Scottish National Portrait Gallery
About Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Set in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, National Galleries Scotland: Portrait is one of the city’s most striking and atmospheric event venues. Housed within a stunning neo-Gothic building, this iconic space blends historic architecture with Scotland’s national collection of portrait art - creating an unforgettable backdrop for events that inspire and impress.
Christmas at Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Festive parties, seasonal menus and memorable moments. Plan a Christmas celebration at Scottish National Portrait Gallery that feels effortless from first enquiry to final toast.
Spaces at
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Great Hall & Ambulatory
Up to 150Up to 150 reception / 50 dinner
A truly dramatic setting beneath an iconic astrological ceiling, surrounded by stained glass and painted murals. Ideal for drinks receptions and atmospheric dinners, this space creates immediate impact for guests on arrival.
Ramsay Room
Up to 120 dinnerAn elegant adjoining gallery space, perfect for seated dining experiences. Guests can dine surrounded by masterpieces, with the option to combine with the Great Hall for a seamless drinks-to-dinner flow.
Robertson Room
Up to 100Up to 100 reception / dinner / classroom
A contemporary red-brick gallery offering a versatile space for receptions, conferences, workshops or post-dinner celebrations, balancing modern design with heritage surroundings.
AK Bell Seminar Room
Up to 40Up to 40 classroom / 18 boardroom
A flexible meeting and breakout space, ideal for smaller sessions, presentations or green room use.
Café Portrait & Snug
Up to 80Up to 80 dining / 20 private dining
A vibrant setting for more informal events, private dining and social occasions, offering flexibility for smaller gatherings.
Get in touch
It's time to make your event a reality, our dedicated team is here to help you get started.
Your questions, answered
Accessibility varies by venue and by event space. Share your access requirements when enquiring and we will recommend suitable venues and provide access details.
Cancellation terms depend on the venue, event type and contracted package. Full terms will be confirmed in your proposal and booking contract.
Pets are not usually permitted in event or hospitality areas, except assistance dogs. Please confirm any requirements with the team before booking.
Please contact the venue directly with details of the lost item and your visit date, and the onsite team will advise if it has been handed in.
Opening hours vary by venue and event. Please check the individual venue page or contact us with your preferred venue and event date.
On-site parking varies by venue. Please check the relevant venue page or include parking requirements in your enquiry so we can advise.
AV facilities vary by venue and event space, from screens and microphones to full production support. Tell us what you need and we will confirm suitable options.
Wi-Fi is available at many venues, but provision and capacity vary. Please include your connectivity requirements in your enquiry.
Yes, absolutely, enquire now.
Use Send Enquiry or central inbox.
Provisional holds may be available depending on the venue and date. Please enquire with your preferred date and we will confirm availability and hold terms.
Please include your preferred venue or location, event date, guest numbers, event type, catering needs, room layout and any AV or accessibility requirements.
We recommend enquiring as early as possible, especially for peak dates. Short-notice enquiries are welcome and we will always advise what is available.
Many venues can support hybrid or virtual elements through onsite or partner AV teams. Share your technical requirements and we will recommend suitable options.
Yes. Our teams can support venue selection, catering, event details and introductions to trusted suppliers depending on the venue and brief.
Supplier policies vary by venue. Some venues have approved or preferred suppliers, while others can accommodate external suppliers subject to approval.
Yes, many venues have preferred supplier lists covering areas such as production, floristry, entertainment and photography. We can share options during planning.
Accommodation availability varies by venue and location. We can advise on nearby hotels or venues with accommodation where relevant.
Outdoor event options vary by venue, space, season and licensing. Please share your plans and we will advise on suitable venues and contingency options.
Staffing, security and cloakroom requirements vary by venue and event type. Your proposal will set out what is included and any additional costs.
Yes. Please tell us about dietary, religious or cultural requirements when enquiring so our chefs can advise on suitable menu options.
Yes. Sustainable menu options may be available, including seasonal ingredients and lower-impact choices. Availability varies by venue and event brief.
Branding and signage options vary by venue and must follow venue guidelines. Share your requirements and we will confirm what is possible.
Minimum guest numbers or minimum spends may apply depending on the venue, space, date and package. We will confirm these in your proposal.
Yes. Capacities vary by venue, room layout and event style. We can provide seated, standing and layout-specific capacities during your enquiry.
- Bespoke, in-house catering with menus created using high-quality, seasonal Scottish ingredients
- Flexible formats including canapés, formal dining and private dining
- Opportunity to pair catering with private viewings or curated gallery experiences
- State-of-the-art AV facilities and technical support available
- Flexible set-ups for conferences, presentations and live events
- Dedicated events team supporting production, theming and delivery
- Prime city centre location in Edinburgh’s New Town
- Walking distance to Edinburgh Waverley station and tram links
- No on-site parking, with nearby public car parks available
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Recognised for excellence
We are proud to hold industry-leading accreditations and have been consistently recognised for our commitment to event delivery, hospitality and team development.
Beam
As proud members of the UK's leading association for the business events sector, we align with best-practice standards, quality assurance and industry advocacy to ensure compliant, forward-thinking delivery.
MIA
Our AIM Secure accreditation demonstrates our dedication to the highest standards of safety, service excellence and sustainability within the meetings and events industry.
Green Meetings
We follow the UK's benchmark sustainability standard, championing responsible practices to minimise environmental impact and help our clients create conscious, impactful events.
Stadium Experience
As active members of this national collaboration, we share best practices and drive innovation to elevate event experiences and hospitality within world-class sporting venues.