Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel installs magical 'Make A Wish' trees

THERE'S a magical treat awaiting visitors to the Balmoral Hotel's Palm Court this festive season.

Make a wish at The Balmoral

The Rocco Forte owned hotel has partnered with Hamilton & Inches and Hawico Cashmere to celebrate the season with an intricate installation of three beautifully designed wishing trees, which take centre stage in the hotel’s Afternoon Tea lounge, the Palm Court.

The wishing trees will offer the Gift of a Wish, inviting guests and visitors to submit their wish for the year ahead, allowing the trees to blossom as the ‘leaves’, featuring the written wishes, are added each day - guests can choose to make a donation and write their wishes on a special gold wishing tag, in celebration of the launch of Scottish Gold collection at Hamilton & Inches.

All proceeds from the gold wishing tags will go to the Make a Wish Foundation, the charity that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

The installation is the result of a long standing partnership with Hamilton & Inches, which dates back to 1902 when they created and installed the mechanism for the iconic hotel clock, an integral part of the Edinburgh skyline.

Also involved in the installation is Hawico, the luxury Scottish cashmere house that provides a Cashmere Butler service for guests staying in The Balmoral’s Scone & Crombie suite.

In the spirit of goodwill, over 12 days in December, the three iconic brands will give a little back by selecting a wish from one of the trees each day, which will win a special gift or experience from each of the brands.

Not only will the wishing trees offer a magical setting, but year on year, The Balmoral’s much anticipated Christmas tree attracts visitors from far and wide. From the end of November, guests and visitors stepping into the lobby will be captivated by a world of festive cheer and twinkling lights, as the traditional Balmoral Christmas tree will proudly wear fine and festive decorations to showcase the holiday spirit of the city.

The Balmoral, which began life as a grand railway hotel located at Edinburgh's most prestigious address, No 1 Princes Street, in 1902 has now celebrated the festive season for more than 100 years.

Former guests to the landmark hotel include Sir Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones so as you make a wish sitting under the hotel's magical trees, be careful what, or who, you wish for, they might just appear.