Kuoni organised a trip to Edinburgh for a group of Brazilian buyers. The aim was to show off the best that Edinburgh has to offer, and they certainly seem to have suceeded!

The group visited some of Edinburgh’s best hotels and venues, including Edinburgh Castle, The Balmoral, The Sheraton, Mansfield Traquair and the National Museum of Scotland. On their final evening, following a private tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, they were treated to a gala dinner at Dundas Castle.

The catering was provided by Prestige Sodexo; they had prepared a menu to impress, and impress they did!

Reel Time’s Roddy gave guests a proper Scottish welcome as he piped them in, before he perform the Haggis Address. After dinner they were treated to a Highland dance performance which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Guests were then invited into the hall to have a go at ceilidh dancing themselves. Everyone seemed to get the hang of it quickly and there was no stopping them!

Reel Time’s accordion player provided the music for them, and even managed to get involved in the dancing at the same time! Everyone was having so much fun, Roddy decided to dance with a statue that seemed keen to join in on the fun!

The post Introducing Brazilians to Ceilidh Dancing appeared first on Reel Time Events.

To start their Scottish adventure guests were welcomed to the amazing location of Dundas Castle by a Reel Time piper.  Guests then had the chance to give the bagpipes a try themselves in our bagpipe masterclass, with our piper giving some expert advice and tuition, and also to test their dancing skills in our ceilidh masterclass.  With our professional dancers to lead the way as the accordion supplied the music, guests rocked and reeled with a real party atmosphere, before the evenings entertainment.

The piper then piped guests out to the fireworks in the grounds of the castle and then to dinner in the castle itself.

To conclude their trip, guests were treated to an afternoon of Scottish cuisine and culture.  As the group made their way from the hotel to Cabaret Voltaire they were met by Roddy the piper who let them up the bridges and to lunch accompanied by the rousing sound of the pipes.  On arrival at the venue guests were treated to a freshly prepared lunch supplied by local cafe August 21.  A selection of fresh produce including Scottish smoked salmon, Scottish venison, and a selection of salads and platters made from locally sourced and seasonal produce. A selection of drinks were available from Reel Time Bars, including locally produced wines, before the artisan tastings commenced.

Guests sampled a selection of Scottish produce from different providers, and led through the best way to taste and appreciate them by the expert tasters.  With a chance to sample a selection of 4 different Scottish cheeses, 4 varieties of Scottish Gin, a selection of chocolate made in Edinburgh and a selection of the finest malt whisky, guests had an opportunity to taste the best of what Scotland has to offer.  In this, the Year of Food and Drink it was especially pleasing to be able to introduce everyone to some of the best produce from around the country.

Once everyone was full to the brim with food and drink they were then wowed by our very own Chris Findlay performing the traditional “sword dance” and then it was the guests turn to get involved.  With Roddy on the pipes there was a farewell Virginia Reel for everyone to work off some calories for lunch and end the afternoon on a high.

If you are bringing an incentive group to Scotland and would like to see how Reel Time Events can make it memorable and give your guests a real taste of Scotland click here to contact us, or call us to discuss your Edinburgh Incentive requirements.

The post Rackspace visit Edinburgh for Incentive Trip appeared first on Reel Time Events.

Reel Time Events has had a busy and varied year in 2014, and as it’s the end of the year, we would like to share some of our highlights from across the year.

Our corporate events and conferences have been as busy as ever, and in partnership with some of the best conference centers and 5 star venues in Scotland, we have had the pleasure of entertaining a great many delegates from a number of the world’s leading companies and organisations.  From Burns night with the Reel Time Band and highland dancers at Stirling Castle to highland games at Merchant Square for SUI, Reel Time Events has immersed delegates from far and wide in the spirit and traditions of Scotland while providing a contemporary and innovative twist.

