highland games Archives - Reel Time Events

Highland Games Events – Summer 2019

Ross MacFarlane — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 19:15:49 +0000

Three different versions of our Highland Games Events over three days

In the first week of July, we held three different incarnations of our Highland Games Events in three different locations, over three days in a row. We were required to change-up how we run our Highland Games by the conditions of each location, and the varied abilities of the participants.

The Renaissance Club

The first event was at The Renaissance Club, a golf course in East Lothian with perfect greens and a beautifully managed fairway. Even the rough wasn’t that rough. A golf course immediately presents a set of complications for a Highland Games event. Chiefly, how to avoid damaging any playing areas when doing things like the Caber toss. Indeed, having an event that involves a lot of throwing heavy things around could be potentially disastrous for a meticulously landscaped golf course.

As if that wasn’t concern enough, our task was compounded by the fact that the Renaissance Club was the venue for the Scottish Open, which was to take place only a week later. This meant that we had to be extra careful. Any damage, accidental or incidental, wouldn’t have much time to be repaired before one of the biggest golf events in the world teed off. Even lots of feet on the green could mark the grass and damage it without leaving it sufficient time to re-grow.

The precautions we put in to place were to make sure to throw everything in to the rough, all the while trying to prevent too much traffic on the fairway and green. We also had some of the Greenskeepers on hand to make sure everything was okay.

The event was for two American families, around 30 people, visiting Scotland for the Open. They had done a Highland Games event before, and were very keen to throw hammers and toss Cabers.

We set up the Caber toss and they took turns, one-by-one, while the rest of the group cheered. We also did a Hammer Throw, a Welly-Wang, and a Scottish Stone.

All in all, it was a very successful event, with both Clients and Greenskeepers happy, and the Scottish Open continued the next week, aided by perfect grounds.

Dundas Castle

Our event at Dundas Castle the following day was a full day of entertainment, including Highland Games, for a Client’s 60^th birthday party. There were around 40 guests.

After lunch, we put on a Falconry show for the Client with a Falcon and a Golden Eagle. Then a Bagpiper piped the group down to the Highland Games demonstration.

This session of Highland Games was run by two Highland Games Champions. Pete Hart clinched the British Heavyweight win for 56lb weight over a bar at the Lochcarron Games in 2013. 6’6, 20-stone Bruce Robb is a champion of the Strathmore, Aberdeen, and North Berwick Games. Check them out in the video below.

Pete demonstrated the activities while Bruce provided colour commentary to the group. They then asked for volunteers to take part. Several members of the group jumped at the chance, while others were content to sit back and cheer from the sidelines.

After the Highland Games, the birthday group were piped to the Old Keep, a popular medieval wedding venue at Dundas Castle, and climbed to the top of the Old Keep to take pictures of the view of the River Forth. Then thegroup went in to the Armory for a Scottish Gin and Whisky Tasting.

The afternoon entertainment ended, and the group were piped back to the castle to their rooms before dinner. Later in the evening, Roddy the Piper heralded the guests out of their rooms and piped them down to dinner before performing the address to the Haggis.

After Dinner, the guests enjoyed a performance by the Reel Time Ceilidh Band. The evening was rounded out by a Pipe Band

Wedderburn Castle

Our third Highland Games event in three days was for an Incentive Group from Germany staying in Wedderburn Castle in the Scottish Borders. They had hired the castle for three days of business meetings and team bonding. They were interested in a Highland Games experience in order to foster teamwork, and to try something out of their comfort zone as a group.

In the spirit of trying new things, the group were first treated to a bagpipe workshop led by Roddy the Piper. This provided a great challenge, as getting a sound out of a set of pipes is not easy for the uninitiated. It’s also a great mental challenge, requiring a lot of technique, which provides some variety to the physical challenge to follow.

Then came the Highland Games. They took part in the Caber toss, Hammer throwing, and Scottish Stone. The physical activities required that they work together to be successful. Some team members took to the challenges more naturally than others, then took on the roles of teachers and motivators, to ensure the whole group had a positive experience.

A fun and challenging games was followed by a Falconry display, and then a whisky tasting as a well-earned reward.

For more about our Highland Games Events, please visit our page on the Reel Time Events site.

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BADFEST: an Annual conference for the British Association of Dermatologist

Ross MacFarlane — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 12:56:22 +0000

Scottish Conference Entertainment

Annual conference. Hosted 2018 by EICC, Edinburgh

BADFEST is the social event held for the annual conference of the British Association of Dermatologists. This year’s 2018 conference was hosted at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). The brief from the client was they wanted a fun and interactive festival-like atmosphere to encourage delegate networking in an informal way. We hosted two spaces in the EICC for the conference which accommodated 750 delegates overall. With people coming from all around the world, the client wanted to ensure that as well as being a networking event, delegates were able to enjoy a real Scottish experience.

