Usher Hall

Usher Hall - one of Scotland’s most famous concert halls. Located in Edinburgh, it has been regarded as a key hub of the city’s musical and cultural life for over a century. It hosts concerts, festivals and major international events. In this article, we will provide a detailed account of the venue’s history, explain how to get there, and offer useful information for visitors.

History

The initiative for the construction of the concert hall came from Andrew Asher, a whisky producer and blender. He donated £100,000 to the city, thereby funding the project.

In 1910, an architectural competition was announced, attracting 130 entries. The competition was won by Stockdale Harrison and Howard H. Thomson of Leicester.

Construction work began in 1911. Despite delays caused by the First World War, the hall was officially opened on 16 March 1914, marked by a concert featuring music by Handel, Bach, Wagner, Beethoven and the Scottish composer Hamish MacCann.

The total cost of construction amounted to £134,000. Andrew Asher passed away before construction began. The architects designed the building in the Beaux-Arts style, featuring curved walls of Binny sandstone, a domed copper roof and elegant classical details.

The auditorium seats 2,200 people, a figure that rises to 2,900 when standing room is included. A distinctive feature is the acoustics — the original design emphasises the natural propagation of sound. The curved walls and the domed ceiling with acoustic ribs improve sound reflection and diffusion.

The interior of the hall is adorned with decorative plaster panels by the Edinburgh sculptor Harry Gamley. The figures on the panels depict figures from the world of music and famous Scots.

A major restoration began in 1996 and was completed in 2010. The original features were successfully preserved, whilst modern amenities were added: a new foyer with a glass façade, improved accessibility, modern backstage facilities, and advanced lighting and acoustic systems.

In 2024, the concert hall was awarded Category A status by Historic Scotland. This recognises it as one of Scotland’s significant architectural assets.

Events at Usher Hall

Usher Hall, alongside Theatre Royal Haymarket, serves as a venue for major cultural and entertainment events. The concert hall has hosted the famous British rock band The Libertines during their tour of the United Kingdom. The list of major events that have taken place at Usher Hall over the years also includes:

1. Eurovision Song Contest One of the most famous events in the hall’s history. The contest was held here following singer Lulu’s victory at the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest. Representatives from various European countries performed on the Usher Hall stage, with singer Vicky Leandros winning with the song ‘Après Toi’. This event made the concert hall famous far beyond the borders of Scotland.
2. Edinburgh International Festival. Every year, Usher Hall becomes one of the main venues for the Edinburgh International Festival. During the festival, leading orchestras and musicians from all over the world perform here.
3. Concerts by famous musicians. Over the years, Usher Hall has hosted performers such as Little Mix and many other musicians visiting Edinburgh as part of their UK and European tours.
4. Performances by renowned orchestras, such as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
5. Dance and touring shows. The venue has hosted shows by professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, known from the television programme Strictly Come Dancing.

Celebrities such as Bruno Tonioli take part in touring shows, television tours or events held on the Usher Hall stage.

Among the contemporary artists who have graced the Usher Hall stage, Wet Leg’s performance stands out in particular. The indie rock duo brought a wave of youthful energy and ironic light-heartedness to the classic concert venue, demonstrating how this historic stage remains open to new musical voices.

Craig Revel Horwood’s appearance on the Usher Hall stage was a striking example of how the concert hall welcomes artists from various fields of the performing arts.

Alesha Dixon’s performance at Usher Hall demonstrated just how diverse the venue’s programme can be. Her energetic pop performance and strong stage presence provided a striking contrast to the classical concerts traditionally held there.

Where is Usher Hall?

Usher Hall is situated right in the heart of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The concert hall is located on Lothian Road, close to the city’s main streets, theatres and cultural attractions. It occupies a prominent position in the western part of the city centre, in the so-called West End, where museums, restaurants and hotels are concentrated. The building is visible from the street — its architecture immediately catches the eye thanks to its domed roof and historic façade.