Providing a full entertainment program to help Best Western Hotels “make the magic happen” at its conference at Glasgows Science Center, Reel Time Events arranged a variety of performers, including The Reel Time Band and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, fire performers, magicians and stilt walkers across the 2 evenings.  The drinks reception, including whisky cocktails were provided by Reel Time Bars, and there was also a Scottish-made chocolate workshop, demonstrating the power of cocoa, giving delegates the chance to try chocolate sorbet and an indulgent hot chocolate shot.

Working alongside Visit Scotland, Reel Time Events also provided their own brand of contemporary Scottish entertainment for 1000 VIP guests at the Visit Scotland Expo networking event Scotland in the city, held at Merchants Square in Glasgow.  Performers included the Reel Time Band and Clanadonia.

We have also had the opportunity to help with team building and incentive events for various clients, including a highland games event for BMW/Mini at Dundas Castle, providing the opportunity for the company’s highest achievers to do some networking, while participating in highland games and other typically Scottish activities both inside and out.

Working with various conference partners we have helped deliver opening and closing ceremonies for conferences at the SECC, EICC and AECC, providing everything from whisky tastings, haggis shy and indoor curling as part of the newtorking entertainment to Scottish gala dinner spectaculars.

Our weddings business has been equally as exciting and varied, and we have been lucky enough to help many couples celebrate their special day, from providing pipers at premier locations across the country to evening entertainment for the reception to help celebrate the day in style.  The Reel Time Band, Scraggly Cats and Tartanium have all been part of creating a real impact for wedding guests with their fresh and funky twist on Scottish music, along with more traditional ceilidh, function and jazz bands.  With events at Dalmahoy Country and Golf Club, Mansfield Traquair, Fairmont St Andrews and The Hub, Reel Time Events has worked with some of the most prestigious venues in Scotland. The Teepee wedding in the grounds of the stunning Cluny Castle in Aberdeen was a particularly memorable event this year, for being that little bit more unusual, with the wedding taking place in a traditional teepee in the fairytail setting of the castle.   Roddy the Piper has also travelled to Germany and Egypt to provide a Reel Time taste of Scotland for weddings in foreign lands.

The post Reel Time Event’s 2014 Highlights appeared first on Reel Time Events.

Reel Time Events were happy to provide a Scottish Highland Games Experience for a luxury German car company at the fantastic Dundas Castle as part of their incentive program.

Providing a taste of Scotland, the party of lucky attendees were greeted at the doors of the stunning Dundas Castle by a lone piper, before being separated into their clans to participate in a number of different events.  A variety of traditional and more contemporary events, held both inside and out, gave the delegates a chance to experience the very best of Scottish tradition and also see the beauty of the ancient castle, while participating in exciting and entertaining team-building tasks.

Outside in the beautiful grounds of Dundas Castle the delegates had the chance to try their hand at 3 different highland games activities, which showcased the diverse traditions and history of Scotland.

They recieved a short taster session in archery, where they were instructed how to safely shoot these historic wooden weapons.   They also had the chance to try tossing the caber with a true highland games champion, who was there to demonstrate the correct way to handle this iconic Scottish event.  The final activity outside was the falconry display, where they was the opportunity to see the, birds of prey in action, along with handling them, asking quesions of the experts, and having the opportunity to take pictures.

Inside the Castle, in the relative warmth of the Auld Keep, guests were treated to 3 more activities.  Starting at ground level in the stag chamber they were taught how to play Scotland’s great instrument -the bagpipes.  Delegates were shown the intricacies of playing the pipes, before having the opportunity to try it for themselves.  Some of the clans were even treated to a rousing rendition of AC/DC’s Thunderstruck.  Moving up the keep to the Armory, the next activity was whisky tasting, hosted by David Fletcher, formerly of the Scottish Malt Whisky Society, and Annabell Meikle,  formerly the global ambassador for Glemorangie and a legend in the whisky industry.  Here, the attendees were able to sample 2 different whiskies, while being given notes by the experts about each one.  Finally, guests made their way up again to the great hall, where they were greeted by Will Marshal of the Reel Time Band with his accordian.  Accompanied by highland dancers Chris and Kirsty, each clan were taught the “Dundas Castle Reel” ceilidh dance, and given a great opportunity to experience the true atmosphere of a Scottish Ceilidh (no doubt helped by the whisky tasting beforehand!)