Pipe Major Roderick Deans greeted the delegates with a traditional Scottish bagpipe reception. This was a great way to introduce the guests to the Scottish theme of the evening. In the Strathblane Hall we had our 10-piece Tartanium band open the night with a 20-minute Scottish show. The Tartanium band mixes traditional and contemporary styles of Scottish music combining bagpipes with funked up basslines and incredible guitar solos. Adding to this spectacle, we had three Tartanium dancers perform a choreographed routine which combined traditional and contemporary steps to compliment the bands funky and cutting-edge sound.

Guests were then invited onto the dancefloor where they were taught some easy ceilidh dancing moves. With a 10-piece ceilidh band our guests got a taste of what a full Scottish Ceilidh is like and, also danced to traditional dances including the Dashing White Sergeant, Strip the Willow and Canadian Barn Dance.

Reel Time transformed the main foyer from a delegate registration area into various interactive Scottish experiences. Guests were given the opportunity to try indoor curling and a haggis shy . Indoor curling was a chance for the delegates to try something new and brought a competitive thrill to the evening. Guests were asked to slide their curling stones closest to the target on the mat for competing points. The haggis shy was a fun event involving throwing haggis like balls at targets to build up points. Guests got to meet the Heavy athletes that perform at Scotland’s Highland Games and speak to them about their sport. The athletes then let the guests try their hand at the indoor caber tossing experience.

To wash down the fantastic food served at the EICC we put on a whisky vs gin tasting. This meant the guests could try some fine Scottish spirits whilst also learning about the distillation and production of Scotland’s drinks. One of our bars served two Scottish artisan gins representing one of the largest booms in the Scottish drinks industry. We chose to take Rock Rose and The Botanist to let guests taste a sweeter herbaceous and citrus gin against a more peppery, floral and earthier gin. These were served to guests neat and then as a perfect serve with tonic and our recommended garnish. The second bar for the whisky tasting was our cask bar we had taken and built in the venue. The bar featured two Scottish Single Malt Whiskies showcasing the regional differences that exist in the whisky world. We had Auchentoshan American Oak as one of the drams on offer which is from Auchentoshan distillery located just to the west of Glasgow. It is the only distillery in Scotland to triple distil every drop of whisky it produces, which gives rise to a light, sweet, grassy character. When this spirit is matured in American ex-bourbon casks the resulting whisky is creamy, with vanilla and lemon notes and a striking oaky spice. We chose to contrast this with a peaty whisky from Islay, Laphroaig. Laphroaig is one of just seven distilleries in Scotland which still malts its own barley and it is this age-old production method which is said to give the whisky the unique medicinal, iodine-like aroma and flavour, alongside the unmistakable smokiness.

The event was a great success and the clients were thrilled with the whole experience. In a matter of hours the guests were able to experience traditional Scottish sport, music, culture and drinks all under one roof. The format of the evening, and activities provided, allowed the guests to interact and take part as they wished whilst giving them the freedom to network and engage with each other.

For more information on the Scottish activities that we provide for conferences, please see our conference page on the website or get in touch with the Reel Time Team for more inspiration.

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Highland Games at Cameron House

Ross MacFarlane — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 12:30:53 +0000

If there is a more beautiful setting for a hotel anywhere in the world I have yet to see it. We were lucky enough to have the pleasure of spending two days in March at Cameron House Hotel on the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.

Thursday afternoon kicked off with one of our superb Highland games experiences with six teams battling it out for glory, despite the changeable weather. As well as some caber tossing, we were very fortunate that our most celebrated national predator species, “Weeus Hairyus Haggis”, were in season so guests also had the rare opportunity of participating in a spot of Haggis Hurling***.

Across the hotel, (to protect the birds from a haggis attack,) guests also enjoyed some falconry, a farmers dash assault course, a bagpipe masterclass, and learned some new moves with our ceilidh and Highland dance workshop. It was a hard fought couple of hours with the Speyside Team eventually emerging victorious.

Things were equally as lively on Friday night for the gala dinner. As luck would have it, Robert the Bruce and his pal Rob Roy happened to be in Scotts Bar for a drink, so joined the guests pre dinner to chew the fat. Both natural raconteurs, they kept everyone entertained until dinner was called. Beautiful floral table centres were created by Plantation Florists and our Scottish gift bags were there to greet guests when they took their seats for a wonderful meal.

