The Event

The guests were transferred from their Edinburgh city centre hotel after breakfast, arriving at Hopetoun around 9.30 am, to a bagpipe welcome. They were greeted by Donald from Hopetoun, who gave them a potted history of the Estate before the Highland Games briefing started.

The Games

The guests were split into clans to compete over the different events. They were piped on to the field, and the Highland Games commenced.

The clans of 10 had 25 minutes to learn and master each Scottish activity, with points being awarded for marksmanship, dancing ability, fun factor and accuracy.

The activities chosen for this incentive experience were:

• Caber tossing
• Archery
• Highland fling and ceilidh dancing
• Clay shooting
• Scots stone putt

Whilst the Highland Games activities were running, the sound of laughter carried through the air, punctuated with gun fire and the hearty smell of competition.

After the teams had competed around the activity field, they were piped in for their buffet lunch in the plush stables at Hopetoun.

Caterers to the Queen, Heritage Portfolio, presented a hot and cold fork buffet fit for the laird.

The menu was:

• Artisan beef and vegetable stew
• Vegetable lasagne
• Pearl barley, feta, roast aubergine, roast butternut squash and spinach salad
• Beetroot, orange, black quinoa and chilli salad

As guests enjoyed their lunch in the Stables, the activity hosts totted up the scores. Prizes were presented to the Chieftains Champion before the guests headed back on the coach to Edinburgh for an afternoon of sightseeing around Edinburgh Castle, the Edinburgh Old Town and shopping in the New Town boutiques.

The group were out for dinner in a city centre venue, Ghillie dhu and practised the ceilidh dancing they had learnt during the day. We had three highland dancers there to lead the action after they had enjoyed a Scottish banquet.

The professionals

For great Scottish incentive Highland Games experiences, have a look at our Highland Games page, or contact the reel time team for a tailored quote.

For other Scottish incentive entertainment, check out our pop up whisky tasting experience, Tartanium band or kilt hire packages.

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Last month Roddy was lucky enough to be invited by Visit Scotland, along with his colleague Will Marshall, to a week long tour of India where they helped promote Scotland as a destination to the Indian leisure industry.

Visiting Mumbai, Chandigarh and Delhi, it was a whirlwind of a week, with Roddy and Will providing an interactive bagpipe playing and ceilidh dance experience for all of the leisure buyers (DMCs, travel agents and tour companies) in attendance in each city. Along with the musical entertainment guests were also treated to a Reel Time whisky tasting experience, giving them a sample of Scotlands favourite tipple and aiding with the lubrication for ceilidh dancing.

From arriving in Mumbai  and a hair-raising taxi ride at 2am to the hotel, to an interactive whisky tasting with no whisky in Chandigarh and a very in-depth conversation comparing tea tasting to whisky tasting in Delhi, it was an exciting and interesting trip.  Roddy and Will were lucky enough to meet and work with some amazing people, Visit Scotland Staff and all the staff at the venues across India, along with all of the buyers that attended the 3 events.

Such an incredible trip was full of highlights – An evening at the Delhi High Comission,  avoiding the infamous “Delhi-Belly” or being involved in such an amazing and incredibly well-planned and executed adventure, helping promote Scotland on the international stage.  #Scotspirit

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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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Held in the stunning venue of the National Museum in Edinburgh BGL’s senior management were treated to a Scottish show with a contemporary twist from Reel Time Events, where delegates were truly immersed in Scottish culture for the evening.

Reel Time provided the ladies with tartan sashes to compliment the gentlemen in their kilt outfits to get everyone dressed for an evening of Scottish entertainment.  Delegates were welcomed in true Scottish style by a bagpiper as the arrived at the event.  Once inside there was a host of entertainment for everyone to enjoy.  Edinburghs Got Soul Choir wowed from the first level balcony with their powerful, passionate and professional performance to the party below with their rousing and high energy harmonies.