The final activity was a short walk from the Auld Keep to the croquet room, where the guests were met by Claire, to participate in Haggis Bowling.  A Scottish innovative twist on 10 pin bowling, guests hurled a haggis at pins, in an effort to knock as many down as possible in an alloted time.  A frantic pace was set by many of the clans, to amass as many points as possible for their team.

Throughout each activity clans were assessed by their instructors on team spirit, enthusiasm, participation and skills, with the winning team being awarded a prize at the gala dinner which was held later that evening.

All of the delegates had an exciting and entertaining time, and experience a true taste of Scotland, whilst having the opportunity to network with their colleagues in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Suitable for outdoor and indoor events, a true Highland Games Experience can be provided for your event.  All of the activities offered above are suitable for either outdoor or indoor events, and also indoor foam caber toss, whisky cocktails and workshop, haggis shy and indoor curling.

Contact Reel Time Events and see how we can entertain you

The post Highland Games at Dundas Castle appeared first on Reel Time Events.

On Wednesday night Roddy attended the signing of a £300m deal by financiers at Dundas Castle. Amid the Champagne and Canapés Reel Time were on hand providing the best of Scottish entertainment.

Reel Time put on a Full Scottish Show including highly skilled drummers, pipers and clarsach players. During the celebrations two mini pipe bands drummed the beat to mark the momentous occasion. Alongside the vibrant music several Highland Dancers took to the floor to impress the guests in the traditional highland attire.

Before food was served Roddy addressed the haggis using Rabbie Burns’ ‘Address to a Haggis.’ Knife in hand, the traditional poem was recited by Roddy dressed in full highland dress before he stabbed the haggis triumphantly to signal the beginning of the meal.

Later in the evening Roddy got the chance to meet Miss Canada; another example of Reel Time’s Celtic Connections.

As the evening drew to a close Roddy and the Pipe Band led guests out to the lawn to beat the retreat. In a spectacular fashion the grand finale involved pipers and drummers playing while fireworks lit up the night sky.

Here is a photo of the band playing at Dundas Castle

Thank you to all the guests, the staff at Dundas and Miss Canada for helping to create an atmosphere fit for the signing of a £300m deal!

IF you need some inspiration and assistance arranging your Scottish entertainment, then get in touch.

The post Deal at Dundas Castle: Scottish Entertainment Event appeared first on Reel Time Events.

A fantastic weekend of birthday celebrations was had by all at Dundas Castle over the weekend with entertainments supplied by the one and only Reel-Time Events!

After an impressive Scottish feast in the Stag Chamber the guests were led into the Grand Hall to be met by 2 of Reel-Times incredible Highland dancers. Their performance was accompanied by Pipe Major Greig Canning, one of our fine championship pipers, and the party guests treated to a traditional and energetic series of reels and flings. If you are unfamiliar with this style of dancing then it will be hard to imagine the strength and finesse required to perform at this level. It is easy to build up a sweat…………….and that’s just from watching!!!

The evening didn’t end there either. Guests were led out to the front of the Castle by our dancers only to be greeted by the sound of an 8 piece, mini pipe band who performed an emotional and stirring “Beat the Retreat” to the colourful backdrop of a sensational fireworks display! On completion the Pipe Major then marched to the fore and presented the birthday boy with a celebratory Quaich of fine Scotch whisky. This was deftly seen to by the appreciative recipient before being piped back into the house by the Pipe Major himself. And what sacred and emotive piece of music could the pipe major have possibly played to befit such an occasion…………………………

……………………….happy birthday of course!

