More than 100 delegates descended on Dundee last week to attend the International Council on Archives’ Section on University and Scientific Archives (ICA/SUV) Conference ploughing investment into the local area.  

An initial injection of around £270,000 into the region is expected, while conference organisers also anticipate that some delegates may choose to extend their time in Scotland and make the most of the opportunity to explore Dundee & Angus.

“The conference programme is extremely comprehensive and boasts some high profile names,” said Patricia Whatley, university archivist at the University of Dundee. “The conference programme has several social elements built into it, which will give the delegates the chance to experience Scottish hospitality at its best.”  

The conference has attracted a large international contingent, and there will be delegates from the US, Canada, Australia and Europe. The conference social programme has been designed to provide the delegates with an insight into the area. This includes an evening of music, poetry and history at the University of Dundee, a visit to St Andrews and the conference dinner at Fingask Castle, Rait. Delegates will also have the option to participate in a boat trip on Loch Lomond, which will be followed by a visit to Killin and Crieff in Perthshire.”

Commenting on the affect the event will have on the local area, Karen Tocher, business tourism manager at Dundee & Angus Convention Bureau said: “Conferences and similar business tourism events have an important role to play in contributing to the local economy. Providing delegates at such events with the chance to visit the surrounding area is an unrivalled opportunity for those involved in tourism to showcase the area and plant the seed that these visitors might like to return with friends and family as leisure tourists.”