Robert the Bruce and Rob Roy were also on hand to join those keen to try out our Scottish themed photo booth. They were then surprised by a “Beat the Retreat“, a full marching pipe band in No 1 military uniform. To end the night in classic Reel Time style, the six piece Scraggly Cats band were joined by four traditional Highland dancers. They took guests on a musical voyage through until midnight. A mixture of the band’s signature, funky, rock ceilidh tunes and a solid helping of classic pop covers ensured a varied mix on the dancefloor for the rest of the night.

Our group were an absolute pleasure to entertain on both days and we hope they enjoyed the rest of their time in Scotland as much as we enjoyed having them here.

***Please note, no haggis were hurt during the hurling activity.

With thanks to Ewa Labuda for the photography and David Fletcher at Reel Time for the words.

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Highland Games Team Building Events

Ross MacFarlane — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 13:48:55 +0000

If you are looking for a truly Scottish team building experience then try our Highland games event. It’s a chance to try out some of our great Scottish activities and full of hands on fun. Watch our new Highland games video here to find out more about it.

Our Highland games experiences are also a popular choice for destination wedding packages. This can be a great way of getting guests from different sides of the family interacting in a fun way.

Our entertainers and Highland games athletes will take you through each activity helping everyone to learn new skills. From bagpipes, ceilidh dancing, whisky tasting and falconry to caber tossing, welly wanging, archery and throwing the Scot’s staine there are plenty of different activities to choose from.

We run Highland games experiences for groups from 5 to 1000 guests. For more information on the different highland games packages we offer, do get in contact. Give the Reel Time office a call or drop us an email with details about your group and requirements.

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Visit Scotland’s St Andrew’s Day Highland Games

Ross MacFarlane — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 14:04:34 +0000

It was a pleasure to work with Visit Scotland to entertain Andrews in St Andrews as part of their St Andrew’s Day marketing campaign. Andrews, Andres and Andreas from across Europe were invited to come and experience a flavour of what Scotland has to offer, and discover more about the home of their namesake, and Scotland’s, Patron Saint.

We were incredibly lucky to experience some great weather for the filming. 10 degrees and bright sunshine at the end of November was the best we could hope for, and led to a great day for all on West Sands Beach.

The guests enjoyed the best of what St Andrews and Scotland had to offer. They were immersed in Scottish scenery, culture, cuisine and, of course, experienced some of the amazing activities Scotland offers. From golf to learning the bagpipes, fun was certainly had by all.

As part of their Scottish adventure, Reel Time arranged an historic Highland Games for them. This introduced them to caber tossing, putting the Scots stane and the Scots hammer throw. The guests rotated around activities as teams, and cheered on their fellow clan members as they experienced the different events. To ensure they got the most out of the experience they were instructed by a former world champion and the current under 25 champion at Highland Games.

It was great to be able to help Visit Scotland to raise the profile of St Andrew’s Day further afield, and introduce people to some great Scottish hospitality and traditions.

Watch the full Visit Scotland video that includes our Highland Games experience.

If you would like more information about our Highland Games and Scottish team building experiences, then please get in touch.

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Meet the Reel Time Events Team

Ross MacFarlane — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 11:26:43 +0000

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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Reel Time Events – The One Stop Wedding Shop

Ross MacFarlane — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 14:04:39 +0000

Here at Reel Time Events we are the one stop shop for all of your wedding entertainment needs, from bagpipers to clarsach players and string quartets to traditional bands we have everything you may need. However have you ever considered something slightly different?

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 Event’s 2014 Highlights

Ross MacFarlane — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 14:31:49 +0000

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.

Reel Time Bars has also been busy working with a number of premium brands as part of its corporate program, providing branded mobile bars to clients including Haig Club Whisky and Virgin Atlantic, and the O2 sponsor’s tent at Crieff Highland Games. Working closely with Harburn House, Reel Time Bars has also had the pleasure of being a part of celebrating a number of weddings, providing cocktails and other beverages to thirsty revellers.

The Reel Time Band also need to have a special mention for their eventful year this year. Not only has Reel Time Band delivered its unique sounds to numerous weddings in 2014, they have been also been featured in commercials for FlyBe and Visit Scotland, have played at the closing party of the Ryder Cup at Merchants Square, and played at the SECC. The One Night Wonders played at the Commonwealth Games closing party attended by HRH Prince William.

Reel Time Events would like to take this opportunity to thank all the musicians, performers, atheletes, event staff and especially our clients that have helped make the past 12 months such a success, and we look forward to entertaining you over 2015.

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Highland Games at Dundas Castle

Ross MacFarlane — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 14:05:50 +0000

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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Reel Time Events at Merchant Square

Ross MacFarlane — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 13:45:55 +0000

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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