Martin Wishart St Columba’s Hospice Event

We were thrilled to partner acclaimed Michelin star chef, Martin Wishart, late last year to host the Live Life Charity Fundraising Ball to raise money for the building of the new wing at St Columba’s Hospice. Having worked with the UK’s 2010 chef of the year previously, Heritage Portfolio complemented his strengths perfectly, providing support and services expertise in the planning while he focused on what he does best – creating a meticulously innovative and artistic dinner menu in aid of this worthy organisation.

The prestigious, one-off event was the first of its kind to be held in the beautifully refurbished Assembly Rooms and one of several charity events where we have been involved with Martin Wishart and his team.  Mansfield Traquair has been the previous venue of choice, playing host to several charity fashion shows and similar events; however the recent refurbishment at the Assembly Rooms made it the perfect place to host the highbrow event. With twinkling chandeliers, gold leaf detail lining the walls and ceilings and striking lighting, the inspiring room created the perfect ambience for guests to admire and enjoy an evening of luxurious splendour in one of Edinburgh’s most famous buildings.

The 18-month refurbishment project has given the 18th century building a new lease of life. The traditional is married with the modern to create a unique and impressive venue perfect for hosting corporate events, parties and weddings. The modernised spaces accommodate the contemporary while remaining in keeping with the building’s historic and majestic beauty. Home, also, to Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant, the Assembly Rooms boasts an impressive clientele and lively atmosphere.

Guests present at the Charity Ball represented the cream of Edinburgh’s social crop including former owner of Rangers Football club, Sir David Murray, and celebrated hairdresser Charlie Miller who, last year, became the first Scottish hairdresser to be awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen for his outstanding contribution to the hairdressing industry. Proceedings commenced with a fine-dining experience; guests enjoyed a menu featuring a tantalising canapé selection including playful haggis bonbons and beetroot and horseradish macaroons. Later diners were spoiled for choice with dishes that included scrupulously selected fine and fresh ingredients such as a Loch Fyne crab and shrimp Marie-Rose with cucumber and oscietra caviar. A lemon cream and fromage blanc mousse complete with passion fruit and meringue was the pièce de résistance of the evening, incurring round-the-room admiration for the talented chef.

The ambitious fundraising  target of £250,000 was far surpassed, eventually topping at a fabulous £400,000. The most impressive bid of the night was on a unique, one-off bottle of ‘AOIBHINN’ Ardbeg Reserve designed by Maeve Gillies which raised an outstanding £27,000. A great night was enjoyed by all guests and a great cause was supported in the meantime – all in all, another great success for the team here at Heritage Portfolio. 

You can see more pictures from this event on our Facebook page here