THE CORNERSTONE

The Cornerstone at St John’s

Welcome to Cornerstone St John’s, a distinctive events space situated in the heart of Edinburgh, in the shadow of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

A cornerstone represents strength, stability and the foundation on which everything is built. True to its name, Cornerstone is a place where ideas take shape, connections are formed and memorable experiences begin.

Ideal for corporate, entertainment and community events. Our venues are perfectly suited to training seminars, meetings, performances, exhibitions, launches, private celebrations, festivals and being a production base for the film and television industry — offering a flexible, inspiring setting in one of the world’s most historic cities.

Our Venue Spaces

We have five spaces which are accessible from either Prince’s Street or Lothian Road, most of which are fully accessible.

Cornerstone

A multi-purpose events & meeting space that can be divided up to add two breakout rooms. Can be set to various styles: Theatre, Cabaret, Classroom, Workshop, Boardroom, U-shaped, Circle (chairs only), Horseshoe (chairs only)

Maximum Capacity: 120 (Theatre style)
Equipment Available: PA/Mics/Projector or TV/Flipchart & Pens/Lectern

Boardroom

Office boardroom

Maximum Capacity: 12 (boardroom style)
Equipment Available: TV/Flipchart & Pens

St John’s Church (Built 1818)

An excellent historical setting for concerts and talks along with traditional ceremonies.

Maximum Capacity: 300 (Fixed seating with a flexible isle for networking)
Equipment Available: PA/Mics/Video recording/Projector/Flipchart & Pens/Lectern

Chapel

A small space within the church for meetings and rehearsals.

Maximum Capacity: 40 (Theatre style)
Equipment Available: Flipchart & Pens

The White Room

Ideal for a community group meeting or rehearsal space.

Maximum Capacity: 40 (Theatre Style)
Equipment Available: Flipchart & Pens

Grounds

Our grounds cover the western corner of Prince’s Street and Lothian Road and include a secret dormitory garden accessible from the Cornerstone and an upper terrace. There are a number of possible uses including festival event spaces and market stall areas or simply a sanctuary in the heart of the city to take a break.

Catering

When it comes to our in-house tea and coffee packages, we like to keep it simple and we can provide up to 4 services depending on your event.

We can also provide food catering from a finger buffet lunch to 3 course meals.

Packages

Executive Package

Selection of specialty teas
Ground Coffee
Semi Skimmed Milk (You can request other options, Oat etc.)
Cordials (Orange & Blackcurrant)
Biscuits (assortment of Borders twin packs)
Cost: £3.99 per person per service

Classic Package

Tea & Instant Coffee
Semi Skimmed Milk (You can request other options, Oat etc.)
Cordials (Orange & Blackcurrant)
Cost: £2.49 per person per service

Essential Package

You provide your own refreshments and we will provide:
Hot Water Urns
Cold Water Urns
Paper cups
Cost: £1.00 per person

Gallery

Take a look at some photos of The Cornerstone

Bookings

If you’re interested in booking a space at St John’s and The Cornerstone,
please email us at events@stjohns-edinburgh.org.uk or call us on 0131 229 7565.

FAQ

What is the minimum hire time for your event spaces?

Cornerstone: 4 Hours
Boardroom: 2 Hours
St John’s Church: 4 Hours
Chapel: 2 Hours
White Room: 2 hours
Grounds: Depends on event

Do you have to pay a deposit?

Yes. All bookings pay a 25% deposit on receipt of their invoice to confirm their hire.
Full payment is due 14 days prior to the event unless the booking takes place within 14 days then the full amount is due on receipt of invoice to confirm hire.

When do we have access to the building?

You have access to the building from the start of your hire period. If you need to prepare and set up make sure your hire period gives you enough time. Your hire period may be different to your event times to allow this.

Can we drop things off or have things delivered prior to the event?

Yes, within reason as we do not have a lot of storage. This must be arranged with a venue manager at least 7 days prior to the event.

Can we leave things after the event to be picked up?

Yes, within reason as we do not have a lot of storage and usually it has to be picked up within 24 hours. This must be arranged with a venue manager at least 7 days prior to the event. We advise you not to leave any valuables.

Do we have to use your catering?

No. You can use your own choice of caterer however this will be entirely your responsibility and you must inform your guests that it is your supplier and not ours.

Can we have alcohol?

Yes. We do not have a drinks licence, but you may provide alcohol for consumption in all our venues as long as you are not selling it.

Do you provide a lap top?

No. We advise you to bring your own devices for playback, presentations etc.

What laptop cables do you provide?

We provide HDMI cables to connect to our projectors and TV’s. If your device is not compatible with HDMI (most apple products) then we advise you to bring the necessary adapters.

Do you provide an AV technician?

Our Venue Managers can assist with basic AV setups but we do not provide a technician for a standard hire. If your event requires a technician then we may be able to provide one at an extra cost, however this is subject to availability so we would also advise you to provide your own technician.

Is the building accessible with a wheelchair?

Yes and we have 2 accessible toilets.