2009 has been declared Homecoming Scotland Year in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of one Robert Burns’ birth. To this day Burns, of course, remains the Scots’ best-loved and most famous bard – a passionate and inspirational man who was the forward-thinker of his time.
However, Homecoming Scotland isn’t all about Robert Burns. The year of 300-plus events – organised by the Scottish Government in partnership with EventScotland – is designed to celebrate not just the life and works of Burns but also the nation’s ancestry, its innovations and inventions and the country’s overall contribution to the world at large.
With whisky playing a huge part in Scotland’s national heritage, it’s apt that Skills for Security is using its forthcoming conference – entitled Slainte Mhath (a Gaelic toast, and the title of a seminal track on Marillion’s 1987 album Clutching At Straws) – to draw attention to the huge part that the security industry continues to play in Scotland’s success.
Auchentoshan Distillery’s position as a long-cherished landmark on the Glasgow horizon dates back to the time it was granted its distillery licence in 1823. This unique environment is located just 20 minutes from Glasgow City Centre, 20 minutes from Loch Lomond and just 10 minutes from Glasgow International Airport. Free car parking is available on-site.
The Homecoming Scotland theme has also been applied to this season’s Scottish Cup and, after yesterday’s 5-1 mauling of Hamilton Academicals which followed hot-on-the-heels of Celtic’s 1-0 dismissal at the hands of The Buddies from St Mirren, it looks as though the trophy will be remaining at its rightful abode – Ibrox!
Conference partners for the Scotland event
The Skills for Security Scotland Conference is supported by City & Guilds, the National Open College Network and Edexcel, with SMT Online acting as Official Media Partner.
The morning of the conference will be filled with interesting and informative speakers discussing where the security industry stands at present and outlining the progress that has been made and, indeed, is being made.
Speakers already confirmed include Robert Buxton (the Security Industry Authority’s media relations manager), Brian Connel from Strathclyde Police, Wilson James’ popular director Stuart Lowden and Edinburgh-based CameraWatch, represented by its chairman Gordon Ferrie.
Provisional line-up of speakers and topics
Here’s the agenda for the day as it stands at present (note that this is provisional and may be subject to change):
9.30 am Registration
10.00 am Welcome and introductions: David Greer (chief
executive, Skills for Security)
10.15 am No short measures: Robert Buxton (communications manager, Security Industry Authority)
10.45 am Don’t dilute, distil!: Stuart Lowden (director, Wilson James)
11.05 am Morning refreshments
11.30 am Is the mix right?: Gordon Ferrie (chairman, CameraWatch)
11.50 am Bottling talent: Hugh Lawson (Pointer)
12.10 pm Full strength partnerships: Brian Connel (Strathclyde Police)
12.30 pm Presentation of the Skills for Security Scotland Awards 2009 (sponsored by NOCN)
12.35 pm Closing address: David Greer (chief executive, Skills for Security)
12.45 pm Buffet luncheon
13.45 pm Tour of the Auchentoshan Distillery
14.45 pm Conference close
The day will conclude with a taster of the new Auchentoshan malt to toast both the life and works of Robbert Burns and the health of the industry in Scotland.
Contribution to Scottish Skills Development and Training
Skills for Security is now accepting entries for the Contribution to Scottish Skills Development and Training Award. The judging panel comprises an independent group of industry experts.
To book your place at the conference or for further information about the award please visit the Skills for Security web site (see link on right hand panel of this page).
SMT Online readers should note that Skills for Security is offering a special early bird discount for bookings made prior to 14 April.