The Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh, nowadays usually known as The Merchant Company, has been enriching the life of Scotland’s capital for more than 300 years.

The Merchant Company’s original purpose was to protect trading rights in the City of Edinburgh. Today, over 600 businessmen and women are Members of the Company, actively involved at the heart of the city in educational and charitable works, as well as continuing to hold a central role in the civic life of Edinburgh. The Company is also Scotland’s most pre-eminent livery company.

There’s undoubtedly more to the Merchant Company than meets the eye, from the beautiful Merchants’ Hall, a hidden jewel amongst Edinburgh’s unique venues for hire, to our charitable work supporting both the young and the elderly.

Please browse this site and read about the Company and its history, what we do today, how we serve our community - and how you can become a Member of this prestigious Edinburgh institution.