At the cutting edge of the Scottish events and entertainment scene, Reel Time Events provides contemporary and innovative Scottish events and memorable entertainment.  The office team comprises 6 of the finest entertainers in their fields.  The team is young and vibrant, helping to bring some fresh and exciting entertainment solutions for events.

Roddy Deans – Company Director, haggis stabber and bagpipe master.

Roddy has been entertaining audiences in Scotland and across the world for over 20 years.  Whether with the Reel Time Band, as a lone piper or compering an event, with Roddy on the job you are guaranteed a memorable Scottish experience.

Claire Weir – Wedding Coordinator, seamstress and gift bag stuffer.

Claire is our resident wedding coordinator, who will make sure that your wedding  goes to plan and is a fantastic experience for you and your guests.  With years of experience Claire works closely with all of our wedding couples to deliver the perfect day for everyone. Claires passion and enthusiasm for wedding planning is limitless, so much so she still has enough energy to produce our beautiful luxury giftbags, and as the only lady in the office keep all the boys in line.

David Fletcher – Conference Coordinator and fine whisky nose.

Dave is our conference planner and resident whisky expert.  Having worked as event planner at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, his knowledge and passion for whisky is incredible.  Along with planning and coordinating our conferences he often heads out to educate the masses on whisky tastings with his big fine nose.

Chris Findlay – Corporate event planner and highland dancer.

Chris is our corporate events planner and dancer extraordinaire.  With his 15 years of dancing experience working with Roddy we thought its about time he took it easy so we have given him a desk job!  He knows what makes the difference between a good performance and a truly memorable one, and is a great man to have planning and coordinating your event.  We do roll him out for the occasional dancing job too, just so he doesn’t get too comfy behind his desk.

Mooj – Kilt fitter and highland games heavy.

Mooj is our resident kilt expert and has several years of experience working within the kilt hire industry.  He is most likely to be found demonstrating to the uninitiated how to correctly wear a kilt, and convincing them how liberating a breeze between the knees really is!   His orange sporran (don’t ask!)  is often spotted on highland games events and artisan workshops, injecting some extra Scottish fun to proceedings.

Mark Gilligan – The Beardy Barman.

Mark is the man for all things alcoholic – as part of our team he is the one who looks after the bar and protects the whisky from Dave! An incredibly talented barman and cocktail maker he can create anything from classic cocktails to bespoke creations for your event, and he can even teach you the skills you need to create your own through his amazing masterclasses.

Everyone in Reel Time Events would like to say a big thank you to David Ho Photography for coming to the office and taking these great photos.  His relaxed and easy going style instantly put everyone at ease and got fantastic shots of the team together and individually.  Roddy and David have known each other for 15 years and been at several of the same weddings together, with David documenting many couples big day.  Now David is moving into a new area and taking fantastic images perfect for professional and social media profiles.  Check out a selection of his images here.

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Common with destination couples looking to give their guests an introduction to Scotland’s favourite tipple; we can offer guests three or four single malt whisky’s from all over Scotland. Tastings can be personalised if desired and all levels of expertise can be catered for. Whisky cocktails can be offered as a supplement for ladies if required and all whisky, crystal glassware and expert tasters are included.

A popular option during the drinks reception is falconry. Our falconer can treat guests to full bird displays as well as handling to allow for some bespoke photos. With everything from falcons and eagles to everyone’s favourite barn owl it is impossible not to get excited over these birds of prey.

Another highly desired piece of entertainment to provide some discussion over dinner would be a magician. Not one for a balloon animal our award winning magician can amaze you and your guests with pick pocketing, sleight of hand magic and of course dazzling card tricks. Often a slow burner but as soon as word spreads there is a magician the whole room becomes captivated and discussions about how it was done can lead to great debates during the wedding breakfast.

As you transition from day to evening you will need something to ensure the dancefloor is full all night. With a rocking, contemporary twist on ceilidh the Reel Time Band are here to help. With the option of a four or five piece band their expert caller can have guests dancing along to the Gay Gordon’s in no time. An excellent choice as an ice breaker for guests. If required we can also filter some disco classics throughout via iPod to give those feet a rest.

Or perhaps you fancy a surprise treat for your bride or groom as well as guests then why not consider a Beat the Retreat. This spectacular offering from one of Scotland’s leading pipe bands will leave you and your guests feeling seriously patriotic. The bands performance will last roughly fifteen minutes with some of everyone’s favourite tunes being played. Before the band march themselves out the Pipe Major will offer his final salute to the bride and groom.

Why end the celebrations after the big day itself? Get guests together the following day to relive the best moments and take part in some traditional Highland Games activities to finish everything on a high. Our enthusiastic events team are on hand to deliver some of the most authentic Scottish activities which can include caber tossing, hammer throwing, archery, welly wanging and even a bag pipe masterclass. We can supply the prizes and ensure that winners are treated to a champion’s reception.

Lastly, nobody wants their guests to go thirsty on their big day, does your venue not have a drinks licence? Then why not let Reel Time Bars supply you with everything you may need, with a great selection of beers, wines and spirits it can be as simple as you like. If required we can take care of the champagne reception and even offer some bride and groom themed cocktails.

For further inspiration and information please contact our wedding coordinator Claire at 0131 346 8393 or weddings@reel-time.co.uk

Photo Credits: Claire Weir, Jonathon Fowler, Bluesky and Roddy Deans.

