Accommodations & Travel
We're thrilled to have family joining us from across the world, and above all we want to make sure everyone has a comfortable stay. We have three on-site accommodation options, and we've thought carefully about how to match people to the right spaces. The following on-site (House of Cockburn and Free Company) locations should accommodate most out-of-towners. We have also provided some good off-site locations for anyone wanting to escape the fray at a local hotel or Airbnb.
What’s Available:
House of Cockburn: 10 rooms (the most traditional venue)
The Free Company Rooms: 12 rooms (the main event hub)
The Free Company Tents: 12 glamping tents (for the more adventurous among us)
Off-site Options: The Dalmahoy, Airbnb, and of course family members in the Edinburgh area
How We're Allocating Our priority is looking after those who've traveled the furthest and those with the greatest needs. Here's our thinking:
First priority goes to our eldest family members and those traveling the greatest distances—particularly those coming from outside the UK. They'll have access to rooms at House of Cockburn and The Free Company, which offer the most comfort and accessibility.
Second priority goes to families with young children, those with mobility considerations, and anyone else who prefers a traditional bed and bathroom.
The Glamping Tents are a wonderful option for younger, more adventurous family members who want a bit of adventure (with the comfort of proper beds and facilities nearby). If you're game for it, this is a fun way to be part of the reunion experience while keeping costs down.
How It Works
Register & Request: When you fill out your registration form, there's a section where you can indicate your accommodation preference and any accessibility or comfort needs.
Review & Balance: All requests will be reviewed together, taking into account age, distance traveled, accessibility needs, and family size. We'll aim to honor preferences where possible, but our main goal is making sure everyone is well looked after.
You'll Be Notified: Once we've finalized allocations, we'll let you know where you're staying well in advance so you can plan accordingly.
Off-Site Options: TBD
TRAVEL
Important addresses:
The Free Company, Balerno, Midlothian, Edinburgh EH14 7HZ, UK
House of Cockburn, Balerno, Midlothian, EdinburghEH14 7JD, UK
UK Travel Visas It depends on your nationality. UK citizens and those from most EU countries don't need a visa. US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand citizens can visit visa-free for up to 6 months as tourists. Check the UK government's visa checker at gov.uk/check-uk-visa to be sure. If you do need a visa, apply early—processing can take several weeks.
Getting Around Balerno Balerno is a small village about 20 minutes south-west of Edinburgh city center. The Free Company and House of Cockburn are easily reached by local buses. We'll provide detailed directions and transportation information once you confirm your attendance. There's a small village center with a few shops and pubs.
Getting to Edinburgh Most international flights arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which is about 8 miles from the city center. You can take a taxi, bus, or train into Edinburgh. From there, it's about 20 minutes to Balerno where The Free Company is located. We'll provide transportation guidance closer to the reunion date.
Getting around Edinburgh Edinburgh has excellent public transport (buses and trams). The Free Company and House of Cockburn are easily accessible by bus. You can also walk much of the city center. We'll provide detailed directions and transportation options once you confirm your attendance.
Phone & Internet If you're bringing a mobile phone from abroad, contact your provider about roaming charges—they can be expensive. Alternatively, you can purchase a UK SIM card when you arrive (available at the airport and most shops). Major networks include Vodafone, O2, and EE. All accommodation venues have WiFi.