There was no let up on Saturday night’s entertainment with the celebrations continuing in earnest! Roddy the Piper himself was on hand to entertain guests with a blow of his fine set of pipes before leading the birthday party in a musical procession into an exquisite 4 courses of fine dining in the elegant setting of the Croquet Room. To keep with the Scottish theme, what else would be served as a starter but the mysterious and nocturnal predator species, indigenous to the Scottish Highlands…………………………the mighty Haggis!

As befitting such a proud and noble beast, a recital of the Bards most famous prose, an “Address to a Haggis” was aptly and enthusiastically performed by Pipe Major Roddy Deans in homage to the great chieftain o’ the pudding-race!

Well watered and with full stomachs the party guests retired from dinner and were welcomed into the great hall by another stirring rendition of the celebratory party classic…..Happy Birthday, this time performed magnificently by the famous Reel-Time Ceilidh Band,  in honour of those in the group who had celebrated their 60^th year in 2013. Mr Luca provided an incredible ice cream cake which was dully dispatched with the aid of the Dundas sword. A funk infused ceilidh fest then proceeded and took the birthday boy and his guests dancing like wild and possessed Hagii well into the witching hour!

A very happy birthday to you good Sir and we hope you enjoyed your weekend celebrations as much as we did!

Photographs by the talented Jenn Knox at PhotoJenniK Photography

The post Dundas Birthday Bash – Ceilidh at the Castle appeared first on Reel Time Events.

Has been a couple of busy months for Edinburgh’s most Funky ceilidh band.  Performing gigs from Dundas and Edinburgh castle, George hotel to Borthwick Castle… the list goes on! For more information about the bands recent gigs, travels and gossip, check our ceilidh band facebook page

The Reel Time Ceilidh Band play from a 3 piece (for small venues), 4 piece for a rocking ceilidh or 5/6 piece with ceilidh and Popular song covers.

The band has an excellent ceilidh dance caller, who will talk the guests through all the steps before they dance them.

If you would like to see some more of the Reel Time Ceilidh Band, then check out their ceilidh video from last year, this has just reached the 6000 mark on our You Tube counter.

The ceilidh band are available to come and play at your event. Entertaining wedding guests, corporate parties, tour groups and students with their brand of Funky Scottish music.

The band also provide disco options, if you are looking for a complete entertainment package for your wedding reception or corporate event.  Will from the band commented:  ‘the disco gives the guests a change in tempo and entertainment, making for a great event.’

Over the past few years, the band has invested in some pretty cool kit, a 1000W Sound system, band sound to light uplighters, defraction laser and various other pieces of kit which make your venue come alive in the evening.  This also helps get guests in the right mood for ceilidh dancing.

To book the reel time ceilidh band for your special event, then please drop us a ceilidh band enquiry form.

The band is based in Edinburgh, but travel to:  Glasgow, the Borders, Stirling, Pitlochry, St Andrews, to provide Scottish ceilidh music for discerning clients. The band are also available to travel anywhere in the world for major events, product lunches or scottish cultural performances.  Last month we were in London, showcasing what Scotland has to offer for an event with Visit Scotland.  Roddy from the band is just back from Athens for a Scottish wedding, and warm ups have started for Germany next month.

The post Reel Time Ceilidh Band: Summer Bonanza appeared first on Reel Time Events.

The guests were welcomed to Dundas Castle by Robert the Bruce. Before guests were split into teams and competed in percussion, X-factor kilt dressing, bagpipes and cabers for their highland games.

The guests later enjoyed a falconry display, ceilidh band during dinner and mini kilted dancers as a post dinner treat. The guests were excited to see a pipe band beat the retreat at the end of the night, a great first day in Scotland for them.

The post Team Building Event at Dundas Castle appeared first on Reel Time Events.

To find out more about the whisky tasting packages we can offer all over the UK, please check our website: http://www.reel-time.co.uk/corporate/whiskytasting.html

The post Whisky Tastings appeared first on Reel Time Events.