Then it was the Reel Time Bands turn to entertain with their own unique and rocking twist on a ceilidh.  Accompanied by both traditional and contemporary dancers the 7-piece ensemble, complete with singer, rocked the crowd with a Reel Time twist.

To close the night guests were treated to a spectacular “beat the retreat” by Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe band, marching through the museum.  An amazing finale to a very exciting and eventful evening.

For a sneek peek video of the event, and what goes on in the museum after hours click here.

If you would like a bespoke quote for your Scottish evening, tailored to you exact requirements contact us to discuss your requirements

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Reel Time Events had the pleasure of being part of the M&I Forum held in Edinburgh, in conjunction with Visit Scotland, providing a rousing Scottish experience and entertainment for the hundreds of meeting and event planners visiting our city from across the globe.

The Meetings and Incentive (M&I) Forum is a speed dating-style networking event bringing together buyers and suppliers from the events industry across Europe and gives them a taste of what Scotland has to offer. Reel Time Events helped Visit Scotland showcase the best of Scottish entertainment as part of the social programme.

Across the week of the event, Reel Time Events provided stilted Scottish performers and fire performers, along with Roddy the Piper welcoming the delegates to The Assembly Rooms for their evening reception.  Rachel Hair was also there, providing beautiful background music on the clarsach during dinner.

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

For the delegates gala dinner many of the guests wanted to fully immerse themselves in culture and traditions of a Scottish Ceilidh and wear kilt outfits to the event.  With the help of our new “how to measure” kilt video, delegates were able to provide their sizes in advance so that kilt outfits could be provided for all those that wanted one.  Distributed in the afternoon during the Forum at the EICC, guests were able to view our “how to wear” your kilt video for a bit of helpful guidance and gave them the afternoon to get in the mood, ready for the evening of fun and frolics.

The gala dinner itself was held in the National Museum, where the delegates were treated to a rousing and upbeat performance from the Reel Time Band, with their modern and contemporary twist on a traditional ceilidh.  Gemma Donald, Young Traditional Musician finalist, also performed a rousing solo during dinner.  Along with the band, our highland dancers were in attendance, showcasing their skills on the dancefloor for the guests and helping guide them through the various dances called by the band, including one of the largest “Orcadian Strip the Willow” the band has ever seen!

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

For the grand finale, the evening was brought to a close by a “beat the retreat” by a band of pipes and drums, a spectacular end to the evening in a spectacular venue.

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY

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To watch a video of the ceilidh and pipe band click here

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After such an amazing week organised by Visit Scotland, we are looking forward to welcoming many of the delegates organising their own incentive trips and meetings in our beautiful city.  If this is the sort of experience you would like visitors and guests of your conference or incentive trip to experience then please contact us for a tailored quote.

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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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The Scraggly cats playing at the Arran Folk Festival

The Reel Time Ceilidh Band – Scraggly Cats were over in Arran last weekend for the Whisky and folk festival. This tied in nicely with the Arran Distillerys 18th birthday party, and what fun was had!

The band played in the distillery grounds in the afternoon for the revellers, before heading off to the Lochranza village hall for a cherished moment in any ceilidh bands career, the Scottish island ceilidh!

The band played an afternoon set of rocking ceilidh music and pop song, which had the guests whipped up into a Whisky ceilidh frenzy: Clapping and singing along to end the afternoons festivities in style.

Watch part of the ceilidh and pop set here .Thanks to Positive Pictures for the filming and edit. Have a look at our pictures from Arran on our Facebook page

The evening ceilidh was a reel hit with 175 guests attending the village hall.  We topped the bill, alongside singer songwriter Scott Cowie and the distillery finance manager who gave a set on his small pipes.

Thanks to all who made this such a great event for the band.  Faye and Arran Events for all the logistics, the distillery manager for all the drams, all the assembled whisky ceilidh lovers and Greig and Kate for the much needed bacon rolls…last time we were on the island was for your wedding!

If you need a band to delight your Whisky festival or brand birthday party then let us know!

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