Event Dates
From: Thursday, October 2, 2025
To: Sunday, October 5, 2025
BearScots Weekend Edinburgh 2025
BearScots is a Scottish gay men’s group in Glasgow and Edinburgh and hosts the annual ‘BearScotFest’ in the Autumn.
BearScots Weekend Edinburgh 2024
BearScots is a Scottish gay men’s group, hosting monthly bear events in Glasgow and Edinburgh and host the annual ‘BearScotFest’ in September.
- Visiting for Pride? Stay close to all the gay bars and clubs and the pride events on Princess Street. The Kimpton, Charlotte Square is a “superb” rates hotel with a great spa and its dog-friendly.
The Event
- Next Edition: Thursday 2nd October – Sunday 5th October, 2025.
- At the Bear Scots Bear Weekend, you’ll be greeted by friendly faces and an inviting atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
- The weekend is a haven for socializing, providing ample opportunities to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.
- BearScots is packed with a variety of organized activities, including lively pub nights, communal dinners, and themed parties that keep the energy high.
- Enjoy a taste of local culture and explore nearby attractions where you can experience authentic Scottish hospitality. Explore the city’s “Pink Triangle”, you’ll find a variety of LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, and cafes, such as CC Blooms, Planet Bar, and The Street. This area includes parts of Broughton Street, Leith Street, and the top of Leith Walk.
- Above all, the Bear Scots Bear Meeting is a great way to meet fellow bears. Just bring your best attitude, and get ready for a memorable time.
- Stay close to the parties and the gay bars at the Apex Waterloo Palace Hotel, complete with stylish modern rooms, high-end amenities and great location. Plus a great spa and indoor pool.
The Schedule
- Awaiting the full schedule and theme for 2025. The following are the highlights you can typically expect at the event.
Thursday
- Thursday night at Leith Arches is a new larger welcome venue, for the Bearscots Bear Dance.
Friday
- Kick things off early with some fun at the Sauna from midday, then ease into the evening from tea time with a cigar!
- Friday night at CC Blooms, this is the night that you might want to dress up to match the theme which changes each year.
- Wear as much or a little as you like. This event is proudly body positive and inclusive – This is a safe space, so just have fun with it!
Saturday
- Saturday Brunch is served at CC Blooms from 1200 hrs, giving you ample time to pick up those last minute registrations or beary merchandise.
- For the more genteel and demure amongst you, enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea at Mimi’s Bakehouse on Leith’s Waterfront.
- Saturday night is the highlight of the weekend as the bears party in the Caves, deep in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This stunning atmospheric venue is located on several levels each with its own bar space.
- The adjoining Rowantree Bar is a welcome oasis with comfy seats and lounge-style music. As the night comes to a close, ”say aye tae a Bearscots pie” as traditional sustenance for your walk home!
Sunday
- Enjoy Brunch at Ghillie Dhu midday –5pm From midday: Brunch will be served in the Great Hall
- From 1pm: A glamorous afternoon hosted by the legendary Bella & the Bear, and featuring a range of live shows and performers, plus the Mr BearScots competition.
- Followed by goodbye drinks at The Regent
Bear Sauna
- Steamworks Sauna is open 24 hours from 11am Friday – 10pm Sunday.
Popular Gay Venues in Edinburgh
- The Regent (2 Montrose Tce) A cozy, traditional pub with a unique twist, where all are welcome and beer flows like friendly banter.
- Leith Arches (6 Manderston St,) Venue and event space with bar with two levels in an industrial venue, under a brick, railway archway on what used to be the old Caledonian Leith line.
- CC Blooms (23 Greenside Pl,) Shimmer and dance in this iconic gay bar & nightclub; by day a bar, by night a glittering discotheque.
- The Caves (8 Niddry St S,) A subterranean wonder, this venue offers a historic vibe with craggy walls and arched ceilings – truly unique venue that makes up the sub-structure of the 18th Century South Bridge.
- Steamworks Sauna (5 Broughton Market) Relaxation meets modernity. Shed your troubles (and more) in this contemporary sauna space.
- Glenogle Baths (Glenogle Rd) Splash in style! A Victorian-era swimming pool, radiating charm and offering a nostalgic dip.
- Ghillie Dhu (2 Rutland Pl) Experience the true essence of Scottish revelry in this historic venue, a dramatic vaulted Georgian hall where ceilidhs and whisky flow freely.
- The Street (2b Picardy Pl) More than just a bar! A melting pot of fun, frolic, and fabulous drinks, outside tables and DJs on some evenings.
- Planet Bar (6 Baxter’s Pl) Lively, colorful, and bursting with energy – Edinburgh’s longest running wee gay bar that packs a punch!
Where to stay during BearScots Weekend
Edinburgh has a vibrant gay scene “the Pink Triangle,” centered around the top of Leith walk, just off Princes Street.
The following hotels will keep you close to all the gay bars and the bear events and parties:
Hotel Indigo, The Glasshouse, The Balmoral Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Virgin Hotel Edinburgh is our
preferred hotel close to the gay bars.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
BearScots Weekend Website
Map of Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a vibrant gay scene “the Pink Triangle,” centered around the top of Leith walk, just off Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare. All the bars and clubs are in easy walking distance. The city has more in common with European cities than other cities in the UK so around the city is a cafe culture. Here you will find a gay-friendly relaxed atmosphere.
