gardens is spectacular to visit and is home to the largest working rare breeds farm in Europe.

CathedralsVisit one of the greatest cathedrals in the world – the breath-taking York Minster in the city of York, and re-live the history of Roman Emperors and archbishops. Only nine miles north of Harrogate, Ripon Cathedral boasts one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in the UK.

CastlesCastles are abundant in Yorkshire and set the scene for the country’s wonderful history. Visit Ripley Castle, just outside Harrogate or explore

the wonderful architecture and gardens at Castle Howard near York. Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the best preserved medieval castles in England.

Bronte countryThe names of the three Bronte sister and the passionate novels that

they wrote, will be linked forever with Yorkshire. Visit their family home, Haworth Parsonage – now the Bronte Parsonage Museum and step back in history. Charlotte’s novel “Jane Eyre” and Emily’s “Wuthering Heights” were written here 150 years ago.

The county of YorkshireHistory and heritage

York Minster

Fountains Abbey

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City lifeFrom Harrogate to Leeds and from York to Bradford, Yorkshire can deliver all the modern facilities and fun you would expect from vibrant cities. From café culture to gigs and clubs, brasseries to ballet, or gardens to galleries. Whilst exploring in Yorkshire’s cities you will find some of the best shopping opportunities around – you’ll be spoiled for choice!

IndulgenceTreat yourself to something special, unusual or down-right decadent. Spend and afternoon in the historic Harrogate Spa Baths, or take a delightful cream tea in the legendary Betty’s Café Tea Rooms, followed by dinner at one of Yorkshire’s five Michelin-starred restaurants. Yorkshire’s famed food and drink can be found in abundant quality across numerous farmer’s markets and farm shops.

BreweriesTake a “shepherded” tour around the award-winning Black Sheep Brewery in Masham and see how the magnificent ale is produced – of course, no visit would be complete without sampling the finished product! Not far away is the Theakston Brewery, where you can do it all again. For true ale enthusiasts, follow the famous Yorkshire “ale trail” and experience more of British beer at its very best.

The county of YorkshireRelaxation and entertainment

Betty’s Café Tea Rooms, Harrogate

The Black Sheep Brewery

The Shambles, York

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The Great Yorkshire ShowOne of Britain’s leading agricultural events, stockmen come from all over the country to show off their prize stock. Held on the 250 acre showground just outside Harrogate and organized by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the action packed show runs for three continuous days.

Otley ShowThought to be the oldest one-day agricultural show in Britain, Otley Show dates back to 1796. Visit the show and be amazed at the displays of hundreds of exhibits, ranging from sheep, cattle, horses and poultry, to floral art, baking, produce and handicrafts – truly a great British day out!

Tan Hill Swaledale ShowCome along and experience one of the highlights in the Yorkshire Dales’ calendar. The Tan Hill Sheep Show is held at Britain’s highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn, annually on the last Thursday in May. Since 1951, local farmers have competed to exhibit the finest examples of the Swaledale breed.

The county of YorkshireTraditional agricultural shows

Swaledale sheep

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reJames Herriot MuseumThe “World of James Herriot” Museum in the picturesque town of Thirsk, offers you the unique chance to experience the life and times of a man who became an international celebrity. Enjoy the beauty of the “Herriot home”, take a trip back to the 1940s in the carefully restored rooms and absorb the atmosphere of the world’s most famous veterinary practice.

Art galleriesYorkshire boasts an amazing diversity of art galleries and exhibitions. The Mercer Gallery in Harrogate is home to the area’s finest art collection from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Hepworth-Wakefield Gallery is one of Yorkshire’s gems, along with the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which is an international centre for modern and contemporary art, with displays of over 60 sculptures in the open air.

National Railway MuseumYork is the home to this magnificent national museum which tells the story of rail transport in Great Britain and its impact on society. With a fabulous display of more than 100 locomotives and 200 other items, this museum has more visitors every year than any other museum outside of London. Not just for rail enthusiasts – a real “must see”!

