Research commissioned by the London Convention Bureau since September 11 found an 88% downturn in visitors and bookings for hotels and theatres since the September 11th attack in the USA.

"In the immediate aftermath there were a number of cancellations of conferences," said a spokeswoman. "Since then we have also had quite a few postponements while people take stock of the current situation. But we are hopeful that the market will pick up."

Meanwhile companies and organisations see Scotland as a safer place to fly into and hold large meetings.....