Red Carnation Hotels has announced the opening of its first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street.  

Inspired by the adventures of the Scottish explorers who frequented the building in its former life as the headquarters of the Royal Overseas League, 100 Princes Street – located in Edinburgh – has been designed to take guests on a journey through Scotland’s rich cultural, historic and nautical legacy. The property’s design is the result of a partnership with the team behind Botswana’s Xigera Safari Lodge and Ireland’s Ashford Castle, spearheaded by Toni Tollman of Red Carnation Hotels.

Reminiscent of a chic private members’ club and a celebration of all things Scottish, 100 Princes Street comprises 30 en suite rooms and suites, including signature suites The Archibald and The Isobel, named after renowned Scottish explorers Archibald Menzies and Isobel Wylie Hutchison. Food and beverage offerings include The Wallace, a plush dining room, bar and lounge offering hearty, local fare, and Ghillie’s Pantry, an elegant private dining room offering over one hundred whiskies and custom tasting menus.  

Upon entering the hotel, guests are welcomed by a hand-selected array of artworks, including bespoke pieces by decorative arts specialists Croxford and Saunders. Among these is a hand-painted mural, which celebrates the daring spirit and ingenuity of Scottish explorers. The piece stretches along the length of a five-storey staircase, telling the story of the journeys of Scottish botanists, whose contributions to the worlds of plants, trees and flowers are depicted throughout. The style of the mural harks back to the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, reminiscent of vintage posters and postcards. Set against the backdrop of high-gloss hand-carved woodwork, the piece culminates at the top of the staircase with a glass and bronze chandelier shaped like an adventurer’s hot air balloon. 

Inside guestrooms, local artisans have been commissioned to create custom-made furnishings, fabrics and artworks, including five tartans by Scottish designer Araminta Campbell. Handpicked antiques and nautical design elements have been woven throughout the property, coming together to narrate the building’s history.