Captain Cook MuseumThis fascinating museum is in the 17th century house on the harbour in Whitby, where the young James

Cook lodged as an apprentice, before embarking on his epic voyages of discovery. View letters written by Cook, models and maps, and original paintings by Gainsborough, Hodges and Webber.

National Coalmining MuseumSituated in the West Yorkshire town of Wakefield, this national museum for England takes you back to the days when coal was one of the major economic outputs of Yorkshire. Take a trip deep down one of the steep mine shafts and experience first hand the demanding working conditions of the hardy Yorkshire miners.

The county of YorkshireGalleries and museums

Captain James Cook

National Coalmining Museum, Wakefield

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More than 24 million visitors come to experience the huge range of things you can do in the UK every year. Dynamic modern cities like London and Leeds, Glasgow and Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff, have everything you need for a weekend break or an even longer stay. You might like to go to an art gallery, watch a play, visit a museum, enjoy the range of nightlife on offer or just take in some of the tourist attractions.

Outdoors types can choose from beaches, mountains or spectacular walking and cycling routes in areas of outstanding natural beauty like the Cotswolds and the Lake District, or take the train up Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales or walk the wild Scottish Highlands.

River Thames, Tower Bridge and the City of London

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Area and populationThe UK’s land and water area is 152,033 square miles. Its population in mid-2006 was approximately 60.6 million. In England the population was 50,762.900. In Wales 2,965,000, Scotland 5,116,900 and Northern Ireland 1,741,600. Their respective capitals are London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Government and monarchyThe UK is a constitutional monarchy in which Queen Elizabeth II is recognised as the head of state – and the elected Prime Minister, currently David Cameron, is the head of government. The ability to make and pass legislation lies with the elected Parliament. There’s much more to read on the British Monarchy website.

People, languages and religionThe majority of the population is English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish. However, the UK is an extremely diverse nation that has always welcomed migrants from around the world. Overall, ethnic minority groups represent 7.9% of the UK population. Britain’s 2 official languages are English and Welsh, English being the most widely spoken. Gaelic is also spoken in some parts of Scotland.

Most people are Christian, although other religions, including Buddhism,

Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism, are freely practised. About 23% of people in Britain follow no particular religion.

EconomyThe UK is a leading trading and financial power while the City of London is one of the world’s leading financial markets.

Currency, weights and measuresBritain’s currency is the pound sterling (£GBP). Go to the VisitBritain money and currency website for information about how much money you can bring into the UK, the best ways of exchanging money and current exchange rates.

Historically, Britain has always used the Imperial measurement system, although government regulations make use of the metric system.

Distance and speed are measured in miles, and miles per hour.

Public and school holidays and time zonesDetails of UK public holidays, the times of the year the clocks go back or forward and school holidays can be found in the public holidays and British summer time section of the VisitBritain website.

Electrical appliancesAppliances in the UK usually use standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets. Voltage is 240 volts AC at 50HZ. Adapters are readily available particularly at airports.

Visiting the UKUK Facts & Figures

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pThere are lots of places to visit in Britain, and as many ways of getting to them as there are types of places to stay. From Loch Ness to Stonehenge, by train or by bus, to hotel or campsite – plan where to go, where to stay and how to get there using the VisitBritain, VisitEngland, VisitWales and VisitScotland websites.

Where to stayWhere can you stay when you get here? There are an enormous number of choices including hotels, guesthouses, hostels, camp sites, university campuses, holiday villages, self catering and serviced apartments.

WeatherVisit the VisitBritain website to check out what the weather will be doing for the next 5 days, temperatures over

the year and what clothes to wear at different times of the year.

Getting around when you’re hereThere are a number of ways of travelling around the UK. You can hire a car, go by train, fly, cycle, take a taxi, or even cruise round the coast. In London you’re best off using public transport.

Find out more about getting around the UK on the VisitBritain website. You might also like to use the web site journey planner to organise your trip.

