Monday 25 May<\/h4>\n
A warm Scottish welcome awaits all delegates and their partners at a complimentary drinks reception on the opening evening of of\u00a0the Congress at the host venue \u2013 the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).\u00a0 An opportunity to meet exhibitors, speakers and other participants in an informal setting at the end of the first day\u2019s formal proceedings.<\/p>\n
Tuesday 26 May<\/h4>\n
A Thirsty World produced by globally acclaimed master of aerial cinema, Yann Arthus Bertrand, was filmed across 20 countries and revisits our incredible and fragile planet, this time highlighting the wonders of the world\u2019s fresh water sources \u2013 the source of all life an earth – and the ordinary heroes fighting to defend them.<\/p>\n A European family of four is responsible for the consumption of 140,000 litres of water every week. But this isn\u2019t ours. It comes from other, often developing countries, producing our coffee, jeans and cheap meat.\u00a0 There, water is often scarce and increasingly a cause of conflict.<\/p>\n Viewed from awesome heights, before plunging to earth to meet the campaigners, entrepreneurs and individuals on the frontline in areas of the world often rarely seen on film, A Thirsty World is a beautiful, urgent call to action.<\/p>\n As a cause also championed by Congress delegates, the evening will include a panel discussion about the issues raised in the film and the possible solutions.\u00a0 To help spread this powerful and important message, the film showing will also be attended by local young water professionals, students and charity supporters.<\/p>\n Join Congress official charity, WaterAid, for this stunningly shot, unique film and a chance to reflect on the wider themes of water security, inequality and the role we can all play in ensuring the safe, sustainable and just distribution of global water resources.<\/p>\n Refreshments will be served.<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to book tickets.<\/p>\n During the afternoon visitors have the chance of a walking tour around Edinburgh\u2019s New Town. Described as \u2018Life in the Georgian Era\u2019 this tour takes in the architectural highlights of George Street, Charlotte Street, Charlotte Square, the Assembly Rooms, the Georgian House and the childhood house of Robert Louis Stevenson. Our tour finishes with a sumptuous afternoon tea at the glamorous Caledonian Hotel, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A visit to Scotland would not be complete without an opportunity to sample the country\u2019s wealth of culture and visit some world famous landmarks. The XVth World Water Congress social programme provides a number of exciting opportunities for delegates and their partners to experience some of what your host country has to offer. During the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":227,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-109","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1471,"href":"https:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109\/revisions\/1471"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Edinburgh](\"http:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/sp_castle1-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>A \u2018once in a lifetime\u2019 opportunity to enjoy exclusive access to the iconic Edinburgh Castle for a truly memorable drinks reception.\u00a0 Soak up the atmosphere of this historic site whilst being entertained by Highland dancers and a traditional band.\u00a0 Explore the Great Hall, Royal Apartments, Crown Jewels Exhibition, Queen Anne Building, St Margaret\u2019s Chapel and Jacobite room before experiencing the moving grand finale of \u2018Beating the Retreat.<\/p>\nWednesday 27 May – “Thirsty World” film screening and discussion event<\/h4>\n
![\"Water](\"http:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/wateraid_logo.png\"){kind=logo}
<\/a>On the evening of Wednesday 27 May 2015, the stage at the XVth World Water Congress will be handed over for a special showing of A Thirsty World \u2013 a powerful and thought-provoking film depicting the daily struggle for water across much of the planet we share – hosted by the Congress official charity, WaterAid.<\/p>\nWednesday 27 May – Water Witness International: \u00a0Informal networking and drinks event<\/h4>\n
![\"Water-Witness-logo-RGB\"](\"http:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/Water-Witness-logo-RGB-300x210.jpg\"){kind=logo}
<\/a>Water Witness International works globally to ensure a fair deal for the poor on water resources through research, advocacy and action. We are thrilled to see our home city of Edinburgh host the XVth World Water Congress and extend a warm welcome to all delegates to our informal drinks and networking evening on Wednesday the 27th<\/sup> May<\/strong> \u00a08 pm onwards at the Caf\u00e9 Royale, 19 West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA. \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>The evening will be a chance to unwind, meet old friends, make new ones, reflect on the week and plan for the future in one of Edinburgh\u2019s finest watering holes. The venue can hold 100 so please arrive early to avoid disappointment. For further details please contact Robbie Sage at robbiesage@waterwitness.org.<\/p>\nThursday 28 May – Gala Dinner at National Museum of Scotland<\/h4>\n
![\"Museum](\"http:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/sp_museum-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>Our gala dinner is being held at the stunning National Museum of Scotland.\u00a0Diners will enjoy a drinks reception while exploring some of the precious exhibits before being invited to take their seats in the amazing Grand Gallery with its spectacular arched glass ceiling and balustrade balconies. A delicious three course dinner and host of wonderful entertainment will make this an evening to celebrate in true Scottish fashion.\u00a0 An added highlight of this event will be the IWRA Congress Awards Ceremony.<\/p>\nPartner Programme<\/h3>\n
Tuesday 26 May
