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Edinburgh First
📍
Holyrood Road, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, United Kingdom
University VenueConference Centre✓ Verified Data
Premier university conference and events venue in central Edinburgh with modern facilities and historic charm.
About This Venue
Edinburgh First is the University of Edinburgh's premier conference and events venue, offering world-class facilities in the heart of Scotland's capital. Located on the historic Holyrood Road campus, the venue combines modern conference technology with traditional Scottish architecture. The facility features multiple conference halls, meeting rooms, and exhibition spaces, accommodating events from intimate boardroom meetings to large-scale conferences for up to 2,500 delegates. With its central Edinburgh location near the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh First provides easy access to the city's attractions while offering comprehensive event services including catering, accommodation, and technical support.
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Indicative Budget
£56,250–£106,250
Typical day-delegate event for ~1250 guests
Capacity (max)
2,500
Typical attendees
1,250
Per-head range
£45–£85
Currency
GBP
Indicative budget only — based on a typical day-delegate event (1250 guests at £45–£85 per head). Final pricing depends on date, F&B, AV, accommodation and rate negotiation. Submit a brief for a tailored quote.
Capacity
2500
Maximum Capacity
1200
Theatre Style
2500
Reception Style
Meeting Rooms
| Room Name | Area (m²) | Theatre | Boardroom | U-Shape | Classroom | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
McEwan Hall | 850 | 1200 | - | - | 600 | |
Playfair Library Hall | 400 | 300 | 40 | 60 | 150 | |
John McIntyre Conference Centre | 200 | 180 | 30 | 40 | 90 |
3 meeting rooms available • Total capacity: up to 1200 people
Features & Amenities
✓Free WiFi
✓AV equipment
✓Air conditioning
✓Natural daylight
✓Parking
✓Accessible
✓Catering facilities
✓Exhibition space
✓Stage facilities
✓Video conferencing
✓Translation services
✓Technical support
📐 Space Specifications
3500
Total Space (m²)
4.5m
Ceiling Height
✓
Licensed Venue
Professional Conference Centre space
🍽️ Food & Catering
🍴Restaurant On-site
🍷Bar On-site
Dietary Options
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeHalal
Full catering service available
🎤 AV Equipment
✓Multiple projectors
✓large screens
✓professional PA system
✓wireless microphones
✓high-speed Wi-Fi
✓live streaming capabilities
✓lighting systems
✓recording equipment
🎯 Suitable For
📋Conferences
📋Academic Symposiums
📋Corporate Events
📋Product Launches
📋Training Sessions
📋Exhibitions
♿ Accessibility
✓Wheelchair accessible✓Hearing loop systems✓Accessible parking✓BSL interpretation available
Transport & Parking
🚆 Public Transport
Edinburgh Waverley Station 0.8 miles. Multiple bus routes including 6, 35, 64. Edinburgh Airport 10 miles with direct bus connections. Waverley Bridge tram stop 0.5 miles.
🅿️ Parking
✓ On-site parking available
On-site parking available for 200 vehicles. Additional parking at nearby Holyrood Park and city centre car parks within 0.5 miles.
Availability
📅 Booking Lead Time
14 days minimum notice
👥 Capacity by Setup
1200
theatre
40
boardroom
600
classroom
60
u shape
400
cabaret
2500
reception
800
dining
600
banquet
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum capacity?
Up to 2500 guests in theatre style, multiple breakout rooms available for smaller groups
What AV equipment is available?
State-of-the-art AV equipment including multiple projection systems, professional sound systems, and technical support
Is catering available?
Full catering services from coffee breaks to formal dining, dietary requirements accommodated
Is there parking available?
On-site parking available, additional street parking nearby, accessible parking spaces provided
Location & Contact
📍 Address
Holyrood Road
University of Edinburgh
EH8 8AQ, United Kingdom
🏷️ Categories
University VenueEvent SpaceMeeting RoomsExhibition Centre
Venue Location
Holyrood Road, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Get Directions
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum capacity?
A: Up to 2500 guests in theatre style, multiple breakout rooms available for smaller groups
Q: What AV equipment is available?
A: State-of-the-art AV equipment including multiple projection systems, professional sound systems, and technical support
Q: Is catering available?
A: Full catering services from coffee breaks to formal dining, dietary requirements accommodated
Q: Is there parking available?
A: On-site parking available, additional street parking nearby, accessible parking spaces provided
🎯 Things to Do Nearby
🏰Historic Site
🏰
Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse
0.3 km (0.2 mi)• 3 minutes walk
🏰
Royal Mile Historic Street
0.5 km (0.3 mi)• 6 minutes walk
🏰
Arthur's Seat Ancient Volcano
1.2 km (0.7 mi)• 15 minutes walk
🏰
Edinburgh Castle Fortress
1.8 km (1.1 mi)• 20 minutes walk
🏰
Scottish Parliament Building
0.2 km (0.1 mi)• 2 minutes walk
🏰
Grassmarket Entertainment Quarter
1.3 km (0.8 mi)• 16 minutes walk
🏛️Museum
🏛️
National Museum of Scotland
1.5 km (0.9 mi)• 18 minutes walk
🌳Gardens
🌳
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
3.2 km (2 mi)• 8 minutes by bus
💡 Local Area: These attractions and shopping areas are located within driving distance of the venue, perfect for delegates attending multi-day events.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Edinburgh First
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