Tourist informationVisit or contact any of Britain’s local tourist offices to access a wealth of detailed, up-to-the-minute information, as well as numerous useful services such as accommodation and tour booking. You can find a list of all local tourist offices on the VisitBritain website.

Loch Ness

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When you arrive in the UK you will need a valid passport and possibly a visa. If you want to travel with your pet you will need to find out beforehand whether this is possible and what UK requirements are. Find out more passport and visa information on the VisitBritain and UKVisas websites.

Tax-free shoppingIf you are a non-EU citizen you can take advantage of tax-free shopping when you visit the UK.

Keeping in touchVisitBritain includes a range of information about keeping in touch with home while you’re in the UK, including information about the UK phone system, International dialling codes, useful telephone numbers, internet access, post offices and posting letters, sending letters abroad and within the UK.

Utilities and servicesYou can find out about utilities and other services on the VisitBritain website.

Britain’s annual eventsYou might choose to plan your trip around a social or sporting occasion. There are plenty of events in the UK to keep you occupied during your stay, visit Glastonbury music festival or take part in a real Highland Games.

A number of bizarre events take place annually such as the cheese-rolling festival in Gloucestershire,the world gurning championships in Cumbria or the international Bognor Birdman spectacle in Sussex to mention but three.

Sightseeing, museums and galleriesHundreds, if not thousands, of people head to Britain every year to sample its rich history, culture and heritage. There are no less that 25 UNESCO world heritage sites to visit ranging from the remote Atlantic archipelago of St Kilda, to pre-pyramidal man made icons such as Stonehenge and Skara Brae. The Roman army left Hadrian’s Wall and the monks Fountains Abbey whilst our nearer ancestors constructed Edinburgh’s old and new towns. Museums and

Visiting the UKPractical Information

Britain is a favourite shopping destination

National Gallery, London

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art galleries abound, many charge no entry fee and sightseeing tours are available in most cities either by bus, train, boat or foot. See what’s on offer by checking the history and heritage or museums and galleries sections on the VisitBritain website.

Things to do outdoorsYou can take your pick from a vast range of outdoor activities in the UK.

Walkers and cyclists will be astounded at the tens of thousands of way marked paths and cycle routes that run the length and breadth of Britain many following paths and roads used for generations. Walkingbritain and Cycleroutesuk will guide you

Mountaineers and climbers seeking excitement will find plenty in the English Lake District and the Scottish

Highlands which offer some of the finest challenges in Europe.

Water is something of which we’re rarely short and we are lucky enough to have a staggering variety of water to splash in, sail across or simply admire for its soggy beauty. From Welsh waterfalls to the Jurassic coast of southern England, from wind surfing on the Hebridean island of Tiree to gently punting past the historic architectural delights of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

The more active might like to try coasteering or white water rafting. Coasteering, first developed in Pembrokeshire in Wales by surfers and kayakers in the 1980s, is now one of the UK’s fastest growing adventure sports. What is coasteering? Coasteering in essence is working your way round a coastline at sea level in whatever way is possible. This may involve swimming, diving, jumping, climbing, scrambling, traversing and rock hopping all designed to be challenging but safe, enjoyable and exhilarating.

If you prefer an adrenaline surge away from the coast then white water

Cycling in the UK is ever more popular

Watersports opportunities abound

Britain has an extensive canal network

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rafting in Snowdonia in Wales or in Perthshire in the Highlands of Scotland will take you to some of Britain’s most beautiful and rugged countryside.

For something more leisurely hire a canal boat and embrace a slower pace of life, stop at canal side pubs, negotiate locks and soak up the serene atmosphere. Travel along Britain’s two thousand miles of tranquil inland waterways that thread their way through some of our most beautiful and unspoiled countryside, offering a haven for wildlife and an insight into Britain’s industrial heritage.

Garden lovers can enjoy some of the most famous green spaces in the world. See the world’s largest glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, visit Kew Gardens in London to see some

of its 30,000 plants, see the Royal Horticultural Society’s showpiece garden at Wisley, or travel to Trebah in south west England or to Inverewe in the north west of Scotland and see the Gulf Stream’s effect, there is sure

to be a garden that will enchant and captivate you.

