Membership

Becoming a Member

Why join The Royal Company of Merchants?

The Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh offers a vibrant community for business people to connect and collaborate with each other. It provides opportunities in education through its schools, mentoring for future business, delivering essential affordable housing and supporting those in need across the City of Edinburgh.

With over 800 years of history, the Company remains at the heart of Edinburgh and is a vital contributor to the city’s heritage and future.

Being part of The Royal Company of Merchants offers numerous benefits that can enhance both personal and professional growth:

Being part of an organisation with shared values and goals fosters a sense of friendship and belonging.

Members gain access to a broad network of fellow professionals, facilitating connections that can lead to collaborations and career advancements.

Members actively make a difference to the lives of people in Edinburgh by offering strategic guidance across all areas of business. They help to shape viable and sustainable solutions that will help individuals and the city to thrive.

The Company delivers a full schedule and offers a multitude of opportunities for giving back, including working alongside our charity partners and supporting skills development initiatives in our schools.

Members have access to a wide range of professional and social events. These include sports clubs, guest speaker events, dinners, networking opportunities and much more.

Members receive updates on Company news, as well as invitations to key events at The Merchants Hall in the heart of the City of Edinburgh.

About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Membership is open to business professionals and individuals who share our commitment to Edinburgh and its communities. Members must live or work within 20 miles of General Register House in Edinburgh.

Preferential rates: Enjoy a discounted facility fee when hiring The Merchants Hall.

Exclusive events: Access a carefully curated programme of Company events throughout the year.

Professional growth: Expand your network, connect with peers and support your career development.

Charity: Be a part of one of Scotland’s largest and most respected charitable organisations. You can play an active role in guiding the direction of meaningful charitable giving.

Support our schools: Contribute to the purpose and future of the Merchant Schools, ESM and GWC.

Be part of Edinburgh’s civic life: Join Scotland’s pre-eminent livery Company and contribute to the city’s heritage and future.

Applications require a Proposer and a Seconder – but not to worry if you have neither of these yet. We are here to help and support all applications to the Company. Please contact membership@merchantsedinburgh.co.uk

Apply Now

Joining Fee: £150

Annual Subscription:

To be paid by Direct Debit

Full Membership Tier 1 (ages 25–34)	£200 pa — subsidised to support early-career professionals.
Full Membership Tier 2 (ages 35–49)	£300 pa — reflects increased career stability and earning potential.
Full Membership Tier 3 (ages 50+)	£400 pa — the full rate, supporting organisational growth and mentoring contributions.

Members are encouraged to participate in our events, support our charitable activities and uphold the values of the Company. However, we understand that commitments vary, and you can engage at a level that suits your circumstances. Many members also volunteer their time and expertise to support our various initiatives.

For more information or to discuss your eligibility, please email membership@mcoe.org.uk

It has always been very clear that no matter how much we give in support to The Royal Company of Merchants, it gives back so much more.

Johnny Baciagalupo – Member

I am excited to contribute to the Company's traditions and future efforts, and connect with fellow Members on enterprise, education and community impact.

Member, James Hassal-Marlow

I stay involved because it feels honest and useful. It’s a place to connect, learn and support the city in practical ways.

Being a Member has connected me with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.

Member

What I like most about being a Member is the mix of meeting new people, sharing ideas and knowing what we do actually helps others.

Member

Our Clubs

The Golf Club provides an opportunity for members to enjoy the game of golf at some of Scotland's finest courses such as Muirfield, Royal Burgess, Renaissance and Luffness. You do not need to belong to a golf club to join, and we can help you establish a handicap if needed.

Participation is open to all levels of experience.

Annual subscription: £35

Please contact golfclub@merchantsedinburgh.co.uk

The Shooting Club caters for experienced shooters and novices alike. Between February and November, we bring Members together to shoot clay pigeons at various grounds across Scotland. Our most popular venues are Bisley at Braidwood near Selkirk and Cluny Clays in Fife.

Participation is open to all levels of experience.

Shotguns and cartridges are available at the venues if required.

Coaching support is at hand throughout.

Annual subscription: £25

Please contact shootingclub@merchantsedinburgh.co.uk