News articles and press releases
We are delighted that our Members’ Dinner will go ahead this year, in the Hall, on Friday 10 December 2021. Members are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. The ticket price for the dinner remains at £100 per person and the dress code is black tie. On this occasion, we will be entertained by […]
A sunny Friday evening brought a large group of Company members together virtually to celebrate the history, cultural significance and healing qualities of Gin and its various tonics from those good people at Edinburgh Gin and Ian Macleod Distillers. Philip and Mia educated us on the processes and wizardry of master distiller Dave, in bringing […]
Our Master, Peter Hillier, represented the Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh at the formal opening of George Watson’s College’s John Martin Building by HRH The Princess Royal, a Past Master of the Merchant Company. This project has extended the Junior School building to provide modern, bright classrooms, a new Junior School […]
Our Business Breakfast meeting this month was held via Zoom and featured Jacqui Low, who is known to many of the members as a former Assistant on the Master’s Court, Executive Chairman of Indigo and Chairman of Partick Thistle Football Club. The members and guests who attended were treated to a highly interesting and thought-provoking […]
How do you experience the artwork that defines the Merchant Company at a time that prevents people joining together? It seems the answer for this question is the same as has been the answer for most things over the last five months – Zoom. And so it came to pass, that on Thursday 20 August, […]
At 12.31pm on Thursday 18 June 2020 a unique meeting in the history of the Company took place. Given the lockdown situation members could not attend the Merchants’ Hall for the usual June Stated Meeting of the Company. Hence the meeting was held using Zoom, a medium unknown to many before lockdown but now quite […]
The Royal Company of Merchants is not alone in finding itself having to adjust to the impact of COVID-19 on its operations. The Company has been operating as near to normal as possible, with meetings becoming virtual and staff working from home. Clearly there have been no members events held, and we were very sad […]
On Friday 6 March, The Association of Assistants held another successful and splendid dinner within the Hall, hosted by the Chairman. This year’s Guest Speaker, and Member of the Association of Assistants, Julie Ashworth who gave a tremendous presentation about her life and experiences which enlightened the assembled party. It was incredible. The Master offered […]
Don Young, The Lord Dean of Guild, The Old Master hosted proceedings at George Watson’s College at their Founder’s Day on Friday 7 February. This year, with the Watsonian President and the Chairman of the Board of Governors also on the stage, the Merchant Company were well represented at this year’s ceremony. They were lucky […]
We were delighted to welcome The Watsonian Club to the Merchants’ Hall on 6 February 2020 when it held its annual Past President’s Reception. Past President guests included many Old Masters and members of the Company. Current Watsonian President, Johnny Bacigalupo, hosted the evening and also provided a guided tour of the Hall, focussing […]
