The Renfrew-based company, which has previously handled work for Gleneagles and the Sheraton hotel group, has been charged with turning a former language school into a three-storey events space.

Scheduled to open in May, it will host business conferences, weddings and other functions.

Thomas Johnstone, which can trace its roots back to 1868 and employs 170 staff, said site agent Peter Weir will lead the project.

Mr Weir said: “This is a very interesting project for TJL and we’re delighted to be involved with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

“TJL works across a broad range of sectors but we are well known for our hotel refurbishments, and because this is an events space it is very similar to a hotel project, without the bedrooms.

“Certainly the sector has been a lot more buoyant since September of last year, with confidence returning and clients willing to release funds for investment, which is good news all round.”

It will be the fourth dedicated events venue to be developed by the College’s commercial enterprises division, whose remit is to commercialise the organisation’s buildings and return the profits to central coffers.

Its properties include Surgeons Hall Museum, currently being renovated with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund and due to re-open in the autumn.