Conference Venues Edinburgh

Until the late 18th century, Edinburgh consisted, almost exclusively, of what is now known as the Old Town (the area where the Castle, Royal Mile and Grassmarket can be found).

The world famous University was founded in 1583, setting in motion the city's educational and professional development. The Bank of Scotland was founded in 1695, the first of many new ventures that would see Edinburgh established as a leading financial capital by the end of the 20th century.

By the late 18th century, Edinburgh was home to an expanding population of 35,000. The rich lived right on top of the poor, often quite literally, as housing was in the form of tenements which were several storeys high, with the poor living on the lower floors and the rich on the more desirable upper and middle floors.

These conditions led to many rich people leaving the city for London. In 1752 a leaflet was printed to try to encourage the wealthy to stay in the city. Over ten years later the competition to design a New Town, to attract the wealthy back to Edinburgh, was launched.

The winner was James Craig, whose design inspired the New Town's grid like system of streets (including Princes Street and Queen Street, named to celebrate the Act of Union). Building began in 1767 and, what was then the world's largest planned city development, was completed in 1810.

In 1822 King George IV made his historic visit to the city. By then, Edinburgh was already Britain's most important financial city outside London, and, due to its neo-classical architecture, was known as `the Athens of the North'.

Edinburgh is now a beautiful capital city and is surprisingly a green place, even in the heart of the city, you are never far from open spaces where you can have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

Built on extinct volcanoes atop an inlet from the North Sea (the Firth of Forth) and enveloped by rolling hills, lakes (lochs), and forests, Edinburgh invites exploration. It is a city of elegant streets, cobbled alleys, and incomparable sunsets.

The city also has wonderful events and festivals taking place throughout the year including the spring International Science Festival, the Film Festival and the summer Festivals including the Jazz, Book and Fringe festival.

There is a great range of attractions from Dynamic Earth and Edinburgh Castle to the Camera Obscura and The Royal Yacht Britannia even a ride in a Double Decker bus is a great way to see the city and also fantastic to use for your conferences and events.

The city itself is a host to many a different type of venues for conferences, exhibitions, meetings and any other kind of event. The range of budget options are also available from 5 star hotels to unique venues as well as event size.

The lovely coast and countryside of East, West and Midlothian is perfect for beach walks in Gullane or Yellowcraigs with walking ideas along the Pentland Hills and country parks, even in the city you can venture up Arthur's Seat, this extinct volcano is a well-known Edinburgh landmark and is worth climbing if you're feeling energetic (advisable to wear sensible walking shoes if you decide to do this!).

Try one of the vast arrays of places to eat with our many Eat Scotland eateries throughout the area, offering locally and seasonal sourced produce.

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