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At Calder Conference we take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to provide the services you have requested from us. However, from time to time we would like to contact you with details of other services we provide and/or information which we believe may be of interest to you.

At Calder Conference we take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to provide the services you have requested from us. However, from time to time we would like to contact you with details of other services we provide and/or information which we believe may be of interest to you.

EDINBURGH: SPELLBINDING FOR CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

Written by: Sue - 27th September 2017

As a fledgling writer JK Rowling could be found drinking coffee in The Elephant House on Edinburgh's George IV Bridge, poring over the creation of her wizard prodigy Harry Potter; a plaque now celebrates her presence. Ancient, modern, diverse and vibrant - with many hidden gems - Edinburgh might just be magical and inspiring, which is why it should be a draw to events planners and MICE executives.

It might be the Scottish capital but Edinburgh is a city which feels a world away from the bustle of London, Leeds or Manchester in character due to its proximity to an unusual and dramatic landscape. Yet it is readily accessible by public transport. From London's King's Cross train station, for instance, Edinburgh can be reached in as little as four hours twenty. Regular daily flights also travel there from Gatwick, Heathrow, London City, Luton and Stansted Airports.

Edinburgh is also 'Festival City', especially in August when the largest arts festival in the world descends with its cavalcade of entertaining Fringe acts. Yet this spirit of celebration seems to continue throughout the year with an exceptional cultural offering in comedy, theatre, dining and bar culture, together with both high-end and quirky, boho independent retailers.

There's such an eclectic mix of activities and entertainment in which to delve, perhaps in keeping with events and conference themes, or just to engage delegates between sessions on a residential meeting or away-from-base gathering. Here is just a short list of suggestions:

Alarm Call at Edinburgh Castle

The most iconic landmark of all is perched for all to see upon its volcanic rocky outcrop in the heart of the city. From crown jewels to dungeons, there is much for a delegate to browse at the castle and there is also the daily 10 o'clock gun salute to experience in time-honoured tradition. Originally a time signal for ships at the nearby Firth of Forth estuary, the gun is loaded with a blank cartridge and fired at the stroke of 10. A great way to wake up the team ready for the day's content!

History For Free - Royal Mile and Princes Street

To soak up the history and ancient architecture, there is no charge for a stroll down the Royal Mile in the hub of the old town which stretches from the castle at the top down to Holyrood Park. Take in the 'closes', Edinburgh's distinctive narrow, cobbled alleyways with deep stone staircases and overhanging lanterns. From the old to the new (well from the 18th century anyhow), on Princes Street visitors can experience both the pulsating shopping thoroughfare and the peaceful stretch of garden running parallel beneath the castle.

Scott Monument looms here at 200 ft (or 287 steps up) as the largest monument to any writer in the world.

The National Gallery of Scotland can also be found in Princes Street Gardens.

 

Have a Regal Moment - Board the Royal Yacht Brittania

Moored in Edinburgh's docks at Leith, this yacht was home to the Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years on numerous sea voyages.

Take a Break With the National Tipple - Scotch Whiskey Experience

This excursion offers a 50-minute introductory tour, an in-depth masterclass or the opportunity to combine tasting the tipple with a fine dinner.

Museums, Theatres and Art Galore

All around Edinburgh, history and culture awaits:

- The National Museum of Scotland also presents 360 degree views over the city from its roof garden.

- National Galleries of Scotland is a neo-classical building complex at the foot of The Mound but also comprises Dean Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art and the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street.

Edinburgh's popular theatres include:

- The Playhouse

- The Traverse - championing new writing

- King's Theatre

- Usher Hall 

- The Stand - one of the country's most applauded comedy clubs

For Gatherings With A Difference?

If looking to dovetail a visit with an unusual conference or celebration theme, or if just looking to provide something different and memorable for delegates to take away as a memory, then Edinburgh Zoo or the Royal Botanic Garden are both clever choices. As floral displays change throughout the year, no two visits to the gardens can be the same.

Dining And Beyond

Filling leisure time won't be a challenge for delegates visiting Edinburgh. By day, there's a tempting array of shopping experiences including Jenners with its famous boast as the 'Harrods of the north'. Another boast for the city is that it holds the most Michelin stars outside of London. Award-winning eateries and restaurants, together with the stylish cocktail bars of George Street, are one Edinburgh face; another is the warm welcome and lively atmosphere of the pubs in the traditional Grassmarket area.

 

Showcasing Some Partner Venues

There are some impressive partner venues in Edinburgh, offering special packages and rates to our clients, with facilities and accommodation to equal the destination. These include:

Radisson Blu Edinburgh Hotel

With an attractive 16th-century style facade, this venue is designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding medieval architecture. Many of the city attractions are within ready walking distance of the hotel. On-site restaurants and on-site parking are worth highlighting for the Radisson Blu, which offers eight versatile meeting spaces for up to 240 people and a range of catering options to suit a variety of business gatherings or special events.

 

 

Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel

This venue is located in the West End, just eight minutes' walk from Princes Street and the castle. It is conveniently situated for transport links too, only 200m from Haymarket train station where the tram also stops for a 30 minute ride to Edinburgh Airport.

With old-world elegance, this hotel is all ornate balustrading and coving, whilst  being fully equipped with the technology and facilities required for slick and professional gatherings. Planners will find nine conference and meeting rooms for up to 300 delegates and banqueting facilities for up to 400 dinner guests. 

 

Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club - Classic British Hotels

This venue looks distinctly Scottish and its classic - almost fairy tale - exterior is sure to make a memorable first impression as delegates arrive. Located just 10 minutes from the aiport and 20 minutes from the city centre, this setting offers planners the benefit of 300 complimentary parking spaces - not forgetting a heli pad for those looking to descend in style!

There's so much fine character captured here within the classic interior that delegates won't know where to fix their eyes first. Events possess a unique quality - after all the building was formerly a Scottish Baronial Manor house. From grand, sweeping spaces to more intimate, homely nooks, meetings and events can be arranged here from as few as six to as many as 300 guests.

Whether seeking cool, quirky Edinburgh; medieval, nautical or royal Edinburgh, we are teamed with many more partners established around this city who can offer the fitting setting, spaces and accommodation which will allow planners to conjure up the desired experience.