News articles and press releases
At 12.31pm on Thursday 18 June 2020 a unique meeting in the history of the Company took place. Given the lockdown situation members could not attend the Merchants’ Hall for the usual June Stated Meeting of the Company. Hence the meeting was held using Zoom, a medium unknown to many before lockdown but now quite […]
The Royal Company of Merchants is not alone in finding itself having to adjust to the impact of COVID-19 on its operations. The Company has been operating as near to normal as possible, with meetings becoming virtual and staff working from home. Clearly there have been no members events held, and we were very sad […]
On Friday 6 March, The Association of Assistants held another successful and splendid dinner within the Hall, hosted by the Chairman. This year’s Guest Speaker, and Member of the Association of Assistants, Julie Ashworth who gave a tremendous presentation about her life and experiences which enlightened the assembled party. It was incredible. The Master offered […]
Don Young, The Lord Dean of Guild, The Old Master hosted proceedings at George Watson’s College at their Founder’s Day on Friday 7 February. This year, with the Watsonian President and the Chairman of the Board of Governors also on the stage, the Merchant Company were well represented at this year’s ceremony. They were lucky […]
We were delighted to welcome The Watsonian Club to the Merchants’ Hall on 6 February 2020 when it held its annual Past President’s Reception. Past President guests included many Old Masters and members of the Company. Current Watsonian President, Johnny Bacigalupo, hosted the evening and also provided a guided tour of the Hall, focussing […]
The Master hosted a working breakfast for the 690th Lord Mayor of the City of London, William Russell, at Merchants’ Hall on 29 January 2020. The event in the Court Room was attended by 40 business people, made up of Royal Company Members and representatives of the Financial Technology sector in Edinburgh. The Lord Mayor, […]
The Merchants’ Hall was packed with 150 Members and guests for the Members’ Christmas Dinner on Friday 6 December 2019. The Master, Mr Peter Hillier, presided and the guest speaker was Ms Tracy Black, the Director of CBI Scotland. A musical trio from George Watson’s College led by David Elliott, the School’s Director of Music, […]
The annual Coffee Morning for the beneficiaries of the Merchant Company Endowments Trust and Alexander Darling Fund took place in Merchants’ Hall on Thursday 5 December 2019. This event is always one of the loveliest events in the Company calendar. This year it was hosted by the Master, Mr Peter Hillier, and the Chair of […]
On Friday 8 November 2019 Mr Peter Hillier was confirmed as the 266th Master of the Royal Company of Merchants at the Kirking of the Master service in St Giles Cathedral. Peter Hillier is a Director of Cazenove Capital Management, part of Schroders Group plc, and Head of the Edinburgh Office. He is Honorary Consul […]
The Installation of a new Honorary Member of the Royal Company of Merchants is a rare event. The Master had the pleasure of installing His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry as an Honorary Member at the Company Meeting on 21 February 2019. The first Honorary Members were installed in 1902, the Earl of […]
