Burns Night is always one of the busiest periods of the year for Reel Time Events, and 2016 was no different.  Here is a quick roundup of this year’s events and what we have been doing to help celebrate our great Bard’s birthday

Roddy and the Scraggly Cats had the pleasure of entertaining the Builders Merchants Federation at Dalmahoy Golf and Country Club.  Roddy was on hand to address the haggis and then join the Scraggly Cats for their funky and up beat fusion of ceilidh and pop, giving all of the guests a fantastic party for the evening.

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At Aberdeen’s AECC Roddy and the team were entertaining not one but two Burns Night events.  The first was a Burns supper for a corporate client, who were entertained by Roddy and the Reel Time Band and provided a bangingburnsnight for all the guests.

The second event at the AECC also included Highland Games Activities and a whisky tasting, giving guests a taste of all things Scottish, before being entertained by the Reel Time Band in the evening.

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Back in Edinburgh Roddy was busy at various venues across the city.  Mansfield Traquair’s Burn’s night celebration was an intimate party in a grand venue, with Heritage Portfolio key staff, board of directors and invited guests from their parent company entertained by Roddy and the Scraggly Cats, and treated to one of Roddy’s characterful and animated Haggis Addresses.

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At the EICC the Reel Time Ceilidh Band accompanied by our talented Highland Dancers entertained a group of hosted DMCs, to give them a taste of a Reel Time Burns night celebration and a night to remember.

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Roddy offered up a contemporary performance at the National Museum of Scotland for the Burns Unbound event, playing a contemporary bagpipe set with a dance backing track and accompanied by the fabulous Tartanium dancers.  We were lucky enough to be given a video of the event by one of the guests, Mr K Bryce Morrison, which you can see here

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And just when you though it was a hard life for a piper over Burns season, Roddy’s last job was to jet to Madrid for one final Burns night, playing at the Ambassadors residence for a secret client, where he treated guests to a rousing haggis address, and playing his pipes and encouraging some ceilidh dancing in the warmer climbs of a Madrid evening.

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Travelling from South Africa for their incentive trip Momentum were treated to a truly Scottish experience by Reel Time Events for the Edinburgh part of their journey.  With great collaboration between Reel Time Events and Thundermark in the run-up to the event, guests were treated to the best entertainment possible for their visit to Edinburgh.  To get both groups in the mood for the evenings entertainment they were fitted into kilt outfits for the gentlemen and sashes for the ladies – in all 80 kilt outfits and 70 sashes were successfully fitted across 2 venues over 6 hours, while the Reel Time team also offered some local knowledge and tourist info for how to spend the day, before the evening kicked off in Reel Time Style.

With entertainment at 2 different venues for the 2 groups it was a busy night for the Reel Time Team.  The first groups gala dinner and entertainment was held at the stunning Hopetoun House, where they were greeted by a welcome piper on arrival.  During the drinks reception there was a spectacular surprise Beat the Retreat, to give the guests a real rousing taste of Scotland before sitting down to dinner.  No Scottish gala dinner is really complete without a haggis course and whisky, and this was no exception, with Roddy addressing the haggis for the guests and William Wallace talking to them about the whiskies on offer.  After dinner to really get the pulses racing it was over to the Scraggly Cats, with their rocking ceilidh sound.  Accompanied by highland dancers opening the show with contemporary dance display, guests were treated to a mixture of funky ceilidh and pop from the band, through to conclude the evening on a high.

The second group were treated to their gala dinner and entertainment at the spectacular Ghillie Dhu, where they were treated to a truly exciting evening of entertainment.  With a magician performing street style, close up illusions and slight of hand over the drinks reception, guests were then wowed by Tartaniums high-impact, high-energy performance after dinner.  Blending bagpipes with electric guitar, keys and drums their exciting and innovative take on traditional Scottish ceilidh music created a real excitement with the guests.   Accompanied by their troupe of mini-kilted dancers performing their choreographed contemporary highland dance routine, everyone was treated to an exciting and contemporary twist on  traditional Scottish Ceilidh.

