Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering Inverness. Friday, 23rd August - Monday, 26th August

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1 FIRSTT TTHERE WAS IINVERNESS TTHEN TTHERE WAS ROCKNESS AND NOW WE BRING YOU GUARANTTEED TTO BRING OUTT TTHE BEASTTI IE IN I YOU!! Scottish Mensa Annual Gathering 2013 Inverness Friday, 23rd August - Monday, 26th August

2 Scottish Mensa invites you to Inverness Inverness gateway to the highlands and one of Scotland's seven cities. It is surrounded by stunning scenery and is the venue for this year's SMAG. We look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful part of Scotland where many modes of transport - flight, coach, cycle and, of course, shanks pony (walk to you and me) - are used to help you enjoy what this area has to offer. Our coach tour will take you along the beautiful Moray Firth where you may spot dolphins or an oil rig! From a visit to the Culloden battlefield (site of the last battle fought on British soil), a walk over Ness Islands, taking the controls of a small aeroplane on one of the flight experiences on offer to a cycle (pedal or electric power) down the side of Loch Ness we hope you enjoy your visit. Inverness is reachable by many modes of transport, i.e. plane, bus, train, car, your private yacht! You could even cycle or walk although we would prefer the weekend was spent with us rather than getting to us. However you decide to get here, and whatever you choose to do, we are sure you will enjoy your visit to this lovely area of Scotland where we invite you to join us at SMAG2013. Janet The Mercure Inverness Hotel Church Street, Inverness, IV1 1QY SMAG2013 this year is in Inverness centred around the Mercure Hotel. The hotel room rates will be 75pn single and 85pn double/twin To book the hotel telephone option 1 and quote the reference Payment in full is required at time of booking to take advantage of the negotiated rates. The Mercure Inverness Hotel boasts a dramatic Highland backdrop and Inverness Old Town right on its doorstep. You literally cannot get more central than this! It is just 200 metres from Inverness train station and a caber toss from the city's numerous pubs and restaurants. Located on the banks of the River Ness, the Mercure is very centrally situated. For relaxation, swim in the hotel pool (free to residents or at a small charge to non-residents). The legendary Loch Ness is just six miles away.

3 Start/End time Event Details Cost Tick Box Friday, 23rd August 15:00-16:00 Inverness Museum guided tour Although guided tours are not normally available the curator has kindly offered to guide a tour for us. Cost is a donation to the museum however; feel free to contribute more when you visit. 16:00-17:00 Visit to Highland Print Studio Small charity run establishment which provides facilities for producing prints (following training if required) and we have been given the opportunity to learn all about the skill of printing. Cost is a donation to the organisation. 17:00-19:00 Early evening meal 17:50-19:10 Whisky tasting 19:00-20:00 Icebreaker 20:00 - late Hootananny Enjoy an early evening meal of Stovies and Oatcakes in the Mercure hotel restaurant at a time of your choice during the period stated. Where would SMAG be without a whisky tasting. A little different this year as we will go out to The Whisky Shop for our event. Depending on numbers we may have to split into two 30 minutes groups so please indicate your preference of 1st or 2nd group and I will aim to oblige. The Whisky Shop will provide both their time and whisky tasting free of charge therefore the entire cost of this event will be donated to the local hospice charity. Meet new friends and reacquaint yourself with old ones. Unescorted option to visit a local hostelry (within a 5 minute walk from the hotel) and listen to North Sea Gas ( Not possible to reserve seating and likely to be busy but worth it. 20:20-21:40 Crime & Punishment tour * 08:45-17:30 Coach tour ^ Murderers, hangings, executions... Find out why some 10 year old boys were sent to jail for throwing snowballs and much more. Saturday, 24th August Departing the hotel no later than 9am the tour will take you to Fort George, Culloden (the site of the last battle fought on British soil) and finally along the beautiful Moray coast to Cromarty where a visit to the Old Orchard will include tea and cake. Cromarty is a fishing village and the birthplace of Hugh Millar, eminent geologist, writer and social commentator. Entrance to the Hugh Millar museum is at additional cost of 6.50 or free to members of the National Trust. There is approximately 2 hours at each of the major stops. Time for lunch has been included at the Culloden stop. 09:30-12:30 Walk to the Floral Hall Setting out from the hotel, walk along the banks of the Ness, over Ness Islands and through Whin Park to the Floral Hall (botanical gardens). The admission fee of 2.50/ 1.70 concession is payable on the day. Free to return to the hotel at your leisure. Allow an hour for a leisurely walk back from the Floral Hall along the north bank of the Ness - distance approx. two miles. (The Floral Hall is a stop on the City Sightseeing Bus and could be used for the return journey if you decide to purchase a ticket). Pick up at point 7 - Leisure Centre next to the Floral Hall # Free payg ^ payg