Usher Hall Seating Plan

Usher Hall is not just a large hall, but a whole system of tiers and sections, ensuring that every audience member has a comfortable view of the stage. Here’s how it’s laid out:

1. The lower tier of the hall, directly in front of the stage. This section contains around 967 seats — the most popular tickets, as you are closest to the stage.
2. Grand Circle. The middle tier, slightly higher than the Stalls. There are approximately 431 seats here. From these rows, the stage is clearly visible, and it is easy to follow the action, especially if you want to take in the overall atmosphere of the performance or concert.
3. Upper Circle. The upper balcony of the hall with 797 seats. The view of the stage is higher here, and the experience of the performance is different — slightly further away, but you can take in the whole expanse of Usher Hall. However, the seats here are narrower and offer less legroom than those below.
4. Organ Gallery. An unusual area behind the stage, which audiences do not always have access to — most often only during classical concerts. There are 180 seats here, from which you can watch the orchestra from an unusual angle, including a view of the conductor.

How to get to Usher Hall?

Usher Hall is conveniently located in the centre of Edinburgh and is easily accessible by various means of transport – by bus, tram, train, car or on foot. Choose the transport option that suits you best.

By bus

Edinburgh has an extensive bus network. The main routes passing near Usher Hall are:

1. Lothian Buses routes 3, 27, 31 and 45
2. The Usher Hall stop is right next to the venue, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike
3. Tickets can be purchased via the Lothian Buses app or from the driver.

By tram

Edinburgh Trams connects the city centre with the airport. The nearest stop to Usher Hall — Princes Street — is a 5–7-minute walk away. This is a quick and convenient way to get there for visitors arriving in the city.

By train

The nearest railway station to the concert hall is Edinburgh Waverley. It is about a 15-minute walk from the station to Usher Hall. You can also take a bus or a taxi. This is the best option for travellers arriving from other cities in England.

By car

Navigation address: Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EA

It is best to plan your journey in advance and allow time to find a parking space, especially on days when major concerts are taking place

Information for visitors

If you’re planning to visit Usher Hall, here are some useful practical details: opening hours, how to buy tickets, where to stay and eat nearby, as well as information on parking and contact details.

Opening hours

Usher Hall is open to visitors on event days. The venue usually opens an hour before the concert begins to allow guests time to pass through the ticket offices and take their seats.

The venue’s office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00. Opening hours may vary on public holidays, so it is best to check the information on the official Usher Hall website.

Tickets

Tickets for concerts and shows can be purchased:

• online via the Usher Hall website;
• in person at the venue’s box office;
• through official ticketing services, such as Ticketmaster.

Prices depend on the event and seat category. For popular shows, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance.

Hotels near Usher Hall

Usher Hall is located in the centre of Edinburgh, with many convenient accommodation options nearby. Popular hotels include:

1. Apex Grassmarket Hotel — approximately a 10-minute walk.
2. Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh — about a 15-minute walk.
3. The Balmoral Hotel — a luxury hotel 15–20 minutes from Usher Hall.

All of these allow you to reach the venue quickly and easily on foot and enjoy a stroll through the centre of Edinburgh. Combine your concert visit with a tour of the city’s sights.

Restaurants near Usher Hall

There are cafés and restaurants to suit every taste near Usher Hall. A list of the most popular places:

1. The Dome — an elegant restaurant serving Scottish cuisine.
2. Mother India’s Cafe — a popular Indian café.
3. The Oxford Bar — a legendary pub

Parking

Parking is limited in the centre of Edinburgh. The nearest options are:

• Q-Park NCP on Lothian Road and in the surrounding streets;
• pay-and-display street parking;
• hotel car parks are often available for hotel guests.

Tip! It’s best to arrive early, as car park spaces may be in short supply on days when major concerts are taking place.

Contact details and postcode

Address: Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EA, Scotland

Contact details:

Telephone: +44 (0)131 228 1155

Email: [email protected]

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