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Powered by purpose, delivered with heart

Rory Archibald, Associations & Sectors
3 minutes• September 4, 2025

Here in Scotland, we don’t do things by halves. Whether it’s our stunning landscapes, enchanting myths and legends, iconic cultural traditions or world-renowned whiskey, we go all in. Our commitment to charity is no different.

Forget 10%, 25%, 50% even, across Scotland’s fantastic events industry you’ll find many venues which, with a big heart and even bigger passion for making a difference, donate 100% of their profits to charity.

Like we said, we go all in (as anyone who has experienced our fabulous Edinburgh Fringe can attest).

Ardoch Estate Loch Lomond

Ardoch Estate Loch Lomond

© Ardoch Estate Loch Lomond

Social good

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All profits provide palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies, children and young people across Scotland.

Take Ardoch Loch Lomond as just one example. This profit with purpose events venue, overlooking the mesmerising Loch Lomond in the idyllic Trossachs National Park, is owned and operated by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Gifted entirely to CHAS by Peter Armitage – who ran the estate as a social enterprise for nearly 15 years – all profits from the exclusive-use venue support CHAS in its mission to provide palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions. Whether a spectacular wedding, revitalising woodland wellness retreat or one-of-a-kind corporate away day, every event at Ardoch Loch Lomond builds the foundation of a sustainable source of income for CHAS – empowering it to bring moments of joy and happiness to the families within its care.

Care for communities

Big Burns Ceilidh

Big Burns Ceilidh at the National Museum of Scotland.

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The National Museum of Scotland is a treasure-trove of history and culture, a fascinating centre of learning, a hub of science and innovation and, a registered charity.

Located on Edinburgh’s architecturally-renowned Chambers Street, proceeds from venue hire are used solely to fund the work of this landmark Scottish institution. With everything from exclusive parties and enchanting weddings to captivating product launches and glittering awards ceremonies, events here are vibrant, unique and unforgettable experiences – much like the work of the museum itself.

Housing collections spanning from the age of dinosaurs to the technology of the future, all funding supports the museum to preserve Scotland’s extraordinary story, the people and places that make up our global history, and the lessons of our natural world - and make it accessible for all.

Glasgow skyline

Taking this same approach is the historic Merchants House of Glasgow which donates all profits from venue hire to charity. Supporting 200 charities in the past five years, the stunning Grade A listed venue donated over £220,000 in 2024 to help vulnerable people and communities across the west of Scotland.

A not-for-profit organisation, it champions causes as diverse as social need, arts and culture, education, and health and research – something it has done throughout its over 400-year history. From high-tech conferences to luxury weddings, events at Glasgow’s oldest social enterprise are as elegant, impactful and full of character as the venue itself.

Inspiring change

The Grassmarket, Edinburgh

The Grassmarket, Edinburgh

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

From the west of Scotland to the east, and with this same sense of community at heart, The Grassmarket Centre, in Edinburgh, is an award-winning events venue with an ethical twist. Whether you’re looking for a fabulous film screening, large-scale conference, electrifying gig or dazzling celebration, proceeds from events at this one-of-a-kind space support the essential work of the Grassmarket Community Project.

Providing sanctuary, support and relief, this vibrant, person-centred community empowers individuals struggling with homelessness, mental health, learning difficulties, poverty, substance misuse and physical abuse to regain their independence.

Big Burns Ceilidh

Big Burns Ceilidh

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Final thoughts

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Every day is a day to give back and show our clients, and communities, that people will always come before profit.

So, while we may be celebrating International Day of Charity today, for many events venues across Scotland, every day is a day to give back and show our clients, and communities, that people will always come before profit.   

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