The Royal Scots Club Embraces Legacy and Innovation as they Launch their Curious New Membership Campaign
Edinburgh, 15th July 2024: The Royal Scots Club, a historic yet forward-thinking establishment nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage New Town, launches its latest membership campaign designed to resonate with the curious. Reflecting on its rich legacy and contemporary appeal, and crafted in collaboration with The Union Advertising Agency, this campaign highlights The Club’s enduring commitment to inclusivity and connection in an age of remoteness and isolation.
From its inception in 1919, The Royal Scots Club has been a trailblazer in the world of members clubs. Founded in honour of those Royal Scots who fell in The Great War, it broke the mould by welcoming all ranks as members. It further became the first club of its kind to welcome female members in the early 1980s, and since the 1990s The Club’s membership has been open to all, regardless of military background.
The campaign aims to attract new members from all walks of life – with a specific focus on attracting working professionals. The Club offers a range of membership benefits from private dining, meeting and event facilities, lectures, evening talks, accommodation, and a serene workspace but most of all, it offers the opportunity to connect with new people and reignite your curiosity. In an era where people are increasingly seeking meaningful ways to reconnect, The Royal Scots Club offers a timeless yet contemporary haven to enable this. As members’ clubs experience a resurgence, The Royal Scots Club stands out by honouring its storied past while embracing the future, providing a space where long-standing and new members alike can find a sense of belonging and purpose through their shared curiosity.
Norman Soutar, Chairman of the Board of Directors at The Royal Scots Club, expressed his enthusiasm: “The campaign beautifully captures the essence of our Club—a place where tradition meets modernity, and where curiosity and connection flourish. We look forward to welcoming new prospective members who will contribute to and benefit from our exciting social events calendar and wide range of facilities.”
Michael Hart, Creative Director, The Union said: “It’s been a tricky act to pull off. On one hand, you’re all too keen to showcase the incredible array of distractions hiding behind the Georgian façade, but on the other, you don’t want everyone to know – just the right people with the right mindset. That’s why we focused on the curious. People who unite under the desire to learn and connect. The campaign execution aims to scout these people out by using an unusually, unbranded out of home execution – I won’t let you in on the secret but maybe check it out at Haymarket station. Only the curious deserve to be rewarded.”
Enjoy an evening of immersion into the world of tartan, a presentation on clans along with a demonstration of how to style and wear a great kilt!
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18
Jun
Members Drinks
A rallying call! Gather with your friends and fellow social members in the cocktail bar for an evening drink and a chinwag on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Guests welcome. Food available for purchase. Attendance is free – all food and drinks can be
Member only event
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19
Jun
G.L.O.W. Gal’s Lunch
Gathering Ladies of Wit. A Royal Scots Club monthly lunch for our ladies and their guests in the Abercromby Dining room.
Member only event
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22
Jun
Evening Lecture: The House of War
The House of War is a sweeping narrative of over 1000 years of confrontation and conflict between the armies of Christendom and those of the Caliphate.
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26
Jun
Pop-Up Scottish Opera
Experience opera on a miniature scale, with 30-minute performances brought to life with specially commissioned illustrations. Session 1: Rigoletto, Session 2: The Elixir of Love.
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27
Jun
Coffee Morning & Exhibition: HMS Unicorn
Explore the history and heritage of HMS Unicorn from the comfort of the Royal Scots Club with Club Member Lachlan Gunn from the HMS Unicorn heritage team.
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03
Jul
The Captain’s Table
The Captain’s Table is a regular Royal Scots Club lunch where members and their guests can get together and enjoy good food, good conversation and meet new people.
Member only event
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03
Jul
Soldiers’ Long Lunch
The lunch takes place in Edinburgh’s most glamorous 5* hotel, Prestonfield House, on Friday 3rd July 2026, starting at 1p.m. Enjoy a glass of champagne on arrival, taking in the spectacular setting in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat. A three-course dinner
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18
Jul
Summer Garden Party
Join fellow members and guests for our beloved annual Summer Garden Party in the stunning Queen Street Gardens East. An elegant evening of live music, food, and great company.
