Riddle’s Court, The Royal Mile

Description

Corporate Events at Riddle’s Court
Looking for a corporate venue in the heart of Edinburgh that combines historic character with modern event technology?

Riddle’s Court offers a unique setting for meetings, board meetings, AGMs, conferences, away days, training sessions, private dining and networking events. Located on the Royal Mile, just two minutes from Edinburgh Castle and a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station, it provides an impressive and easily accessible location for delegates travelling from across Scotland and the UK.

Behind its 500-year-old façade, this Category A-listed building has been thoughtfully modernised to meet the needs of today’s organisations, with lift access, integrated AV technology and livestreaming facilities throughout.

Why Choose Riddle’s Court?

Central Edinburgh location on the historic Royal Mile
Four versatile event spaces for 6–80 delegates
Integrated AV and professional livestreaming capability
Natural daylight in key meeting spaces
Flexible room layouts to suit your event
Full-day delegate packages available
Private dining and evening reception options
Dedicated events team to support planning and delivery
Venue hire supports the preservation of Scotland’s historic buildings

Event Spaces

The Library Room
The largest space within the venue on the ground floor, featuring crystal chandeliers, working fireplace and large sash windows overlooking Victoria Street. An impressive setting for conferences, presentations, away days and company gatherings.

Equipped with built in projectors and drop-down screens, a Style Wall which can separate the room to have your Tea/ Coffee and refreshments in.

Capacity: Up to 80 delegates
Layouts: Theatre, boardroom, cabaret, and reception
Historic Trivia: This space has played many roles over the centuries. In the 19th century it housed Edinburgh’s Mechanic’s Subscription Library, helping working men access education and self-improvement. Later, it was used for student accommodation and even hosts performances to this day of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with stars including Maggie Smith and Stephen Fry appearing here.

The Geddes Room
A striking room with wood panelling located on the first floor of the building, accessible by lift or stairs. The spectacular painted ceiling in the Geddes Room was commissioned by Patrick Geddes as a catalyst for discussion among students dining below.

More than 125 years later, it continues to provide an inspiring backdrop for workshops, strategy sessions, and leadership meetings, away days, sit down dinners and drinks receptions.

Capacity: Up to 60 delegates
Layouts: Theatre, cabaret, boardroom, reception, dinner
Historic Trivia: Named after pioneering Scottish town planner and social reformer Patrick Geddes, this room served as the dining hall for one of Edinburgh’s first student residences in the 1890s. Its remarkable painted ceiling was designed as a giant conversation starter, depicting Scottish history, philosophy and Geddes’ vision for education and society.

The Seton Room
Ideal for strategy sessions, workshops, and smaller team meetings, offering character, privacy, and natural light.

The Seton Room’s distinctive bay-window seating was added by Patrick Geddes in the 1890s to encourage students to engage with the city around them. From these windows, generations of residents have watched life unfold on the Royal Mile beneath one of Edinburgh’s finest 17th-century plaster ceilings.
Capacity: Up to 20 delegates
Layouts: Boardroom, Theatre and workshop
Historic Trivia:
The room is named after Alexander Seton, one of Scotland’s most influential statesmen and Lord Chancellor of Scotland. The ornate plaster ceiling, commissioned around 1620, celebrates the Union of the Crowns and reflects Seton’s classical education in Europe.

The McMorran Room
A discreet and professional space designed for executive meetings, interviews, and private meetings.
Capacity: Up to 12 delegates
Layout: Boardroom
Historic Trivia:
This intimate room is believed to have been the office or study of John McMorran, the wealthy merchant and magistrate who transformed Riddle’s Court into one of the grandest houses in Edinburgh in the late 16th century.

Delegate Packages

Our full-day delegate packages are designed to make planning simple and cost-effective, including:

Arrival refreshments
Mid-morning tea and coffee
Lunch
Afternoon refreshments
Water throughout the day
Flipcharts
Integrated AV equipment
Livestreaming facilities

Evening Drinks & Dinner Receptions
Catering is delivered by our trusted panel of approved caterers, offering everything from sit down dining to drinks receptions and bespoke event menus.

Make Your Event Matter
As a venue managed by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, every booking helps fund the restoration and protection of Scotland’s most vulnerable historic buildings.

By choosing Riddle’s Court, your event delivers lasting impact beyond the day itself.

Enquire today to discuss availability, arrange a site visit, or receive a tailored quotation.
[email protected]
0131 510 8789