About us
The George Street Association
George Street is the principal street of Edinburgh’s First New Town which started construction in the 1770s and remains the most prestigious street in the city.
The George Street Association (GSA) was established in 1952 to promote, protect and maintain the interests of those businesses and institutions which occupy premises in George Street and the interconnecting streets of Castle, Frederick and Hanover.
George Street in 2022 has a vastly diverse mix, from places of worship to small offices to flagship headquarters, and from small boutiques to grand hotels. The GSA exists to make sure that the interests of all are heard and represented whenever change is afoot.
We believe in working collaboratively with other organisations and we therefore interact on a regular basis with Edinburgh City Council, Essential Edinburgh, the Cockburn Association, and many others. We maintain close links with all relevant parties to ensure that George Street’s interests receive their care and attention, especially through current proposed developments like the George Street and First New Town Transformation.
Get involved!
The GSA meets regularly and members are welcome to all our meetings to participate or observe. Our AGM is usually held in November and notable figures relevant to George Street’s future are invited to speak. Although social and networking events have taken a backseat due to coronavirus we will be restarting these in 2022 and they will represent a great opportunity to catch up with the lowdown on the street.
You can join the GSA through our website or by dropping us a message.
BE PART OF THE BIGGER PICTURE
“The GSA is open to anyone who trades on George Street or its side-streets”
GSA Members
Edinburgh New Town Church
On 1 February 2024, the churches of St Andrew’s and St George’s West, and Greenside, united to become Edinburgh: The New Town Church of Scotland. Our church is a beautiful...
The Dome
Located in the very heart of Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town, The Dome incorporates 4 conference rooms and 2 private dining suites as well as it's famous bars and restaurants....
Gleneagles Townhouse
From countryside flair to life on the squareGleneagles’ first luxury city hotel, all-day restaurant, roof terrace and members’ club has arrived in St. Andrew Square,...
Stack and Still
Pancake Restaurant with over 10 million possible pancake combinations perfect for families, a day out with the kids or meeting friends. www.stackandstill.co.uk
Lakeland Edinburgh
Find thousands of great ideas to help you cook and bake better, clean faster with minimal effort, and tackle the laundry mountain with ease – and with the help of our...
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe is a global phenomenon with 185 cafes that are visited by nearly 80 million guests each year. The first Hard Rock Cafe opened on June 14, 1971, in London,...
Royal Bank of Scotland
Royal Bank of Scotland is part of the largest business and commercial bank in the UK, with a leading personal banking business. We are the biggest supporter of the business...
Hadeel
Hadeel, a non-profit Fairtrade shop aims to support for Palestinian craftspeople, artisans, women groups and farmers selling olive oil, dates, soap, jewellery and beautiful...
ESPC
ESPC has been advertising local homes for sale for the last 50 years. We are the first choice property marketing channel in Edinburgh. espc.com
Ridland Wealth
Ridland Wealth is a Financial Planning Practice. We provide financial advice, guiding you, your family, or your business through the maze, to plan for your financial future....
Contini
A vibrant, buzzy, award winning Italian family run restaurant in one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful rooms. This former banking hall is modelled on a Florentine Palazzo and...
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is an independent membership organisation which supports the business community in our capital to prosper, grow and achieve success....
Become a Member
There has never been a more important time to join your local George Street Association.
Why?
Edinburgh city centre and the businesses operating within the George Street area face an unprecedented level of threat to their success, including:
• Business recovery from COVID-19.
• A huge drop in overseas and UK visitors.
• City Council plans to redevelop George Street and Hanover Street.
• Further restrictions by the City Council over parking, loading and access for general traffic.
What is the George Street Association?
The GSA is open to anyone who trades on George Street or its side-streets. It includes the Assembly Rooms, hotels, restaurants, offices, churches, charities, banks and retailers. Our regular membership includes some of the best and brightest in Scotland and this allows us to punch above our weight. You will all be paying levies to Essential Edinburgh (EE) and they do important and critical work.
The GSA represents your specific area (at a low cost) and we can do or say things that EE sometimes can’t do so easily. We engage with local councillors, council officers and others on all the issues we believe we can influence.
You can join as an ordinary member (details below) and are welcome to attend our monthly meetings in order to get the inside track on what is happening on issues that concern you, from crime to deliveries to the redevelopment of George Street – which is looming large.
Membership Sign-up & Renewal
Please use this form to join as a new member, or to renew your annual subscription.
On checkout, you will be asked to provide your address and full contact details. If the billing address is different from the business address you can specify this on the checkout page.
How much?
Standard Membership
£100 per annum
£25 per annum
News, features and events
Founding Story of Fazenda
Tomás Maunier, our Managing Director and Co-Founder, was born in Brazil to Argentinian parents. He lived there for 10 years before moving back to Argentina. Originally a lawyer by trade, Tomás then moved into the marketing world for many years, a path….
Giraffes About George Street!
Giraffe About Town features more than 70 sculptures that will form a free, family-friendly trail of discovery for local people and visitors to explore and enjoy until the end of...
The Bellavista Room at Contini
Located in the former vault of our iconic Georgian banking hall, the Bellavista Room at Contini George Street’s seats up to 16 guests. From casual brunch parties, birthday celebrations, hearty corporate lunches or discreet business meetings, our private dining room can cater for a…