The following day both groups took the opportunity to head south for Scotland vs South Africa in the rugby World Cup, the result going the way of the visitors and adding to their great memories of their trip.

If you would like to discuss your incentive trip to Scotland and see how Reel Time Events can provide an exciting and memorable experience for your staff please contact us.

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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.

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Virgin Atlantic Brand Event

Last week Reel Time Events organised pipers to lead guests from the Radisson and the Missoni Hotel up The Royal Mile to Virgin Atlantic’s brand event.

Pipers were branded with Virgin Atlantic banners attached to their drones. Once all the guests reached The Hub one of the pipers addressed the haggis. This was followed by a dance performance by traditional highland dancers.

After this The Reel Time Ceilidh Band played some upbeat traditional Scottish tunes to get the guests dancing; the dances were called to give instructions to guests who were new to the Ceilidh dance steps.

At intervals, some of the 150 evening guests attended the branded photobooth organised by Reel Time Events to capture the moment!

Alongside the evening’s entertainment, the Reel Time Bar set up two branded bars for Virgin Atlantic.

Here is a photo from the event:

Addressing the Haggis

Reel Time Events enjoyed working in The Hub  and with Virgin Atlantic; it was a fantastic night!

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Playing with fire!

Reel Time Events organised entertainment in the Glasgow Science Centre for the Best Western’s conference who are adopting the slogan ‘Make the Magic Happen.’ The conference brought together staff hotel industry for the opportunity to indulge in an evening of entertainment and networking opportunities.

On the first night Reel Time Events arranged fire performers, a drinks reception, jugglers and whisky cocktails produced by Mark from Reel Time Bars.

Also included was a chocolate workshop demonstrating the powerful effects of cocoa beans by creating a chocolate sorbet, cranachan petit fours and an indulgent hot chocolate shot. This allowed guests to meet new contacts and enjoy some chocolate at the same time.

After this chocolate feast magicians went from table to table entertaining guests with a splendid variety of tricks while stilt performers and jugglers paraded the venue to create a magical atmosphere.

On the 2^nd night of this conference Reel Time Events provided pipers, a string quartet and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Congratulations to the Red Hot Chilli Pipers for getting over 1 million views on YouTube for their cover of Avicii’s ‘Wake Me Up’

The Reel Time Bar at The Glasgow Science Centre

Reel Time Events would like to thank all the staff at both of the evenings for creating two truly magical events!

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Travelling with Visit Scotland to the IMEX American Convention Roddy helped share Scotland’s culture and tradition with the USA. IMEX is the largest conference for the MICE industry (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) representing 148 countries and 2,400 hosted buyers.

Visit Scotland travelled to Las Vegas to showcase Scotland’s tourism industry; it was a great opportunity to display Scotland’s potential to representatives from around the world.

Demonstrating Scotland’s cultural heritage Roddy led a Whisky Tasting session as well as stabbing and addressing a haggis in his unique style. Roddy drew crowds of international buyers to partake in the tasting of Scotland’s finest whiskies and wowed spectators with his classic recitation of Robert Burn’s ‘Address to a Haggis.’

Roddy also participated in a Hosted Buyer’s Party by playing the pipes alongside a saxophonist and electric percussionist at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. Roddy piped traditional Scottish tunes accompanied by the glamorous saxophonist to welcome guests to the Party.

Roddy and the talented Vegas entertainer beside the Wynn Waterfalls in Las Vegas

Thank you to Visit Scotland for heading to Las Vegas and to IMEX for hosting a fantastic conference; it was a great opportunity to share Scotland’s culture with the world.

Roddy piping on stage in Las Vegas

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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.

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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

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The first time this huge trade show has been held in America, to give the American market access on their doorstep to the destinations and companies to make their stay a success.

Roddy was working on the Visit Scotland stall, promoting the culture and heritage of Scotland.  With hourly haggis address, whisky tasting sessions and musical interludes.  ‘It is great to help out our national marketing board promote our country and traditions.  I look forward to working with Visit Scotland promoting our great nation, and what it has to offer the MICE industry.’

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