Edinburgh Castle

1 Overview

Give your guests the chance to get up close to a world-famous icon. Edinburgh Castle has long been at the heart of Scotland’s history and is today home to the Honours of Scotland – Britain’s oldest crown jewels.

For centuries, generations have been moved just looking upon Castle Rock from afar. Now see how this breathtaking setting can inspire your colleagues or clients by booking Edinburgh Castle for your event.

Hire Edinburgh Castle for grand evening events or small daytime meetings, including:

• conference dinners
• product launches
• incentive dinners
• client entertaining
• ceremonies
• formal banquets
• gala dinners
• seminars
• presentations

Edinburgh Castle is at the heart of Scotland’s capital city, making it easy for your guests to reach by road or rail.

2 Venues for private hire

Queen Anne Building

Capacity: 120 people (dinner), 170 people (reception)

This majestic banqueting venue in Crown Square is available to hire year-round for evening events. Drinks and canapés are served in the adjacent indoor courtyard. A private viewing of the Honours of Scotland is included for evening hires.

Jacobite Room

Capacity: 100 people (dinner), 190 people (reception – with adjoining Redcoat Room), theatre 150 people

Magnificent high ceilings and superb views of the Edinburgh skyline are highlights of this flexible and modern space within an 18th-century building. Guests can enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the adjoining Redcoat Room, or the two rooms can be combined for a buffet or reception for up to 200 people. Private viewings of the Honours of Scotland and are possible.

Gatehouse Suite

Capacity: 22 people (dinner), 35 people (reception – using both rooms), 28 people (theatre)

Meetings and seminars can be held in the intimate setting of these 19th-century rooms at the castle entrance. Available to hire day and evening, this venue is a popular choice for small dinners, receptions and other special events. The two adjoining rooms can be used to host up to 40 people for a reception. Access to a private terrace with breathtaking views of Edinburgh can be arranged. 

Exclusive pre-opening tours

Give your guests an unforgettable experience: the chance to explore Edinburgh Castle with no one else around, with our exclusive pre-opening tour.

3 Hospitality packages

Either banqueting option is available for up to:

• 120 guests in the Queen Anne Room
• 100 guests in the Jacobite Room

Scottish banquet

A traditional piper’s welcome awaits your guests upon arrival at the drawbridge. They will then follow the sound of the pipes into the castle to sample more of Scotland’s world-famous hospitality.

The Scottish banquet package includes:

• exclusive hire of dining area
• flaming torches on arrival
• drinks and canapés reception
• four-course Scottish-themed dinner
• private viewing of the Honours of Scotland
• entertainment – piper, clarsach player, pipe band
• Scottish-themed table décor and chair covers, coloured table linen, tartan runners
• floral centrepieces
• services of an on-site events manager

A spectacular finale will draw the evening to a close. The pipe band will perform a medley of traditional Scottish music before leading guests from the castle.

Military Tattoo hospitality

Each year, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo showcases the talents of musicians and performers from around the globe. Its incredible setting is the floodlit Castle Esplanade, high above the skyline of Scotland’s capital.

Music, ceremony, entertainment and theatre combine to create a stunning spectacle. Going behind the scenes will make your guests’ Tattoo experience truly unforgettable – add exceptional hospitality and an enticing menu served in Edinburgh Castle to your evening.

View Edinburgh Castle’s Tattoo hospitality YouTube video.

Bespoke events and catering

Edinburgh Castle’s Events Team has a track record in designing and delivering events that exceed expectations.

The team can advise you on:

• location
• set-up
• decoration
• music
• entertainment
• catering – and more

Our Hospitality Events Team has looked after some of the most discerning and high profile guests. Let our experts help you to design a menu especially for your occasion or explore our Sustainable Catering Menu [PDF, 751KB] and our Edinburgh Gin Menu [PDF, 180KB].

4 Contact

Hospitality Events Team
Historic Environment Scotland
Longmore House
Salisbury Place
Edinburgh
EH9 1SH

Telephone: 0131 668 8686
Email: functions@hes.scot

More information

Find out more about private hire on the dedicated Edinburgh Castle website.   

Download the Edinburgh Castle Corporate brochure [PDF, 2.61MB]