One of Scotland’s oldest institutions will throw open its doors to let travel agents, event agents, hoteliers, tourism industry and journalists experience the newest Scottish attraction before it opens to the public.

Visitors from across the globe will soon be given the chance to say Slàinte to a Scottish night to remember at the historic Playfair Building at Surgeons’ Hall in Edinburgh.

Over one hundred leading industry experts will be given the chance to sample the food, music and entertainment which will be laid on for up to 16,000 visitors per year.

Scott Mitchell, Commercial Director at Surgeon’s Hall said: “This has the potential to be one of the biggest dedicated events for visitors to Edinburgh that has been launched in years. We are determined to get it right, so it is essential for us to ensure the first people to test it out are those experts most deeply embedded in Scotland’s tourism industry.

“They are the people who help attract people to Scotland, make sure that visitors have the best possible experience while they are here. They are also the people who will be working alongside us and we want them to know exactly what a quality event we are laying on.”

News of the partnership between Surgeons’ Hall and influencers in the travel sector has been welcomed by Marketing Edinburgh, which promotes Edinburgh to the world.

Lesley Williams, the organisation’s head of business tourism, said: “Marketing Edinburgh is delighted to see new experiential events like this being developed, which encourage more visitors and promote collaboration. The fact that Surgeons’ Hall is working closely with renowned hotels and agents is also commendable.

“With 60% of all visitors to Scotland making a trip to Edinburgh during their visit, the new event at Surgeon’s Hall is sure to add a new exciting dimension to their ‘Scottish Experience’, building on the venue and Edinburgh’s appeal to both UK and international markets.”

Once launched to the public The Slàinte Scottish Experience will run regularly from May to October, providing a taste of Scottish cuisine, history and culture in the magnificent setting and it expected to provide a huge boost to the Scottish tourism industry.

The traditional evening is the latest development of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Commercial Enterprises, which makes the most of the institution’s impressive buildings, to help safeguard the College’s globally important work.

The Slainte idea was formulated because the redevelopment of the Edinburgh St James area means the closure of the King James Thistle Hotel – and end to the popular ‘Jamie’s Evenings’ which have run there for 40 years, entertaining tourists.

Scott Mitchell added:  “When we heard Jamie’s Evenings were coming to an end something clicked into place and we realised there was an important opportunity for the Royal College – and a fantastic service for visitors to the city.

“There is an undoubted demand because for 40 years visitors have been flocking to these evenings in a hotel function suite. Think how much more amazing that experience will be in the unparalleled setting of our Playfair Main Hall.

“It is important for those within the industry to see just how much potential The Slàinte Scottish Experience has and how we could make this a top destination for international travellers. We are hugely excited about the possibilities, opening up a genuine Scottish architectural gem to visitors. In fact, we are pretty confident that it won’t just be tourists who come along.”

Visitors to the Slàinte Scottish Experience will be treated to food, drink and a show featuring bagpiping, a traditional display of Scottish dancing and a journey through Scottish history.  But the real star of the show promises to be the setting itself. The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is one of the world’s oldest medical institutions founded in 1505 after receiving a Royal Seal of Cause from the town council which was ratified by King James IV 1506.

It is renowned for its Playfair Building, dating back to 1832, including the magnificent, Playfair Hall, where the events will be held. The College is also home to the famous Surgeons’ Hall Museum, which houses collections of international importance.

Manuela Calchini, VisitScotland’s Regional Director for Edinburgh, said: “The Slàinte Scottish Experience will provide a new and exciting twist to one of the city’s most iconic venues, giving visitors from all over the world a taste of our unique culture and our fabulous food and drink.”

The Royal College provides education and assessment for medical students, surgical trainees and consultants and supports research to advance standards of care for the future.  Surgeons trained and assessed through the College take skills all over the world.

The college’s Commercial Enterprises promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the College Campus, which include the four-star, 77-bedroom hotel, Ten Hill Place. All profits support the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgery.

The nights will officially open to the public in May with tickets priced at £65 per person. This includes the show, dinner, a taste of whisky at the Address to the Haggis and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks.

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