James Thomson

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The best restaurateur I know
Clarissa Dickson Wright

The Witchery’s indulgent owner and creator, James Thomson, is probably Scotland’s best-know restaurateur-hotelier, with a collection that includes the Witchery, the Witchery’s suites, his rooftop Tower restaurant and the five red star boutique hotel, Prestonfield.

Establishing the Witchery in 1979 was his first venture into the historic Old Town of Edinburgh that he’d gazed at when daydreaming at Heriot’s school nearby. Now a proud Governor of his old school, the Witchery’s latest suite, the Heriot, reverses that view and looks from the Royal Mile across to Heriot’s gilded domes and turrets.

James is a busy and passionate ambassador for Scottish hospitality and tourism, receiving an OBE in 2005 to add to a raft of industry accolades. He is closely involved in a wide range of industry, educational and charitable projects. He is an active supporter of The Prince’s Trust in Scotland, offering placements to a number of young people on their programmes, whilst Witchery diners contributing £1 on their bills have raised thousands to help The Prince’s Trust support disadvantaged youngsters.

The Witchery is a very personal passion for James and he maintains an office here. He is currently restoring another floor of the building and can be seen each day adding many of the personal touches that make the Witchery so unique.