Angling is a sport enjoyed by more Britons than any other and Britain is a veritable Utopia

for fishermen who can go fly fishing on ancient trout streams or fight wild Atlantic salmon on a famous Scottish ‘beat’. Fishing on lakes, lochs and rivers is often cheap or even free although you’ll have to pay to catch a shark in the English Channel.

Golf courses abound throughout the country, indeed Scotland is the home of golf. Golfers will find a price and a challenge to suit every handicap

Britain is a veritable Utopia for fishermen

St Andrews is just one of many iconic golf courses

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(playing or financial) from the uniquely British sea-side links courses that host the British Open to inland courses featuring rivers, trees or heather, you’ll find it all and get some stunning scenery to boot.

ShoppingThe UK is often described as the shopping haven of Europe with an array of hotspots for those who love a good shop. Bargains, vintage, designer, famous British and international brands… you name it, it’s all for sale and the VisitBritain website has details of all the shopping treats Britain has to offer.

Food and drinkBritish food and drink is some of the most unique in the world. You can find traditional dishes in hotels, restaurants and pubs throughout the country whilst gastro-pubs and Michelin starred restaurants offer something that little bit special. Find out more by visiting websites such as VisitBritain, the Good Food Guide, the AA or British Gastropubs.

NightlifeBritain’s towns and cities come alive at night, with almost every type of nightlife catered for. Find out more in VisitBritain’s UK city guide.

Luxury and relaxationRest, relax, indulge, recharge – these are just a few things you can do in Britain’s health spas and luxury resorts. You can also try a range of luxury experiences such as hot-air ballooning and island getaways to help you unwind during your stay. Once more the VisitBritain website is the place to start to plan your pampering.

Health spa retreats are there to indulge

Hotels, restaurants and pubs throughout the country serve great food

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Join us on one or both of our two pre-conference tours. The first tour will meander the length and breadth of England for 8 days to be followed by a 3 day hop over Hadrian’s Wall and the border into Scotland.

We meet in London and begin the long tour by taking in the sights and sounds of Britain’s unique, cosmopolitan capital city.

On the first day we will head east to Canterbury immortalised in Chaucer’s Tales. There we’ll see the wonderful architecture of the cathedral, the home of English Christianity for almost 1500 years.

Next stop the Romney Marshes, home of the eponymous sheep that underpins many an Antipodean flock and adjacent to the beautiful medieval sea side town of Rye, where we’ll end the day in one of the best preserved of the ancient English Cinque ports.

Our next day will take us westwards across southern England to Salisbury

Plain and Stonehenge, older than the pyramids and still exciting observers as to its purpose.

Time for a brief stop at Salisbury Cathedral before continuing west wards into Dorset to see the Dorset Horn at home followed by dinner at Castle Drogo overlooking the wilds of Dartmoor.

After a night in Exeter we’re off to Tintagel Castle to seek the fabled round table at King Arthur’s Camelot.

Then on to picturesque Doone Valley, the setting for Lorna Doone.

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A Devon cream tea in Simonsbath in the centre of Exmoor will set us up for a trip to Bristol Vet School and a night in Wells where another grand cathedral awaits.

From Wells we journey northwards passing through the magnificent Cheddar Gorge, stopping to see the traditional way to make and mature Cheddar cheese in the caves at Wookey Hole, where humans have lived for around 50,000 years.

Next we reach the Cotswolds, regarded by many as the jewel in the crown of the English countryside, where tranquil villages of honey coloured stone nestle amongst the trees in endlessly rolling hills and valleys, once made wealthy by the medieval wool trade.

At their heart lies Cirencester, our overnight stop and home to the Royal Agricultural College, the world’s oldest agricultural college.

From the Cotswolds we continue on through the English Shires to visit

Adam Henson’s farm, home to the Rare Breed’s Survival Trust, to see some of Britain’s endangered sheep breeds.

