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The iconic Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh’s New Town is collaborating with interior design students at Heriot-Watt University to propose speculative redesigns for some of the Club’s meeting, event, and dining spaces.
The project aims to preserve the rich history of the Club – which was originally built in 1810 as three Georgian townhouses – while introducing contemporary design elements that will appeal to a younger generation.
Founded in 1918 as a tribute to 11,000 local soldiers from the Royal Scots Regiment who lost their lives in World War I, the Royal Scots Club has more than 2,000 members and also operates as a hotel and events venue, with rooms including an elegant Dining Room, Cocktail Bar & Lounge, private dining areas and conference and meetings rooms.
This project requires the students to think outside the box. I want them to really push the boundaries and develop creative solutions.
Students from the Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design at Heriot-Watt School of Textiles and Design will work on the project for 10 weeks and then pitch their final designs to a panel of representatives from The Royal Scots Club.
Julie Smith, Assistant Professor in Interior Architecture & Design at Heriot-Watt School of Textiles and Design, said: “It’s critical for our students to work with professional spaces and clients, we’re delighted to be collaborating with The Royal Scots Club on this design brief. This project requires the students to think outside the box. The brief challenges the stereotypes of commercial interiors. I want them to really push the boundaries and develop creative solutions.”
Ms Smith said the students would need to be sensitive to the beautiful, classical architecture and history of The Royal Scots Club, while introducing an aesthetic that was “contemporary and innovative.”
Adrian Hayes, General Manager of The Royal Scots Club, said: “We are excited to be offered the opportunity to work with Heriot-Watt University and their students on this project. We hope to see fresh and contemporary design ideas that resonate with a diverse demographic and bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.
“The Royal Scots Club has a rich history and has evolved over 100 years into a modern and more informal establishment with an open membership. As we look forward to our next chapter, it’s important to ensure that the Club remains as vibrant today as it ever was.”
Twenty seven students will propose redesigns for six spaces in The Royal Scots Club, which is based at 29-31 Abercromby Place in Edinburgh. These are the Ellesmere Room meeting room; the Scot Room and Douglas Room meeting rooms; the Princess Royal function suite; Hepburn Suite function room; the Members’ Library and the Lounge Bar. Many of the rooms showcase original Georgian and Victorian design features including high corniced ceilings, large oak panelled doors, fireplaces and, in the Library, elaborate carved bookcases.
The Royal Scots Club will award a cash prize to the winning team for their concept development, visual design, and ultimate commercial viability of their redesign solution.
The redesign proposals will then be exhibited online by The Royal Scots Club and by Heriot-Watt. Various rooms throughout The Royal Scots Club will also display the designs for both members of the Club and public to browse and enjoy.