This Christmas, The Scott Hotel, part of The University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection, is partnering with Simpsons Special Care Babies (SSCB), the official charity supporting the neonatal unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, to illuminate its grounds with their Tree of Light.

The lighting ceremony will take place on Sunday the 1st of December in The Scott’s Secret Garden, providing a poignant moment of remembrance and support for families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a baby, shining a light on those who are not with us this Christmas.

The event, scheduled for 2:30pm, will welcome all families & friends who have experienced life in The Simpson Neonatal Unit. Free tickets need to be booked in advance through charity’s website.

For many, the holiday season is a time of warmth and togetherness, yet it can also bring reflection and grief for loved ones lost. For families who have experienced the loss of a baby, the Tree of Light will stand until early January as a symbol of remembrance and healing.

With 1 in 8 babies requiring the neonatal unit’s support, it is hoped that the funds raised through this event will enable SSCB to purchase state-of-the-art equipment, continue advanced neonatal staff training, and provide essential support to families during challenging times.

The University of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary share a long and distinguished history. The University’s continued teaching and research links with the ERI, as well as the transformation of the Old Royal Infirmary building into the Edinburgh Futures Institute, underscores the enduring connection between these two institutions.

Gavin MacLennan, Group General Manager of The University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection, expressed his pride in hosting this event “We are truly honoured to support such an important cause. At The Scott, we strive to offer a warm, welcoming space for those in need of comfort and reflection, especially during the holiday season.

This Christmas, we are proud to open our hotel and its grounds to Simpsons families, allowing them a moment to remember their precious babies. Through our partnership with Simpsons Special Care Babies, we hope to shine a light on the incredible work of the neonatal unit and support those who need it most.”

The University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection is an educational charity offering a distinctive collection of hotel and hospitality services. The Collection provides a unique range of services that cater to students, university staff, and visitors attending various events in the city.

Any surplus generated from the hotels is reinvested to support the university’s broader objectives, from enriching the student experience to maintaining campus facilities. The mission-driven approach ensures that revenue directly supports the university’s commitment to education and community wellbeing.

The newly refurbished Scott Hotel blends contemporary luxury with historic charm, set within an 18th-century baronial house originally built for merchant Alexander Scott. Each of its 37 unique rooms features modern furnishings and luxury amenities while preserving the building’s heritage.

Guests can enjoy fine dining at Bonnar’s, led by Head Chef Pier Berretta (formerly of noma, Copenhagen), with a seasonal menu inspired by Scottish flavours. The Velvet Lounge offers an upscale selection of whiskies, wines, and champagne, while The Library provides an elegant event space.

Founded in Edinburgh in 1985, SSCB is a volunteer-run charity dedicated to providing vital support for families and staff at the Simpson Neonatal Unit, located at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Through SSCB’s efforts, families benefit from enhanced care and access to state-of-the-art resources during some of life’s most challenging moments.