Alumni Weekend FAQs

Can I bring a guest?  

Due to high demand, we are prioritising alumni spaces in the first instance. However, if you would like to bring a guest, please get in touch with us at medicalschool300@ed.ac.uk and we will be happy to advise on available spaces.  

What is the deadline for booking tickets?  

The last booking date for the April dinner will be Wednesday 25 February 2026.  

The last booking date for the October dinner will be Monday 3 August 2026.   

What is the dress code?  

Black tie. 

Can I sit at a table with my classmates?  

If you and your fellow classmates have booked individual tickets and would like to sit together, please let us know by contacting medicalschool300@ed.ac.uk and we will ensure your preferences are reflected in the table arrangements. Otherwise, we will aim to seat similar graduating classes together where possible.

If you would like to book a table of 10, please indicate the individual guests within the form. Don’t worry if you can’t confirm all guest names at this stage, the places will still be secured.  

I would like to book a table of 10 but don’t have all my guests’ dietary requirements. What should I do?  

Where dietary requirements are not known, please leave this section in the booking form blank and we will be in touch closer to the event date to confirm specific dietary preferences.  

What is included in the ticket price?

The dinner cost will include an arrival drink, canapés, a three-course meal, half a bottle of wine or soft drink alternatives per guest, and the evening ceilidh.

Am I eligible for the early career discount?  

We are offering an early career discount to those alumni who graduated in 2023, 2024, and 2025. If applicable, please select this option when booking your place.

My plans have changed, can I receive a full refund?  

You are entitled to a full refund up to one month prior to the event date. Refund requests made less than 1 month prior will be reviewed by the organising team on a case-by-case basis. 

I booked a dinner ticket for the wrong weekend / would like to change to a different weekend. What can I do?  

Please get in touch with us directly at medicalschool300@ed.ac.uk if you need to make changes to your booking and we will do our best to assist you.  

Can I explore the museum on the evening of the dinner?

As we don’t have exclusive use of the National Museum of Scotland, guests are unable to further explore the museum beyond our designated spaces on the evening, however, you are more than welcome to visit during opening hours throughout the weekend and entry is free.  

 National Museum of Scotland  

Can I book University accommodation for the weekend?  

Yes. The University Hospitality Collection have several newly refurbished hotels in their portfolio and are delighted to offer a special Edinburgh Medical School 300 anniversary offer. 

To receive up to 15% off best available online rates at The Scholar, KM Hotel and KM Apartments, and up to 10% off best available online rates at The Scott, please use the promo code: EMS300

The promotional code is valid for bookings from Thursday 23 April 2026 to Monday 27 April 2026 inclusive. Bookings for October 2026 will become available 12 months prior. 

The promotional code is only valid for bookings made directly on our websites and is subject to availability. For more information and to check availability, please visit our hotel websites: 

The Scott 

The Scholar 

KM Hotel  

KM Apartments 

Are there other activities planned for the weekend?  

We are busy putting together an extensive programme of events and activities for each Alumni Weekend, however, our current plan is as follows:

Friday

Welcome Reception including speeches and drinks reception in McEwan Hall. Following the reception, we are planning a range of different activities that our alumni can book on to separately, including talks and musical performances. 

Saturday

An exciting programme of drop-in activities will be on offer throughout our central campus during the day, including the Edinburgh Futures Institute and the Old Medical School. We will also have various bookable talks on a range of themes. The gala dinner in the National Museum of Scotland will take place in the evening.

Sunday 

Activities on the Sunday morning will be more relaxed and include the opportunity to visit Edinburgh Medical School 300 related exhibitions and join guided walking tours. 

We will share details of confirmed weekend activities in due course. 

Are there differences between the alumni weekends in April and October?  

Both weekends will have a similar programme of talks, tours, activities and exhibitions that will be free of charge for our alumni to attend. 

Will there be any year group specific events?  

The events and activities across the weekend are open to all alumni, and while we won’t be planning any year group specific activities, there will be plenty of opportunity to meet former classmates should they be attending. Alumni are also welcome to organise their own meet-ups if they wish. 

I am interested in making dinner reservations for the weekend, do you have any suggestions?  

Explore our University of Edinburgh restaurant options below.  

Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF  

The Brasserie at The Scholar Hotel 18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AY)   

Bonnar’s at The Scott Hotel 18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AY 

How else can I get involved with the Edinburgh Medical School 300 anniversary?  

We would love to hear from you! You can contact the Edinburgh Medical School 300 team directly at medicalschool300@ed.ac.uk