Venues to hold PR launch events: Fingal in Edinburgh
Looking for an event space with flexibility, the wow factor and an extraordinary back story? Try Edinburgh’s floating hotel
Imagine an experience combining olde-world charm with modern luxury – and the spirit of maritime adventure. A floating marvel, with all the amenities of a superyacht and the glamour of rich, nautical history. Now imagine no more: step aboard the Fingal!
Permanently moored in the port of Leith, Edinburgh, this converted lighthouse ship was named after an ancient Caledonian king – and with its exquisite style and detail, it’s certainly fit for royalty. Originally built in 1963, it once served as a lifeline for remote lighthouses, navigating dangerous rocks and braving the stormy seas from the Isle of Man to Oban and Skye, ferrying supplies – and indeed plucky lighthouse keepers – to their lonely outposts, in the days before helicopters did the job more efficiently.
Today, it’s been meticulously transformed into an award-winning five-star hotel-cum-event space for everything from weddings to private functions, product launches and corporate celebrations. We’re particularly fond of the Lighthouse Bar, with its stunning copper ceiling resembling rippling tidewater (just one of its many stylish features), and its enormous floor to ceiling windows.
But even greater opulence awaits in the bow of the ship, care of a spectacular ballroom, featuring a retractable roof (cars can be lowered into the room!) and gorgeous, panoramic views of the waterfront. With its grand sweeping staircases, the ballroom can accommodate up to 60 guests for dinner or 100 people for an especially lavish reception.
Additionally, The Bridge offers a private dining space for intimate gatherings, providing views from the ship’s former command centre.
Alternatively, unwind in the Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar (incidentally, awarded two AA rosettes for culinary excellence), which serves breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, and some truly spectacular cocktails – ideally sipped on deck while watching the sun go down over the harbour. Dreams are made of this.