4 13:30-17:30 Sample two of Scotland trails (maximum 6) Not as energetic as you might think. First stop is the Black Isle Brewery where you will sample and learn about their organic ales. Then on to Glen Ord Distillery, which celebrates its 175th anniversary this year, for their Mini Tour taking in the exhibition and warehouse, as the distillery is not open during our visit, followed by the traditional tasting. 14:30-15:35 City Sightseeing Bus ~# Pick up at stop 10 - Bridge Street Gellions Hotel - Approx. one hour for full circuit however hop off and on as you please. Your ticket allows travel as often as you like in any one 24 hour period. If you wish to purchase a City Sightseeing bus ticket but do not plan to join this event please use the extras area. 14:45-16:15 Guided walking tour of Inverness * One hour guided walking tour where you will learn all about Inverness and its intriguing history. 19:00 Evening dinner The evening begins with a welcome drink from Scottish Mensa in the lobby before entering our private room for dinner Select one choice from each section and place number in the box. 1) Melon and prosciutto ham, raspberry vinaigrette 2) Classic crayfish and prawn cocktail, Marie-rose sauce, 3) Warm goats cheese and caramelised onion tart, herb salad and balsamic dressing (v) 4) Honey roasted duck breast, caramelised plums, spiced plum sauce 5) Balsamic roasted vegetables with basil cous cous (vegan) 6) Herb and cracked pepper crusted breast of chicken, light jus 7) Roulade of plaice stuffed with smoked haddock mousse with Caper Butter 8) Traditional summer pudding, crème fraiche 9) Glazed lemon tart, raspberry salsa 10) Dark chocolate torte, Chantilly cream Insert Food Option Number below Followed by tea/coffee 09:45-13:15 Guided Cycle * Sunday, 25th August Guided 20 mile (approx.) round trip down the south side of Loch Ness towards Dores. Cost includes hire of mountain bike (electric or pedal), helmet, hi viz vest and map. More trip details: Please state bike preference on booking form. 10:45-12:15 Guided walking tour of Inverness * One hour guided walking tour where you will learn all about Inverness and its intriguing history. 14:30-18:30 Flight Experience 1 Have you ever wanted to fly a plane? Well this is your chance. Limited number of places available for the opportunity to experience the controls on your 30 minute flight. Due to the logistics of getting participants to the airport there will be some additional time available to visit the small aircraft museum or go into the main airport itself for coffee or a bit of plane/people watching

5 14:30-18:30 Flight Experience 2 If you don't fancy being in charge then this is the flight for you. Flights require 3 people to make viable and run therefore if insufficient numbers book for this event it cannot run and a full refund will be made. The actual flight path will be decided on the day as dependent on weather conditions and preferences of the participants. A one hour sightseeing flight could take you over Loch Ness or out over the Cromarty Firth or over the Cairngorms. Due to the logistics of getting participants to the airport there will be some additional time available to visit the small aircraft museum or go into the main airport itself for coffee or a bit of plane/people watching. 14:30-15:30 Highlands Small Community Housing Trust (HSCHT) The HSCHT is a registered charity set up in 1998 to help rural communities, the length and breadth of the Highlands, secure long term solutions to their local housing needs. Come along and hear about their work including the Cairngorms Construction Skills Project set up in 2010 which offers young unemployed adults from the Cairngorm National Park area the opportunity to gain the National Progression Award in Construction via a combination of college attendance and work experience. 15:30-16:30 University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) What is the University of the Highlands and Islands and why is it different from any other university in Scotland? Now is your chance to find out as we welcome the CEO and secretary of the University of the Highlands and Islands. 19:30 - The Mustard Seed Monday, 26th August On the banks of the Ness The Mustard Seed occupies a converted Georgian church. It opened in 1995, was recommended by local members and is where members of Scottish Mensa enjoyed a meal following a SMAG planning meeting. The menu is refreshed every Thursday however a sample menu is available on their website: 9:45-11:00 Visit to the Town Hall An opportunity to see the less public rooms. Town Hall is a short walk from the hotel. 10:00-12:30 Tour of Eden Court Theatre EXTRAS Behind the scenes of the theatre. As there will be a company rehearsing there may be an opportunity to talk with some cast members but this may also limit access to some backstage areas. The cost is a donation to the running cost of the theatre. 12:30 Farewell lunch - Eden Court Theatre To assist with catering at the venue please select your food options from the list Eden Court Farewell Menu. See separate sheet. Where there is a choice of the day, details will only be available on the day and no further information will be available beforehand: Please separate each choice with a colon, e.g. 1j: 4b: etc. Extras at a cost of 2.95 each will be available to order on the day, i.e. chips; garlic bread; new potatoes; bread and butter There will also be a selection of puddings, e.g. Baileys Chocolate Tart 4.95; Sticky Toffee Pudding 4.20; Movenpick ice creams 4.95; plus a 'today's selection' - variable prices. 14:30-15:35 City Sightseeing Bus ticket ~ Your ticket allows travel as often as you like in any one 24 hour period Deposit 5 Deposit Please insert your lunch option here. See separate sheet.