\nEdinburgh Panoramic Tour<\/h4>\n![\"Edinburgh](\"http:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/sp_castle2-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>Visitors are invited to join us for a panoramic bus tour of Edinburgh taking in the main sights around the Royal Mile, Holyrood Park, the Grassmarket and concluding with a guided tour around the Castle. No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a trip to this iconic fortress perched on the extinct volcanic rock overlooking the city and beyond.<\/p>\nWalking Tour of Edinburgh New Town<\/h4>\n
Wednesday 27 May
\nThe Real Mary Kings Close<\/h4>\n![\"Mary](\"http:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/sp_marykings2-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>Please join us for a private tour, with a costumed guide, of Edinburgh\u2019s unique attraction, Mary King\u2019s Close. Buried deep beneath the Royal Mile this warren of hidden streets has remained frozen in time since the 17th Century. Our visitors will have the opportunity to explore the ancient closes, get a glimpse of daily life of a bygone era and hear tales of locals while enjoying a welcome nip of whisky.<\/p>\nFull Day Tour of St Andrews & Falkland Palace<\/h4>\n
![\"Falkland](\"http:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/sp_falklands-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>Alternatively partners may wish to join us for a full day bus tour to the beautiful Fife towns of St Andrews and Falkland. Walking around this famous university town, visitors will pass by the 14th century cathedral, the ancient castle and walk along the coastal path before reaching the celebrated Royal and Ancient Golf course. After lunch at the renowned Old Course Hotel we will head south for a guided tour of the beautiful former Royal Palace of the Scottish Kings at Falkland before returning to Edinburgh.<\/p>\nThursday 28 May<\/h4>\n
Full Day Tour of Scottish Borders<\/h4>\n
![\"Thirlestane](\"http:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/sp_thirlestane-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>For those preferring to explore out of town we suggest a visit to the Scottish Borders. After breakfast, our full day tour will start off with a scenic drive down to Thirlestane Castle where visitors will receive a warm welcome from Hon. Captain Maitland at his family home. Then en route to Melrose we will marvel in the stunning scenery including Scott\u2019s View, one of Sir Walter\u2019s Scott\u2019s favourite views in his homeland. Once in Melrose, we will have a wander round the town centre before stopping for two course lunch at the Townhouse. This unique hotel provides great food in lovely surroundings, along with friendly Scottish hospitality. After lunch, we will visit Abbotsford, the beautiful home of Sir Walter Scott.<\/p>\nFriday 29 May
\nTrip to Rosslyn Chapel<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n Description<\/strong><\/td>\n Price (\u00a3)<\/strong> inc VAT<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Drinks reception at EICC – 25th<\/sup> May (accompanying person rate)<\/td>\n 25.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Scottish Reception at Edinburgh Castle \u2013 26th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 40.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Gala Dinner at National Museum of Scotland\u00a0\u2013 28th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 80.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Edinburgh Panoramic Tour \u2013 26th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 47.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Walking Tour \u2013 26th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 43.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spa at One Spa \u2013 26th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 70.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Mary King\u2019s Close \u2013 27th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 26.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Full day tour to St Andrew\u2019s and Falkland Palace \u2013 27th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 75.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spa at One Spa \u2013 27th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 70.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Full day tour of Scottish Borders \u2013 28th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 92.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spa at One Spa \u2013 28th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 70.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tour of Rosslyn Chapel \u2013 29th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 43.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Walk to Duddingston Loch and Village \u2013 29th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 9.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spa at One Spa \u2013 29th<\/sup> May<\/td>\n 70.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
![\"Rosslyn](\"http:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/sp_rosslyn-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>In the morning we are offering a short coach trip to Rosslyn Chapel; a Category A listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument. Built between 1446 and 1484, it has been described as an \u201cArchitectural Wonder\u201d and a \u201cLibrary in Stone\u201d. Myths, legends and Hollywood fiction writing have given Rosslyn a unique sense of mystery and wonder. The chapel\u2019s most recent fame dates back to the more recent blockbuster film \u201cThe Da Vinci Code\u201d, parts of which were filmed on location here.<\/p>\n![\"One](\"http:\/\/www.iwra.org\/congress\/2015\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/sp_onespa2-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>We offering visitors an opportunity to relax in the award winning, One Spa at the Sheraton Grand Hotel which offers a natural balance of energy, water and heat in a beautiful, light-filled space. The infinity edge swimming pool and shimmering rooftop Hydropool offers the perfect location to soak away any stress and travel fatigue. The Spa session is three hours in duration and does not include any treatments. Once you have purchased the spa session we will be in contact with you to confirm availability and whether you would like to have a morning or afternoon slot.<\/p>\n