Business Details
Edinburgh's Premier Auction House & Valuation Service
Ramsay Cornish is an independent auction house located in Edinburgh's city centre with a team of specialists offering a personal service rooted in integrity and customer care. Our expertise spans over 100 years combined experience in the auction industry, ensuring items receive optimal exposure through regular fortnightly and bi-monthly auctions. We provide comprehensive valuations for Inheritance Tax, Insurance, and probate purposes, alongside house clearance services and both online and in-person auction formats. Our saleroom hosts diverse categories including fine art, antiques, militaria, and luxury spirits, supported by a dedicated team with backgrounds in prestigious institutions like Sotheby's and Christie's.Clients benefit from free initial valuations either at our premises or via home visits across Scotland, with a focus on transparency and professional relationships. Our marketing strategies combine traditional and digital approaches to attract global buyers, while maintaining a welcoming, approachable atmosphere for local clients. Specialist departments cover ceramics, books, stamps, and whisky, reflecting our commitment to handling diverse collections under one roof. We pride ourselves on being one of the few Edinburgh-based auction houses offering such breadth of services, supported by a team that includes third-generation auctioneers and industry veterans.
Services
Fine Art Auctions
Antique Valuations
House Clearances
Whisky Auctions
Book Sales
Militaria Auctions
Furniture Valuations
Online Auctions
Stamp Collectables
Specialist Sales
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years combined experience in auctioneering and valuations.
- Our team includes specialists trained at Sotheby's and Christie's institutions.
- We provide free home visits for valuations across Scotland.
- Our fortnightly auctions combine online and in-person bidding for maximum exposure.
- We handle complete house clearances with professional discretion.
What people say
Expert valuations
Professional team
Diverse auctions
Excellent service
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Auction Sales
Our fortnightly general auctions and bi-monthly specialist sales handle diverse items from antiques to luxury spirits. With both online and in-person bidding options, we ensure maximum exposure for consigned items. The service includes detailed cataloguing, competitive commission rates, and expert auctioneering by experienced professionals.
Valuation Services
We provide formal valuations for Inheritance Tax, Insurance, and probate purposes with fast turnaround times. Our specialists offer free initial valuations at our premises or through home visits across Scotland. All valuations comply with Capital Taxes Office requirements and are available in digital or printed formats.
House Clearances
Our team handles complete or partial house contents clearance with professional discretion. Services include item appraisal, removal, and disposal options including auction, storage, or direct sale. We provide tailored solutions for estates requiring probate clearance or downsizing assistance across Scotland.
Whisky Auctions
Specialist whisky auctions feature rare bottles and cask lots with global buyer participation. Our dedicated whisky expert manages private collections and commercial consignments, offering valuation guidance and auction strategy. Recent sales include record-breaking Lagavulin and Macallan bottlings.
Online Auctions
Timed online auctions provide accessible bidding for coins, spirits, and collectables. Our platform supports global participation with 23% buyer's premium plus 5% online fee. The system allows convenient viewing and bidding through detailed digital catalogues accessible worldwide.
People
Martin Cornish
Head of Valuations
With 30 years' experience, Martin trained at Lyon and Turnbull. He specialises in furniture and Oriental art, prioritising customer care and long-term relationships.
Alexa Cornish
Senior Saleroom Manager
Bringing arts background and photography expertise, Alexa oversees saleroom operations and manages fine art cataloguing with a modern approach to auction presentation.
Richard Edwards
Senior Cataloguer
Former Sotheby's specialist with legal background, Richard offers expertise in European works of art and combines traditional knowledge with client-focused service.
Mark Noble
Whisky Specialist
Over a decade in luxury spirits sales, Mark manages whisky cask projects and private bottlings while maintaining interests in antiquarian books and vintage cars.
Phil Evans
Asian Art Consultant
With academic background in East Asian archaeology, Phil heads Asian and Islamic art department and brings specialist knowledge of Japanese cloisonne and horology.
Questions
What types of items do you auction?
We handle diverse categories including fine art, antiques, militaria, books, whisky, and luxury spirits through regular specialist sales.
How can I get a valuation?
Contact us for free valuations via email with photos, in-person visits to our Edinburgh saleroom, or home visits across Scotland.
Are online auctions available?
Yes, all our auctions offer online bidding with 23% buyer's premium plus 5% platform fee, accessible globally through our digital catalogues.
Do you handle house clearances?
We provide complete house clearance services with options for auction, storage, or direct sale, managed professionally across Scotland.
What are your commission rates?
Standard auction commission is 23% + VAT, with online sales attracting an additional 5% platform fee plus VAT.
How often do auctions occur?
We hold fortnightly general auctions and bi-monthly specialist sales, with timed online auctions available for specific categories.
Videos