6 Optional Event. Please book direct with the operator. NOTES Loch Ness cruises/coach tours A cruise and coach tour is possible with pickup close to the hotel, e.g. the longest tour available is a 6.5 hour trip taking in the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, a visit to the historical Corrimony Cairn, Urquhart Castle and a cruise on LochNess and the Caledonian Canal. Due to booking logistics it was not possible to include any of the tours on Loch Ness in the program however if of interest bookings can be made directly with the tour company Jacobite Cruises and Tours - Reductions available for seniors and Historic Scotland members Maximum ^ Price reductions on full price payment: Historic Scotland member/english/irish equivalents where membership for one year or more: English/Welsh/Irish equivalents of Historic Scotland where membership for less than one year: 3.75 Concessions rate for non-members: NOTE No refunds will be given when memberships as described above are not declared at time of booking. Anyone who claims discounts and does not have the appropriate documentary proof of eligibility in their possession will not gain admittance to either Fort George or Culloden without paying the full visitor fee on the day. Admission charges on the day: Fort George (Historic Scotland)... Full price 8.90 Concession 7.20 Culloden (NTS) includes hire of PDA battlefield tour PDA... Full price Concession 8.00 Hugh Millar museum (NTS) payg * Event may not be exclusive to Mensa ~ Senior/student rate is Proof of concession status may be requested when boarding the bus Reduced rate as volume discount however if you do not have proof of concession you may be asked for full fare of No refunds will be made where eligibility to reduction is not supported where requested. # Not exclusive to Mensa Bus route: Bus Stops: Timetable: If you have any queries regards the booking aspect, please contact Diane Salter at Mensa HQ on , option 3 (Mon-Fri) or diane@mensa.org.uk If you would like to contact the organiser of this year s SMAG Janet McAuley, please Janet on smag2013@btinternet.com

