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About Us

Learn more about us and our venue.

Let's walk together

The College was founded on 29 November 1599 with the grant of a charter from James VI to Peter Lowe, Surgeon, Robert Hamilton, Physician and William Spang, Apothecary.

Our venue has been used as the filming location for many production companies including the BBC, Gate TV Productions, SMG Television, and Blind Side Productions.

Notable features of the building include original John James Burnet stained glass windows, striking Victorian fireplaces, a sweeping mahogany staircase and spectacular chandeliers. Each individually styled room offers character, charm and period features, all beautifully maintained to the highest standards.

Outstanding catering for all types of events

Fresh and local produce expertly prepared for you

Our catering team pride themselves on providing exceptional fine-dining experiences.

We will tailor your event to your exact requirements, to ensure it’s something truly special. From your initial consultation, we will work closely with you to create an unforgettable occasion.

We can cater for events from 10 to 200 people, from formal dinners to intimate private dining and hot and cold buffets. Everyone who dines at the College can expect exceptional food, first-class service and a very warm welcome.

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Moonisah Khan
Conference and Events Coordinator

Moonisah is an experienced events coordinator and has invaluable knowledge and experience about customer service and the importance of meticulously planning whilst also being able to resolve any last-minute changes! After gaining experience working at different weddings, conferences, and events, Moonisah is able to use her great organisational, professional and communicative skills at 1599 at the Royal College. Moonisah’s creative, personal approach to each event she coordinates mean that your ideas and visions will come to life.

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Olivia Berry
Conference and Events Executive

Olivia Berry, one of the Conference and Event Executive in 1599 at the Royal College, brings many strengths to the role such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and commitment along with her first-class communication skills. Olivia has a degree in Business Management and previously worked in various customer service roles. Olivia believes at the heart of every event is creating experiences for people, she works hard to produce successful events within budget and goes over and above for all her clients.

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Fiona Hainey
Conference and Events Manager

Fiona Hainey, is the Conference and Events Manager for 1599 at the Royal College. Fiona has extensive experience in the field of events, communication, and marketing, with a customer-focused approach. She develops and maintains priority partnerships within 1599 at the Royal College, liaising and negotiating with a wide range of people and organisations. Fiona heads up the 1599 at the Royal College Event Team. In her spare time, Fiona is busy volunteering for her local Scout Group.

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Matthew Donnelly
Head Chef

Matthew is our award-winning Head Chef, he is passionate about sourcing fantastic local ingredients, turning them into great food to pair with our extensive wine selection at 1599 at the Royal College. He leads the kitchen brigade and brings with him a wealth of experience gained from some of the best restaurants around the country. Matthew is currently updating all our menus and is enjoying having free rein to include some of his personal favourites, watch out for some Scottish larder-inspired dishes which he will incorporate with a modern twist to reflect the best of Scotland. We are very excited about the future of 1599 at the Royal College, as we continue to push forward in creating and inspiring new dishes.

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Andrew Livingston
Front of House supervisor

Andrew is the Front of House Supervisor for 1599 at the Royal College. Andrew started his career in hospitality back in 2013. Andrew has worked hard and gained valuable experiences from different venues throughout the world. Andrew ensures that all our clients receive the warmest of welcomes and that service runs smoothly. Andrew is a confident leader and possesses strong communication skills which helps his team find their potential. Since starting in 1599 at the Royal College Andrew has gotten hooked on the history of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, so don’t be surprised if he drops in some great facts about the venue when you meet him.

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Rajneesh Singh
Catering Manager

I started my career in hospitality after graduating from the Top Catering college in India and started my journey with Imperial Hotel, then moved to various 5* luxurious properties around the world. I have worked for the last 22 years in various Food and Beverage management roles. I have experience in leading very large and multi-national teams, and have successfully worked in heritage properties around the UK, most hotel groups, football stadiums, and large event venues. I led the team in hosting heads of state, celebrities, film stars, music icons, football players, sports icons and teams, large and small corporates as well as Royals. I like challenges and love working at 1599 at the Royal College and have led my team for the last 10 years. The fun part of my job is that there are no 2 days the same and I love to see everything come together by design with our meticulous planning. Like we say “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. We at the 1599 at the Royal College take pride in our planning and events which showcases our 424 years of history and excellent work in our community.

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Richie Holmes
Deputy Head of Operations

Richie is our Deputy Head of Operations and has been with the College since 2012. He is a Chef by trade and has won numerous culinary awards including gold medals at the Culinary Olympics, Culinary World cup, Mediterranean culinary challenge and British open culinary championships. He is a former Armed Forces Chef of the year, RAF caterer of the year, a former Worshipful company of cooks of London winner and named Oxford TV chef of the year in 2002. In 2010 he was appointed mentor to the English junior culinary team for the Culinary world cup held in Luxembourg. The team received two silver medals and were placed 4th in the World. He has also judged regionally and nationally at major cookery competitions throughout the UK. He takes a very keen interest in our food!

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Maeve Kilcullen
Conference and Events Coordinator

Maeve is the newest addition to the 1599 events team and brings lots of passion and experience. She has a degree in Events Management and has previously worked in customer service and marketing. Maeve loves creating memorable experiences for attendees and will go above and beyond to ensure they leave with a smile on their face. Her attention to detail and creativity help her ensure that all events run smoothly and leave a lasting impression. Maeve also speaks French and German fluently.

Our venue, your events