Virgin hotels holds celebration for forthcoming Edinburgh property

To celebrate Virgin Hotels’ arrival to Edinburgh, Sir Richard Branson and company held a formal, intimate ceremony on May 22. During the event, Sir Richard, Virgin Hotels CEO Raul Leal, and Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross gave a few remarks at the future hotel site, located in the historic India Buildings at 1-6 Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town. In addition, guests enjoyed an intimate acoustic performance by Nina Nesbitt.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will offer 225 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites; multiple dining and drinking outlets, including the brand’s flagship space, Commons Club, as well as numerous meeting spaces. Slated to open in 2020, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will be completed in partnership with owner Flemyn and developer Jansons Property and will be managed by Virgin Hotels, and asset managed by Siggis Capital.
Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Virgin Hotels’ first UK property here in Edinburgh. We have so many great locations in progress in the United States, but there’s something extra special about opening our first Virgin Hotel here in the UK. What better place than right here in Edinburgh? My grandparents were from Edinburgh. My wife, Joan, is Scottish – and the city holds a very special place in my heart.
“Virgin Hotels takes its role as neighbors’ in this beautiful city very seriously, and we want this hotel to fit in with the fabric of the city and are working with the local community to make sure of this. We look forward to playing our part in regenerating the local area around Victoria Street including the iconic ‘India Buildings’ and I can’t wait to be back for the grand opening.
Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels said: “This project, from an award-winning hotel brand such as Virgin Hotels, will further highlight the city’s eclectic style while remaining true to its historic heritage, all while offering guests and locals alike an experience like no other. Beyond preserving the buildings for the future, the new hotel will breathe new life into this important local community.”