Department of Computing Science, University of GlasgowESSIR 2007 Venue
Location: ESSIR 2007 lectures will be held in the Western Infirmary Lecture Theatre (WILT) in the University of Glasgow. The WILT is a self contained complex containing a 292 seat lecture theatre, a foyer area which is ideal for catering/exhibits and two seminar rooms. The WILT is just at a 1-minute walking distance from the Computing Science Department, and a few minutes away from a variety of cafés, pubs, bistros and restaurants. The WILT is building B9 on maps of the campus. It is most easily accessed via University Place, off Byres Road just south of University Avenue. [map and directions]
Internet Access: The Western Infirmary Lecture Theatre complex is served by wireless internet, which will be available to delegates for free.
Accommodation: We block booked a significant number of rooms at The Queen Margaret Student Hall. It is the latest addition to the University of Glasgow's accommodation portfolio and offers first class en-suite accommodation.
Each room has its own WC & shower and access to a well equipped kitchen/dining area within the flat, and is fitted with a separate telephone and data points for Internet broadband connection (requires a RJ45 cable, which can be borrowed from Reception). Common facilities on site include a lounge area, free laundry facilities, security office and free off-street parking. [map and directions]
We have also block booked rooms in Cairncross House, one of the University's student residences. It is ideally situated for Glasgow city centre and the West End (the University and SSMS venue). Each room is comfortably furnished and has its own wash-hand basin. Guests have access to shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. The shared kitchens are well equipped and include all cooking implements, crockery and cutlery. All linen and towels are provided and guests have access to free-of-charge laundry facilities. In addition, all bedrooms have telephone access (phone cards available from Reception) and data points for laptop connection (requires a RJ45 cable which can also be borrowed from Reception). On-site facilities include a TV/games room and free off-street parking. [map and directions]
Finally, there are several hotels and B&Bs for attendees who prefer to arrange their own accommodation. In such case delegates should contact the hotel directly. Note that all the listed accommodation are withing walking distance to the summer school venue.
City of Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland's largest city and is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in Western Europe. Today, the city has emerged as the cultural, commercial and convention capital of Scotland. It has the finest specimen of Victorian architecture in Europe and an amazing collection of fine museums and art galleries. Glasgow is definitely the warmest and friendliest city in Britain! According to the late poet laureate Sir John Betjeman, “the city made ships and gigantic locomotives and powerful machines. But most of all, it made friends.”
Glasgow is one of Europe's most visited cities, with more than 2 million tourists who come to Glasgow to enjoy a wealth of cultural and leisure attractions, and as a base to explore the magnificent natural scenery which surrounds the city. In recent years it has been designated the European Capital of Sport 2003, the UK City of Architecture and Design 1999 and the European City of Culture 1990. Glasgow is also currently bidding to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
For more information about the city of Glasgow, check Glasgow City Council and Glasgow in Wikipedia.
Glasgow is very well connected with Europe and the rest of the World, and is served by many major airlines as well as low-cost European operators.
Getting to Glasgow
Traveling By Air
Glasgow has two international airports: Glasgow International Airport is the main airport and lies about 15km west of the city centre; Glasgow Prestwick International Airport is used mainly by low-cost airlines and lies about 50km south-west of the city centre, and is accessible by rail. Apart from major airlines, the following low-cost airlines connect Glasgow to the rest of the UK, Europe, and North America:
Traveling by Rail
Glasgow Central Station is a key hub in the UK rail network and provides convenient connection from London and other major UK cities. Glasgow Queen Street Station is the second main line station situated in the city centre, providing excellent links to the rest of Scotland.
For information on rail travel within the UK contact the 24 hour National Rail Enquiries Line on 08457 48 49 50.
For more information on individual rail operators or to book tickets on-line, please visit any of the following sites:
- Virgin Trains and Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) operate direct routes to Glasgow Central Station from London's Euston and Kings Cross stations respectively.
- The Trainline - this site is a no-nonsense, direct approach to on-line train travel booking. Use this link to find out times, book tickets and reserve seats from any train operator in the mainland UK.
- BritRail - this site provides information on special rail passes such as the Freedom of Scotland Travel Pass which are only available to international travellers. You will also find timetables and details on where to purchase and how to use BritRail Passes. BritRail Passes are not available in the UK and must be purchased outside the UK.
- First ScotRail - Here you will find details on the West Highland Line, the North Highland Line and Caledonian Sleepers (overnight trains from Scotland to London). You will also find timetables, special ticket offers and other useful travel links.