2 Greenside Place, New Town, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA, United Kingdom
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection is a modern 5-star boutique hotel set behind the historic facade of 172-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church. A short walk from both Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station and York Place Tram Stop, it features an 2-acre with over .
Each bedroom has floor-to-ceiling windows, with views of the or over Edinburgh city centre. Luxurious touches include a flat-screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, an , a free newspaper and Highland Aromatics toiletries in the bathroom.
27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AT, United Kingdom
With a stylish swimming pool and Scottish restaurant, the luxury 4-star Apex Waterloo Place Hotel offers sumptuous rooms with free WiFi. The hotel is in Edinburgh’s Old Town, at the end of Princes Street.
The large bedrooms at Apex Waterloo Place each have a modern bathroom with a large walk-in shower and designer Elemis toiletries. Rooms also feature a 42-inch LCD TV and air conditioning.
1-3 Baxter's Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, UK
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh offers accommodation in Edinburgh, in a prime at the foothills of Calton Hill and just a five-minute walk from Princes Street. It offers complimentary WiFi, an on-site bar and free access to the gym.
The spacious, feature locally-inspired furnishings and quality amenities, such as a flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and a work desk. Each private bathroom comes with a shower and complimentary toiletries.
51-59 York Place New Town, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, United Kingdom
In Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre, 200 m from the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, Hotel Indigo Edinburgh offers stylish rooms with work areas. Featuring a fitness centre and free WiFi, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from Princes Street and St Andrew's Square.
The contemporary bedrooms each have a flat-screen satellite TV and an iPod dock. All rooms have a media hub, air conditioning, and a bathroom with a rainfall shower, integrated speakers and Aveda toiletries.
5 Union Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3NQ, UK
This three-bedroom apartment comes with a living area with a satellite flat-screen TV and a modern kitchen with an oven, a dishwasher and washing machine, 2 Bathrooms with showers. Free WiFi
41a Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3RH, UK
Located In the Edinburgh City Centre this Chic apartment offers a living room with flat screen TV a fully equipped kitchen with washing machine and a bathroom with shower. Free WiFi is available in all areas
Union St, Edinburgh EH1, UK
This stylish first floor apartment is a rare find offering a kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave, a living room with a seating area A flat-screen TV & a dining area, 3 bedrooms, & 2 bathrooms with a shower & a bath.
Set in the very heart of Edinburgh New Town, one of the most preserved examples of urban planning, this apartment offers an unrivaled luxury finish complemented by an unmatched location.
23-24 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA
• Edinburgh’s most established LGBTQ+ venue, open since 1994.
• Named after Bette Midler’s character in the film "Beaches."
• Great cocktails, tasty food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Outdoor seating available during the day.
• Lively club atmosphere in the evening.
• Popular Rabbit Hole club night featuring some of the city’s best drag performers.
Daily 3:00 PM - 3:00 AM Saturday & Sunday 1:00 PM - 3:00 AM
2 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5DL
• Relaxed and inclusive bar in the Abbeyhill area.
• Great range of real ales and rotating guest ales.
• Comfort food menu with good vegetarian options.
• Comfy sofas and table-top games available.
• Great range of real ales and rotating guest ales.
• Comfort food menu with good vegetarian options.
• Comfy sofas and table-top games available.
Daily 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
2b Picardy Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• Independently owned café bar on the corner of the Pink Triangle.
• Great for people-watching by day with glass front and outdoor seating.
• Lively crowd and buzzing atmosphere at night.
• Resident DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Vintage-style black and white photo booth for personal mementos.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 12:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday Saturday 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM
6 Baxters Place Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Planet Bar and Kitchen is one of Edinburgh's longest running gay bars.
- Entertainment on 7 days a week from DJ's to Drag Queens
Mon-Thu, 1pm-1am Fri-Sat, 1pm-3am Sun, 1pm-1am
265 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 8PD
• Edinburgh’s longest-running gay bar next door to CC Blooms.
• Reasonably priced drinks and daily entertainment.
• DJs perform every night; Drag DJs on Thursdays and Sundays.
• Showtime Fridays feature local and international Drag Queens.
• Hosts retro, karaoke, and bingo nights.
• Involved with local LGBT charities and sponsors Scotland’s first LGBTQ+ football team.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday Saturday 2:00 PM - 1:00 AM
41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• LGBTQ+ friendly venue known for award-winning vegetarian food and local/international beers.
• Features live music and their music partner Paradise Vinyl.
• Vinyl records from local and international acts, curated second-hand disco/electronic gold.
• Sells books, clothes, and works by local artists.
12:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Recommended Hotels in Edinburgh By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Edinburgh that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The Glasshouse
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, historic church facade, roof terrace.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso.
- Unique blend of modern luxury and historic charm, heart of the city.
The Balmoral Hotel
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-star, Michelin-starred restaurant, Princes Street.
- Close to the gay district.
- Marble bathroom, interactive TV.
- Iconic Edinburgh hotel with luxurious rooms, castle views, and world-class dining.
Courtyard by Marriott
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, complimentary WiFi, on-site bar.
- Close to the gay district.
- Modern rooms, flat-screen TV.
- Comfortable, value-oriented stay in prime location, with contemporary rooms and amenities.
Hotel Indigo
4 Star, Location
- 4-star, vibrant city center, fitness centre.
- Close to the gay district.
- Satellite TV, rainfall shower.
- Stylish and central, perfect for city exploration with modern rooms and thoughtful comforts.
Video Gay Edinburgh Guide
Discover the best of Gay Edinburgh with Kit & John.
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