Schedule of Events
Our venue team, take a bow Jo Macsween and Paul Pinson, put huge effort into sourcing venues that tie with, and enhance the theme of, our gatherings.
They have played a blinder (did an excellent job) in both 2024 and 2025. 2026 is going to be even better. GOF will return in 2027, but as yet, the venue has not been fixed. If you haven’t been before, this could be your last chance to enjoy some of the fantastic Edinburgh venues that GOF brings to our guests.
Whilst we do not profess to be a concierge service, both our Scottish venue team and those who have visited for the last two years have plenty of local knowledge to help you make this a trip to remember for a long time. The Scots take huge pride in the city and their hosting, we would be delighted to guide you.
Our itinerary
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Welcome to GOF 2026
Thursday 7 pm to late
Meet your fellow attendees and their guests at this relaxed and informal welcome supper at the Bothay.
A private room set within Brewhemia, the Bothy pays homage to the passions of two gentlemen—Rabbie and his newspaper editor friend Charles Alfred Cooper. Their shared love for whisky, hunting game, and the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands inspired this space. It’s a tribute to their enduring friendship and the timeless allure of Scotland.
The Bothy captures the warmth and camaraderie associated with aprés-ski gatherings. It's a place where friends can unwind, share stories and raise a glass to life's adventures. -
Sessions 1 and 2
Friday 25th September - The Storytelling Centre
We have two sessions on Friday, the first runs from 9 am to 12 pm, with the second running after a leisurely lunch from 2 pm until 5 pm.
The Scottish Storytelling Centre is a vibrant arts venue and the world’s first purpose-built Centre for live storytelling, programming a year-round traditional arts calendar of live storytelling, theatre, music, exhibitions, workshops, family events and festivals.
The Centre’s ethos can be summed up nicely by the Scottish Traveller proverb, “The story is told eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart”, which suggests a welcoming spirit, inclusive nature and a place where anybody can share their creativity and humanity.
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Dinner Friday
Friday 25th September 7 pm
Dinner will be hosted at Scott’s Kitchen, one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric dining spots, tucked into the heart of the Old Town on the historic Victoria Terrace.
Set beneath the city’s ancient arches, the restaurant combines candle-lit intimacy with striking stonework and sweeping views over the Grassmarket.
Known for its warm hospitality and refined Scottish-European menu, Scott’s Kitchen offers a relaxed yet elegant setting that encourages great conversation, superb food, and an unmistakable sense of place.
An ideal backdrop for connecting, reflecting, and enjoying Edinburgh at its best.
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Sessions 3 and 4
Saturday 26th September
The National Museum of Scotland
The day follows the same format as Friday just in another stunning venue.
At the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, the National Museum of Scotlandis one of Europe’s most striking cultural landmarks.
A dramatic blend of grand Victorian architecture and contemporary design, the museum offers soaring galleries, natural light, and panoramic views across the city. It is a place that inspires reflection, curiosity, and perspective—where history, innovation, science, and human endeavour intersect.
It is both unmistakably Scottish and confidently global: a setting that feels timeless, thoughtful, and quietly extraordinary.
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Dinner Saturday
Saturday 26th September 7 pm
To bring the curtain down on GOF 26, and possibly our time in Edinburgh, we are going out with a bang with dinner at Prestonfield House Hotel.
The Garden Room
This is the largest private dining space offering direct access to Prestonfield’s lawns and garden, and it’s own private terrace.Chef John McMahon will treat us to a feast, and with a wine list to satisfy the most discerning customers (Ed Robinson).
We are sure of a fitting curtain call on GOF26
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Departing Breakfast
We will see each other on way, be that returning home or further exploration of Edinburgh, Scotland or further afield.
Enjoy a your sunday breakast in your hotel on the Royal Mile, reflecting on friendships made, bonds deepened and three days of meaninful conversation.