We’ll take time to stop and see the legacy of sheep in the numerous medieval ‘wool’ churches and tithe barns that remain in the beautiful rural villages through which we’ll pass on the way to a night’s rest amongst Oxford’s ‘dreaming spires’.

From Oxford we move into Shakespeare country with a chance to see some of the ‘Downs’ breeds and to stretch our legs in and around Stratford-upon-Avon visiting one of the area’s castles, historic houses or

gardens. Perhaps take a walk up the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, as the 21 locks of the Grand Union Canal at nearby Hatton are known, with time for some retail therapy before ending the day with dinner and a visit to the theatre.

North we head next to visit a hill farm in the Pennine Hills to see how man and his sheep continue to shape this

Cheddar Gorge

Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon

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wild and rugged landscape. We’ll see the top tier of the UK sheep industry’s stratification system before our journey takes us deeper into the Dales towards James Herriot country stopping at Haworth, home to the Bronte sisters, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.

A quick hop westwards takes us over the Pennine hills to spend the night deep amongst the hills and lakes of the English Lake District.

Here, we will see how the National Trust and the local farmers work together to maintain this area of outstanding natural beauty utilising the local Herdwick breed of ancient sheep and traditional farming methods passed down from time immemorial.

A boat trip on Ullswater or Lake Windermere will set us up for the journey north over the border, through the Scottish Southern Uplands to Glasgow where the short tour begins. Glasgow was once Britain’s second city and remains a vibrant and fun filled place to spend the night.

The first day begins with a trip to see the old University of Glasgow

Veterinary School in the centre of the city where James Herriot studied followed by a cruise through Rob Roy country between the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond aboard the Maid of the Loch.

Back on dry land we journey through the Argyllshire hills to the Scottish Agricultural College’s remote hill farm at Crianlarich where research continues to improve the viability of Scottish hill sheep farming. Outdoor enthusiasts can walk part of Scotland’s longest way-marked trail, the West Highland Way, which passes through the farm, before we head west again along the lochs and glens that lead through the highlands to the picturesque little port of Oban where we’ll round off the day by visiting, and sampling the product of the Oban distillery.

English Lake District

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From the hotel we’ll see the ferries that link the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides to the Scottish mainland.

Oban surely deserves its title of being the “Gateway to the Isles”.

No visit to Scotland is complete without a trip along its rugged west coast which we follow as we head northwards to atmospheric Glencoe, the dramatic setting for an infamous massacre.

We’ll follow the old drove and cattle rustler’s roads through the glen between the mountains as we head east towards Aberfoyle and the Scottish Wool Centre to check out their wares and to watch a sheep dog trialling demonstration.

Then just time for a quick stop at Glengoyne distillery before spending the night in Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh.

On the outskirts of the city we will visit the Moredun Research Institute,

known internationally for high quality sheep disease research.

It’s then only a short trip to nearby Rosslyn Chapel of Da Vinci Code fame to see if you can solve the puzzles set by the myriad stone carvings found within.

Time for a quick visit to the Roslin Institute, home to Dolly the sheep, before rounding the day off with an open air bus tour of Edinburgh, some more retail therapy and of course some post retail refreshment at the Scottish Whisky Experience visitor centre adjacent to Edinburgh Castle, especially if the idea of an end of the day dram has caught your fancy. The final day takes us south along the east coast of

Scotland and back over the border into Northumbria to the holy island of Lindisfarne, tides permitting of course.

Then on to picturesque Bamburgh

Castle, home to Sir Lancelot and once the capital of the British kingdom of the region, spending the afternoon at Lilburn Estates, Wooler, to see the final two stages of Britain’s traditional sheep stratification in real commercial life.

A quick run through the beautiful Borders countryside, across the Land of the Prince Bishops and the Durham Dales will get us to Harrogate in time for dinner.

Edinburgh

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ep With the biggest sheep flock in Europe, Britain is justifiably proud of its numerous registered pure breeds of sheep (over 50 at the last count) as well as maintaining some popular and long established crossbreeds that continue to fulfil their own particular purpose.