7 Booking form. Please use one per person. Name Address Post Code Contact Phone : Preferred name on badge: Payment Please find enclosed a cheque made payable to British Mensa Ltd for the sum of OR please debit my card. My details are as follows: Card Type Please circle: VISA MASTERCARD MAESTRO VISA ELECTRON Please circle: VISA MASTERCARD MAESTRO VISA ELECTRON Card No Start Date Expiry Date Start Date Expiry Date Issue No Debit card only: Digit No On reverse of card: Issue No Debit card only: 3 Digit No On reverse of card: Please debit the sum of from my card Date Please debit the sum of from my card Date Print name as it is on the front of your card: Print name as it is on the front of your card: Address your card is registered to if different from above: Address your card is registered to if different from above: Preferred place from on badge: I would be willing to assist the organiser in some capacity over the weekend. For example, leading/head counting an event I have booked to go on. Tick here I confirm I have read the following terms and conditions and will abide by them Sign : ACCOMMODATION: While British Mensa Ltd. has negotiated the rates advertised to the members for the Mercure Hotel; it is not involved in or responsible for booking any accommodation for this event. All accommodation is subject to the providers terms and conditions and any queries or problems regarding accommodation should be raised directly with them. The accommodation rates quoted are only available for the Mercure Hotel, when booked via the phone number advertised in this programme and on the British Mensa website. EVENT BOOKINGS: All event bookings to be made via Mensa HQ in Wolverhampton and paid in full before close of business on Friday 16 th August Any booking received after that date may not be accepted. Any booking may be amended or cancelled at any time, subject to availability and practicality, provided the office is advised and any additional payment due is made in full before the closing date. Events may be added to any booking after the closing date, subject to availability, at the weekend registration desk only, with full payment at the time. REFUNDS: Refunds will only be paid after the weekend has finished and only for events that are cancelled by the organisers, cancelled by the booker prior to the closing date (provided we have reached and can maintain minimum numbers) or we have been able to re-sell (not guaranteed). EXCLUSIONS: The organisers reserve the right to exclude any individual, for unruly, disruptive or inappropriate behaviour, from the immediate event, any part or all of the remainder of the programme and may, in extreme cases, request the individual s exclusion from the venue. Any excluded individual will forfeit the unused part of their booking, including, where relevant, accommodation, and no refund will be made. ACCESSIBILITY: Venue accessibility is the responsibility of the operators. While we have tried to indicate any accessibility problems wherever possible, any queries or problems should be raised with the venue operators. EVENTS: Numbers are limited for some events and all are offered on a first come, first served basis. Please do not book PAYG / FREE events unless you are sure you will attend. The programme is subject to alteration without notice. The organisers will try to run all advertised events as scheduled but reserve the right to alter any event from the details advertised. Start times stated are from the hotel and it is the individual s responsibility to be there on time. SOME EVENTS DO OVERLAP. Please check times carefully. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are where you should be, when you should be. Refunds will not be made if you are late or absent. Indicated finish times are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Prices have been negotiated for group rates and no other discounts apply unless stated. LIABILITY: While all reasonable steps will be taken to ensure the safety of those attending this weekend and associated events, British Mensa Ltd. accepts no liability for any loss or damage except that imposed by law. Parents/Guardians remain responsible for anyone under the age of 18 attending any part of this weekend and parental consent and adult supervision must be provided at all times. British Mensa Ltd. accepts no additional liability for anyone under the age of 18 attending any part of this weekend s activities. SMOKING: ALL INDOOR VENUES ARE NON-SMOKING BY LAW. All venue managers are expected to police and exclude visitors who do not comply with the law. British Mensa Ltd will not make any refunds where the person they relate to has been excluded from an event or has chosen not to attend because of this law. Please post your completed booking form to: Diane Salter, British Mensa Ltd, St. John s House, St. John s Square, Wolverhampton, WV2 4AH with the correct payment. Once your booking has been processed, we will send you a confirmation via .

8 FIRSTT TTHERE WAS IINVERNESS TTHEN TTHERE WAS ROCKNESS AND NOW WE BRING YOU Lunch at Eden Court To assist with catering at the venue please select which of the following you would like at the farewell lunch. It is appreciated that some items will only be known on the day and no further information will be available beforehand: Please insert your lunch option in the space provided on the booking sheet. e.g. If you choose a Tuna & Sweet corn toasted Panini then insert 4g. Separate each choice you make with a colon. 1) Choice of today s soups with chunky bread ) Jacket potatoes (with choice of filling All ) Ciabatta (with choice of filling All ) Toasted panini (with choice of filling) All 5.25 Fillings for item 2, 3 and 4 a Mature cheddar & coleslaw - v b Egg mayonnaise & cress - v c Brie & honey roast ham d Brie, black pudding and cranberry e Prawn & smoked salmon f Chicken Tikka g Tuna & sweet corn h Beef and onion rings i Roasted vegetables - v Any of the above plus a piping hot bowl of the day s special soup, add ) Warm sandwiches a Theatre Club (Triple toasted sandwich with crispy bacon, tomato, egg mayo, chicken & chips) 7.50 b Pan Seared Steak (Toasted ciabatta, garlic mayonnaise and onion rings) ) Light Lunch a Cullen skink 3.95 b Haggis pakora 4.95 c Nachos - v 5.10 d Three cheese macaroni & garlic bread - v 7.25 e Classic chicken Caesar Salad 7.35 f Oriental chicken and vegetable stir fry with coriander 8.95 g Battered haddock, chips & salad 8.35 h Venison sausages with mash & red onion jus 8.65 i Tortilla chicken wrap with spicy mayo 5.35 j Pizza Margarita 9inch v 7.95 k 8oz homemade cheese burger 8.75 l Chicken enchilada 8.75 m Vegetable enchilada 8.75 Extras available to order on the day at a cost of 2.95 each Chips; garlic bread; new potatoes; bread and butter Example of puddings available to order on the day. There will also be a 'today's selection' Baileys chocolate tart Sticky Toffee Pudding Movenpick ice creams