Earlier this year I was a guest at the ‘Traitors Inspired Night’ at Prestonfield House where I had the pleasure of meeting James Thomson OBE D.L, owner of one of Edinburgh’s most stunning and opulent boutique hotels.
One of Scotland’s most respected independent restaurateurs, with many accolades to his name, James is genteel in manner, considered in thought and with a fascinating story to tell. And today we’re delighted to share some of his stories and invaluable insights. Read on to discover more.
James, I understand you first fell in love with Prestonfield House at the tender age of five years old, before working there in your student days. Please tell us more about the moment you decided the stunning property would one day be yours and your journey to achieving this?
My first connection to Prestonfield House dates back to childhood, and it made a profound impression on me even then. There was something very special about its sense of history, heritage, and quiet grandeur. Later, when I worked there as a student, that connection only deepened. I don’t think there was ever a single defining moment when I decided it would one day be mine; rather, it was a dream that stayed with me over the years.
Prestonfield House wasn’t your first success, with the Witchery by the Castle being your first venture (in 1979) that brought a new style of hotel to Edinburgh’s Old Town. You and your team have successfully developed this into one of the city’s most legendary restaurants with gothic style romantic rooms. Please tell us more about your first taste of success and how it shaped your future ventures?
Born and educated in Edinburgh, I attended George Heriot’s School – often compared to Hogwarts for its dramatic 17th-century setting. It was there, surrounded by history, art, and theatre, that I first fell in love with the Old Town and developed a lifelong passion for heritage, storytelling, and design. In 1979, Edinburgh’s hospitality scene was very different, and I wanted to create something theatrical, romantic, and truly immersive, somewhere that created lasting memories. At just 20 years old, I opened The Witchery with only three staff, becoming Scotland’s youngest licensee. At both The Witchery and Prestonfield House, no two rooms are alike. Antiques, rich fabrics, opulent colour, and intricate detail abound, each space reflecting my love of theatre, art, and indulgence. It is deeply rewarding to see both properties become iconic destinations, woven into the cultural fabric of the city.
Prestonfield, once a monastery in medieval times and known as Priestfield, has a deep and colourful history. It was subject to a devastating fire in the Middle Ages, is where the first Rhubarb in Scotland was grown and so much more!
Under your ownership you undertook a multi-million-pound renovation bringing the property to the theatrical and enchanting hotel it is today. Please tell us more about your vision then, how it evolved and with hindsight on your side, would you have done anything differently?
From the outset, my vision was to create a lavish and characterful alternative to the generic luxury hotels of the time. I wanted Prestonfield House to feel theatrical, romantic, and unapologetically rich in atmosphere a place that celebrates its past while offering guests a genuine sense of escapism. As the renovation progressed, the building itself guided many decisions. Its original architecture, and hidden features revealed historic stories and details that inspired every design choice, from room layouts to decorative touches. Each space gradually took on its own personality, reflecting both its history and a sense of theatrical drama. In this way, the vision evolved naturally: I remained true to the idea of opulence and intimacy, while allowing the house’s character to shape the experience. The result is a property that feels immersive and timeless, where every room tells a story and every corner offers a sense of discovery. It is exactly what I envisioned when I first imagined restoring Prestonfield House but it became richer, deeper, and even more theatrical than I could have imagined.
Your approach to being a successful hotelier centres on exceeding guest expectations while securing a sustainable future for historic properties. Beyond the obvious preservation of original features, what responsibilities do you feel when taking on historic buildings of such historic prestige?
When you take on a building of this significance, especially an A-listed property like Prestonfield House, you quickly realise you are more than an owner you are its custodian. The responsibility extends far beyond preserving the structure itself; it’s about keeping the character, stories, and spirit of the property alive, while ensuring every decision from restoration to guest experience honours its history and legacy.
Under your stewardship, Prestonfield House has received numerous accolades, including AA Five Red Stars, and is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection. What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement to date?
It has been a real privilege to spend my life creating memorable experiences that celebrate Scotland’s heritage, individuality, and sense of place. From a young boy with a dream to someone fortunate enough to restore two of Edinburgh’s most iconic A-listed properties, the journey has been extraordinary. To see The Witchery and Prestonfield House evolve into internationally recognised destinations is both humbling and deeply rewarding.
You’ve worked in the luxury hospitality industry for many years and undoubtedly observed many different trends, how do you strike the balance between conservation, modern guest expectations and planning for the future without compromising any of these elements?
Trends come and go, but authenticity and quality never do. The balance lies in respecting the building and its story while quietly ensuring guests enjoy every modern comfort they expect. The key is never to allow fashion or technology to overshadow the character and spirit of the place. If you get that right, the building remains timeless rather than tied to any moment.
Please tell us more about how you support local schools. And is nurturing the next generation in hospitality part of your plan for the future of your properties?
I am deeply passionate about supporting the next generation. I am a founding patron of Springboard UK, which helps disadvantaged and unemployed people of all ages and backgrounds to discover careers in hospitality, leisure, and tourism, and to gain the skills and confidence needed to flourish in these industries.
For over 40 years, I have also supported students at Edinburgh College, sponsoring exchange trips for students and lecturers to Lyon, and for more than 20 years I have funded the James Thomson Award for Customer Excellence. I have always believed that investing in people is essential not only for our own businesses, but for the future of hospitality.
Are there aspects of modern luxury hospitality that concern you or that you feel risk diluting the experience?
I think the greatest risk in modern luxury hospitality is uniformity when hotels begin to feel interchangeable and lose their sense of place. True luxury should be personal, distinctive, and rooted in character, not defined by formula or checklist.
When guests leave one of your properties, what do you hope they remember most?
I hope they remember how Prestonfield House made them feel, the warmth of the welcome, the dramatic atmosphere, and the sense that they have experienced somewhere truly special.
And do you have an insider tips for a first-time visitor?
Prestonfield House offers a tranquil haven to unwind, while Edinburgh’s energy awaits just beyond the gates. Take a leisurely stroll through our 20 acres of gardens, enjoy Champagne Afternoon Tea on the lawn in summer, or curl up with a book by a roaring fire under twinkling lights at Christmas.
Luxury is highly subjective – what does it mean to you personally?
To me, luxury is not about excess; it is about time, comfort, and being genuinely cared for. It is the feeling that everything has been thoughtfully considered, quietly and effortlessly, so that the guest can simply relax and enjoy the experience.
What is your life motto if you have one?
I don’t have a life motto, but I have always admired Walt Disney’s words: “You can design, create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” That has always resonated deeply with me, because hospitality is, and always will be, about people.
Read our review of Prestonfield House