On the pre-conference tours we’ll take the chance to look at as many breeds as possible and try to convince the world that they represent an invaluable and irreplaceable repository of sheep genetics.

Our British sheep breeds have evolved over thousands of years, the first domestic sheep being introduced into Britain by Neolithic settlers around

4000 BC; their closest surviving relatives are the small, horned, brown Soay sheep found on the remote St Kildan archipelago off the west coast of Scotland.

The Soay belong to the Northern European Short-tailed Group of sheep that includes other iconic native British sheep breeds like the Shetland, the North Ronaldsay, the Hebridean and the Manx Loghtan. Many of these have only survived extinction thanks to the ongoing work of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, based here in Great Britain.

When the Romans arrived in Britain 2000 years ago, they introduced white-faced sheep that were crossed with the

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indigenous Soay to produce the likes of the Cheviot breed found in many parts of Scotland.

These white faced Roman sheep were the most likely ancestors of the medieval short and long wool breeds such as the Ryeland and the Romney, bred specifically to improve the quality of the wool.

Originally bred for meat and hides, the usefulness of the wool from sheep soon became apparent and records show that the first woollen factory in England was set up by the Romans in Winchester in 50 A.D. Large scale manufacture of woollen cloth really started in the 16th century and by the time of the rule of Elizabeth 1, sheep, and more specifically the wool trade, had become the primary source of tax revenue to the Crown and was a major influence in the development and spread of sheep husbandry.

In the 18th century, the British agriculturalist Robert Bakewell made sheep history with his well recorded sheep breeding programmes. Using native stock, he was able to quickly select for large, yet fine-boned sheep

with long, lustrous wool and produced the Lincoln Longwool.

This further developed into the Dishley Leicester, which was exported widely, including to Australia and North America.

Our British sheep have also been incorporated into such famous breeds as the Corriedale in New Zealand and the Polwarth in Australia.

And we don’t stand still either, since the 1960s we’ve had the development of the Easy Care and Cambridge breeds, whilst British farmers continue to search for new genetics, particularly for prime lamb production, introducing breeds from foreign climes like the Texel, the Charollais and the Beltex.

Leicester Longwool

Soay sheep on St Kilda

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producing country in Europe, the UK sheep flock is unique in that it is characterized by a stratified three-tier breeding structure, employing systematic crossbreeding. This system of sheep production enables sheep farming to flourish in the wide range of climate and environments which can be experienced in the UK. Stratification allows for the attributes of the different breeds to be matched to varying areas and types of land.

Hill groundAt the top of the 3 tiers, we have the hardy Hill Ewe, examples of the traditional hill breeds in the UK being the Scottish Blackface, Swaledale and Cheviot.

These breeds have been selected for their hardiness and ability to survive on marginal ground and heather, on high hills and mountains, and with very little input from man. These hill breeds produce replacement hill ewes and ram lambs, lightweight store or finishing lambs and cast ewes.

Stratification of the UK sheep industry

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Upland countryCast hill ewes (after 4 crops of pure hill lambs) are crossed with longwool rams like the Bluefaced Leicester, Border Leicester and Wensleydale to produce hybrid ewe lambs and store or finishing wether lambs. These crossbred ewes inherit the hardiness of their hill mothers and the size and good milking ability of their father’s breed to give a superb mothering ewe that will produce 2 or more lambs. These crossbred ewes are known as Mules, Halfbreds or Greyfaces.

Lowground farmsOn a lowground farm the crossbred female is mated with a terminal meat breed such as the Suffolk, Charollais, Beltex or Texel to produce the majority of UK finished lamb, with the aim of raising twin lambs to 40 kgs off pasture, in four months. Purebred flocks of terminal sire breeds are kept on some lowground farms, providing finished lambs and replacement terminal sire rams.

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Blackface ewes and lambsSwaledale ewe and mule lamb

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isvc 2017 bid brochure

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