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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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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

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Last week Reel Time Events were pleased to provide a comprehensive entertainment and events package for SIU (Société Internationale d’Urologie) In partnership with Meeting Makers, Reel Time Events helped immerse the delegation of over 1000 attendees from across the world in a truly Scottish experience, giving them a taste of our authentic and exciting culture as part of the conference’s social program.

As delegates arrived at Merchant Square they were welcomed by a lone piper, fire performers and 6-piece drummers, making a memorable start to the evening. With a spectacular start outside, there was plenty more to follow once inside Merchants Square.

The entertainment and activities inside were both spectacular and interactive, allowing everyone attending to really get involved and experience the true spirit of Scotland. With stilt walkers roaming the square clad in tartan, the guests were offered the chance to participate in some traditional and more innovative highland games events and Scottish activities, while being able to do some networking with the other delegates.
From tossing the caber (a foam one to toss, but a real one on display) with true highland games competitors, to indoor curling and Haggis Shy there were some physical events for everyone to try and prizes to be won.

For those less athletic, there was beer tasting, offering 3 different craft beers from the local Harviestoun Brewery, with the opportunity to experience the raw ingredients along with sampling the fantastic variety of tastes on offer. Various workshops were also on offer to get involved, with an opportunity to play the bagpipes, precussion instruments and ceilidh dance too. The Clann were also in attendance, getting everyone involved in dressing like a true Scot, and letting guests see and wear traditional kilts, armour and weapons from times gone by.

Once all the delegates had been fed by the various bars and restaurants around Merchants Square, organised by Meeting Makers, the Clann then went to battle – for 15 minutes sparks few and the guests’s breath was taken away as members of the Clann fought in the center of the Square, surrounded by a crowd of (often aghast) onlookers.

Once the battle had been fought (and everyone had a chance to regain their breath) the Reel Time Band, then took the stage, along with a team of Ceilidh dancers on the floor to lead all the guests in some traditional Scottish Ceilidh dances. Rocking the crowd with its own blend of traditional and contemporary ceilidh music, the evening continued with guests participating in all of the different and events, spread across the different areas of Merchants Square.

Guests had an incredible experience and huge amount of fun, trying new skills and learning about Scotland at the same time.  For a full gallery of all the images from the night click here

Along with providing the entertainment at Merchants Square, Reel Time Events also provided the entertainment for the opening ceremony at Glasgow’s world famous SECC, with bagpipers, pipeband and highland dancers to provide an authentic Scottish welcome. At Glasgow’s Kelvingrove, for the delegates gala dinner, Reel Time provided a Jazz band to give a different and more modern feel to the occasion.

“Now that we are home safe and sound I just wanted to send a very big thank you to you for providing all of the entertainment for the various SIU events last week. You really did capture what Scotland is all about and our attendees, as well as our staff, really got a great feel for it. So thank you once again for making our event an incredibly memorable one!

So, if you to would like to immerse your conference delegates and guests in a spectacular and entertaining event that they can be part of, and remember for many years to come, contact Reel Time Events to see how we can entertain you

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What an event we had on Saturday at Dalhousie Castle hotel.  Reel Time Events were asked to deliver some memorable Scottish highland games activities the day before an Australian wedding.

We were graced with one of Scotland’s most perfect summer days for the event, so things started well!

We ran 6 highland games team building activities for the group, with the wedding party being split up into teams to allow them to compete for the chieftains’ prize.

The activities were; Whisky cocktail making, wellie wanging, highland dancing, caber tossing, hammer throwing and a bagpipe master class.

Guests enjoyed learning new Scottish skills, interacting with the wedding couples friends from all around the globe, at the same time as trying to trying to win the chieftains highland games prize.

After the games:

The guests enjoyed Dalhousies BBQ, courtesy of the head chef.  A delicious range of BBQ treats.

Our work was not quite complete, as the client wanted a big surprise in the middle of this.  Enter the Clann.  Our ferocious warriors, who appeared from the bushes and staged a battle demonstration at close quarters with the guests. This concluded in a few guests trying their hand at Scottish  basket sword fighting.

What a start to an international Scottish wedding.

All the best to Jill and Eddy, the happy couple.

Thanks also to LITU, their wedding planners for the event. Who kept all the details secret from their guests and helped us coordinate a perfect Scottish team building event.

If you would like to organise a Scottish teambuilding exercise or highland games activity, then get in touch with the Reel Time Team.

Here is a photo of a hammer thrower from the event:

Hammer Thrower at the Highland Games

And here is an aspiring bagpipe player:

A young piper in the making!

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We were asked to source them a fantastic venue for the highland games event to take place.  VIP coach transfers from the Balmoral Hotel to Marriott Dalmahoy, as well as a fun filled afternoon of activities to compete in to win prizes.

They were interested in the Scottish theme, and so highland games were the best option.

The challenges that they had to perform as groups were:  bagpipe playing masterclass, caber tossing, wellie wanging and highland dancing.

The clients were lucky that the monsoon rains of late managed to hold off for the 3 hours that they participated in the games.  (of course we had ponchos for all the guests, marquee and an array of inside challenges should the weather turn for the worse(something we are getting used to these days!))

Reel Time Events can help you organise a great selection of activities, events and entertainment for your conference delegates and speakers.  With events based in Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews or indeed anywhere else in the world, we look forward to entertaining you.

www.reel-time.co.uk

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The next morning, we joined Maximillion events for highland games activities.

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