Member only event
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23
Jul
A Taste of Italy
Buon appetito! Join us in the Abercromby Dining Room for an indulgent evening of Italian music with a beautifully curated menu, with an expertly paired wine list add-on.
Member only event
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01
Aug
The Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Band – Recital in the Gardens
Enjoy a free evening concert in the beautiful Queen Street Gardens East with The Band of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
Member only event
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05
Aug
Solo From The Pitt: Exclusive Fringe Preview
Acclaimed Metropolitan Opera trombonist and comedian Elias Faingersh brings his one-man show to the Club before it hits the Fringe mainstage.
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06
Aug
Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Dinner
Join fellow members for drinks and dinner at the Club before heading to Edinburgh Castle for the iconic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — an unforgettable evening of tradition and spectacle.
Member only event
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07
Sep
Evening Lecture: Living a Polite Life
Dr Jenny Mayhew unravels the codes of conduct that shaped polite British society. Explore the complex and comical historical rulebook that guided British lives from cradle to grave.
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21
Sep
Minds & Machines: AI & Cyber Security Seminar
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24
Sep
Grapes & Gruyère: Guided Tasting Experience
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys a good drop and a cheeseboard, this is an evening made for you.
Member only event
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03
Oct
Legacy In Motion: Guided Club History Club
Discover the untold stories and history of the Royal Scots Club. A private bespoke Club tour with local historian Dr. Kate Stephenson.
Member only event
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05
Oct
Evening Lecture: Dressing up, Decorum and Debauchery in Eighteenth-Century Pleasure Gardens
Society, Sin and Scandal. Dr Kate Stephenson uncovers the world of eighteenth-century pleasure gardens. Hot beds of sin? Or simply a reflection of society’s deepest fears?
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23
Oct
Trafalgar Night Dinner
Join us at the Royal Scots Club on Friday 23rd October for our Trafalgar Night Dinner held in support of The Royal Marines Charity.
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29
Oct
Folklore Evening: Dark & Haunting Tales
Pull up a chair and dare to listen? Professional Storyteller Beverly Bryant brings dark and haunting tales to life in our Underground Bar.
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02
Nov
Evening Lecture: This is Murrayfield
Join Rob Robertson & Peter Burns as we celebrate 100 remarkable years of Murrayfield Stadium. A century of iconic matches, memories and Scottish rugby history.
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08
Nov
Remembrance Sunday Lunch
Wreath laying ceremony at 12:00 noon, followed by a delicious two-course lunch.
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09
Nov
Artist Exhibition – Alicia Coombes
Member only event
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26
Nov
Thanksgiving Dinner
A delicious three-course dinner in our Hepburn Suite to celebrate Thanksgiving with live music.
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27
Nov
St Andrew’s Day Dinner at The Royal Scots Club
Celebrate Scotland’s patron saint with a delicious three-course dinner, traditional musical entertainment, and an exciting guest speaker.
Member only event
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07
Dec
Evening Lecture: The Glen Affric Tartan – Decoding a Unique Survivor
Discover Scotland’s oldest tartan: The Glen Affric. A 500-year-old fragment unearthed from a Highland peat bog, explored by leading expert Peter Eslea MacDonald.
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10
Dec
Christmas Special: Festive Wine Tasting
Join us for a bespoke festive tasting experience in the Underground Bar with Richard from Great Grog. Expertly paired wines and canapés to celebrate the silly season.
Member only event
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12
Dec
The Royal Scots Club Murder Mystery
Join us for a festive murder mystery evening at the Club. Work with fellow guests to unravel the clues, identify the suspects and solve the case before the evening is out.
Member only event
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17
Dec
Chairman’s Christmas Cocktails
Join our Chairman and other Members on Thursday, 17th December for a festive drinks reception. This is a complimentary event available for Members only.