The council’s strategy and resources committee yesterday recommended to the council that it establish a conference and event bridging loan fund.

A six-figure sum has already been used to secure a conference of the world Physiological Society in the city in August 2001.

The council’s business projects director, Ian Hay, said the council had been approached on a regular basis to support to conferences and similar gatherings. In the past, funds had not been available for the functions.

"Many local committees organising conferences require initial financial support until the time that registrations are received," he said.

Mr Hay said the fund would be used to "assist with not only the bidding for major conferences and events but also to support organising committees."

The Physiology Society conference will attract more than 4000 registrations.

Further information: