riddle1Scottish Historic Buildings Trust is relaunching Riddle’s Court, a c16th merchant house, at the top of the Lawnmarket as a unique venue for Conferences and Meetings, following a 2 year £6 million refurbishment.

The building was officially opened by Prince Charles on Friday Sept 8th.

The renovations have created a medium sized historic and bright space – the Patrick Geddes Room – which can accommodate up to 40 people pictured here as a generously laid out boardroom, a lovely airy 100 seater conference room (see below), ) and a small room that can accommodate 12, all with WiFi, break out facilities, access to a first class café, and facilities for a bar. For guests we can also offer the Kings Chamber in the north block of Riddle’s Court as an overnight stay.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, this historic old merchant house offers a remarkable tranquil venue in the city centre with its secret courtyards, attentive staff, quality catering and provides easy access to Waverley Rail Station, Princes Street, The Royal Mile, and other local attractions.

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Gail Raselli, Events manager, at Riddles Court said
“We are looking forward to welcoming clients new and old to Riddles Court as I am sure they will be enthralled by restoration of the buildings historic features whilst appreciating its new modern facilities and unique touches, such as multi coloured lighting, and entirely class lift system.

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All in all, Riddle’s Court offers excellent value-for-money for those who want a central, affordable Conference or meeting venue offering a unique historical setting.

For more information on facilities at Riddles Court accommodation options take a look on meetingedinburgh.

DM Hall lawnmarket propertyThe heritable interest of a retail premises at 499 Lawnmarket, in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town on the Royal Mile has been sold to a private investor for an unverified Scottish record of £3,871 per square foot (£41,666 per square metre) by DM Hall, one of Scotland’s largest independent firms of chartered surveyors, acting on behalf of the vendors.

The 258 square feet premises, which currently operates as a newsagent, sits close by the global tourist attraction of Edinburgh Castle. Its current occupier, J&S, pays an annual rent of £18,100 on a full repairing and insuring lease due to expire in April 2034.

Margaret Mitchell of DM Hall who concluded the deal said: “Not only did we achieve a wonderful price for our client but it was positive to see competing offers around this level.”

Ross Wilson, DM Hall’s Head of Agency for the East of Scotland, said: “We believe, subject to final confirmation, that this investment sale has attracted the highest price per square foot ever paid for a commercial property in Scotland.

“With a footfall on the Royal Mile of four million plus people a year and a world heritage site like Edinburgh Castle, which has been a focal point for over one thousand years virtually next door, it is safe to say that this acquisition represents an exceptionally attractive long-term investment.

“When we were given the brief to market this rare investment opportunity, our closeness to the Edinburgh market allowed us to rapidly target prospective buyers then to enter successfully into a competitive bidding situation which ensured that we extracted full asset value for our client.”