Edinburgh First - Venues

The University of Edinburgh has a vast range of impressive historic and modern buildings that reflect it’s 400-year history. Edinburgh First brings these buildings to life as successful conference, dining and meeting venues that are full of Edinburgh’s character and charm. Edinburgh First has four main areas, Pollock Estate, Central Area, Old College and King’s Buildings. Spaces can be booked individually for smaller meetings/events or grouped together for the larger conferences.

Pollock Estate (PE) Our venues range from 19th century mansions - St Leonard’s Hall and Abden House - to the contemporary South Hall complex and our purpose-built John McIntyre Conference Centre.  Closest Edinburgh First accommodation options is the year-round hotel Salisbury Green Hotel & Bistro. Also, in the summer there are 2,000 campus-accommodation beds available.

Central Area (CA) During student vacation, we have over 30 classrooms and 10 lecture theatres with exhibition areas (ideal for large conferences) including the pretigious and newly refurbished McEwan Hall, George Square lecture theatre and Appleton Tower. Closest Edinburgh First accommodation options are the centrally-located KM Central and Richmond Place Apartments.

Old College (OC) Old College was built in the 16th century; this impressive Edinburgh landmark houses the stunning Playfair Library Hall with its neo-classical barrel-vaulted ceiling; ideal for exclusive dinners, presentations and conferences. Our other historic buildings include the Reid Concert Hall, Talbot Rice Gallery and St Cecilia’s Hall.  Closest accommodation options are the centrally-located KM Central and Richmond Place Apartments.

King’s Buildings (KB) 5 minutes’ drive to the Pollock Estate, King’s Building’s Swann lecture theatre is available during vacation for conferences. Closest Edinburgh First accommodation options are the year-round hotel Salisbury Green Hotel & Bistro. Also, in the summer, there are 2,000 campus- accommodation beds available on the Pollock Halls site.

Building Key:

1. Pollock Estate (PE)
2. Central Area (CA)
3. Old College (OC)
4. King's Buildings (KB)