Conference Social Events

A selection of tours or events for conference delegates and new investigators

Make the most of your time at ICEMS 2026 by joining one of our organised social activities. Whether you’d like to explore the local area, experience some of Edinburgh’s history and culture, or simply enjoy the opportunity to network with fellow delegates in a more relaxed setting, our programme has something to suit every interest. 

Delegates will be sent a booking form directly for social activities, this will be sent on 16 July and MUST be completed and paid for no later than 17 August. Tour times will be confirmed by the end of August ahead of the meeting.

Please contact ICEM@phproductionservices.co.uk if you need assistance with this booking process.

Photo by Sinitta Leunen on Unsplash

Pub Crawl organised by the New Investigators (All welcome)
Sunday 6 September

We will meet Sunday evening after the welcome reception outside the EICC venue approx 1930pm and leave from there. There is no fee, just bring a way of paying for your drinks!

New Investigators Lunch Tuesday 8 September

Come and join other New Investigators for lunch to network with some experienced scientist from different fields of research on Tuesday 8 September.

 

 

Tours for Wednesday 9 September

Holyrood Distillery Tour

Discover the spirit of modern Edinburgh at Holyrood Distillery. Located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Royal Mile, Holyrood Distillery is Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky distillery to open in nearly a century, combining the city’s rich brewing and distilling heritage with a contemporary, innovative approach to spirit-making.

The tour will start in the Lounge with a seasonal cocktail as your guide welcomes you to the Distillery. You will be introduced to the distillery’s story as a modern and innovative producer of scotch whisky, as the city’s first single malt distillery for almost a hundred years. You will join your guide in our Spirits Lab, where you’ll find the distillers busy researching, creating and perfecting the liquid. Learn about how the whisky-making ethos is used to create the award-winning Height of Arrows Gin.

  • Start location:19 St Leonard’s Lane, Edinburgh EH8 9SH (view on Google Maps)
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • What is included:

Guests will enjoy a fully guided tour of the gin and whisky production areas, plus:

1x welcome cocktail | 1x sample of our gin | 1x sample of our single malt whisky

For anyone under 18 years old, soft drinks can be provided during the tour. Drivers drams are also available on request

  • Age restrictions: For those lucky enough to look under 25, please ensure guests bring along their ID. Children aged 8-17 years are welcome to join the ‘Holyrood Distillery Tour’ – younger children are not permitted to join our tours due to the health and safety regulations in our production area. Guests of all ages are welcome in our Distillery Bar, however children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please note we cannot accept a photograph – original documents must be provided. Identification which is accepted as proof of age must bear the holder’s photograph, date of birth, and either a holographic mark or ultraviolet feature.
  • Other important pre-visit information: Our tours are conducted in English only. Written translation of the tour is offered in the following languages – FRENCH / SPANISH / GERMAN / ITALIAN / MANDARIN. Written translations are accessed via QR code which requires a smartphone to access content online. 
  • Terrain: Level with some stairs –comfortable shoes are recommended. Their ground floor is level, with access to upper floors via wheelchair-accessible lifts.
  • Cost per person: £25 

Photo by Rodrigo Rodrigues | WOLF Λ R T on Unsplash

Photo by Alexandr Chernyaev on Unsplash

The Real Mary King’s Close Guided Tour

Step beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and uncover a hidden world at The Real Mary King’s Close. Beneath the city streets lies a remarkably preserved network of 17th-century alleyways and rooms, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Named after Mary King, a successful merchant and businesswoman of the 1630s, the Close brings to life the stories of the people who lived, worked and survived in one of the city’s busiest communities. During this 1-hour guided tour, delegates will explore atmospheric underground streets, hear captivating tales of Edinburgh’s past, and discover how the city evolved over the centuries. Combining authentic history, engaging storytelling and a truly unique setting, The Real Mary King’s Close provides an unforgettable Edinburgh experience.

  • Location:The Real Mary King’s Close, 2 Warriston’s Cl, Edinburgh, EH1 1PG (view on Google Maps)
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Need to know: The experience includes several steps, uneven and steep surfaces, and some confined spaces. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Check accessibility information here. The venue is fully cashless.
  • Cost per person: £25

Edinburgh Old Town Murder Mystery Trail

With historical landmarks and spooky pubs to boot, this Edinburgh Murder Mystery Trail has the perfect route plotted out to ensure you see all the highlights in Edinburgh Old Town!

Edinburgh Murder Mystery Trail is a self-guided walking tour that navigates you past the best points (and pints!) of interest that Edinburgh Old Town has to offer, including Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard, The Royal Mile, Grassmarket (an ideal pitstop with plenty of spooky old pubs!), and countless hidden gems through the city’s courtyards, wynds, and closes.

The route for this is a little hilly and approximately 3km long. Allow 2.5 hours to appreciate your surroundings and complete the trail at a leisurely pace. There are plenty of refreshment stops and photo opportunities along the way! The immersive story and cryptic puzzles can make this trail feel more like an outdoor escape room at times.

Why not compete with your fellow researchers to see who can solve the case!

  • Start location: At the corner of Market St and Cockburn St, Edinburgh, EH1 1BL (view on Google Maps)
    End location: Outside the Tolbooth Tavern, 167 Canongate, EH8 8BN. A good spot for a celebratory refreshment!
  • Clue difficulty: 4/5
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Distance: 3 km
  • Terrain: Moderately hilly – so comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are recommended.
  • Cost per person: £12

Photo by Ross Findlay on Unsplash