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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The post Reel Time Events and ThunderMark team up to welcome Momentum to Edinburgh appeared first on Reel Time Events.

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

The post Scottish Conference for BGL in Edinburgh appeared first on Reel Time Events.

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.

The post Meet the Reel Time Events Team appeared first on Reel Time Events.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Reel Time Events and see how we can entertain you

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

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

The post Reel Time Events at Merchant Square appeared first on Reel Time Events.

Try a dram and give your senses a flavour of Scotland’s finest export.

In the midst of the busy summer season we would like to share with you some of our recent corporate entertainment packages that are proving popular this year. Our conference whisky tasting experiences have been in high demand over the last few months servicing a wide range of exciting events. As well as providing drop in “market stall” style tastings for large conferences, receptions and sit down tutored tastings for smaller private groups, we have also incorporated short taster sessions into our Highland Games packages for those who wish to immerse themselves in our fine Scottish culture! Increasingly, a popular option is to create a Scottish themed evening to expose guests to the traditional music, dress and dances  that have evolved alongside Scotland’s Whisky industry. Recently, our connoisseur whisky tastings have also proven popular amongst clients looking to put their noses and taste buds to the test with much older expressions of some of the most interesting bottling’s currently available. Not only do our connoisseur tastings give the opportunity to try unique older whisky that is unfamiliar to even the most diehard of whisky aficionados, we can even include a blind tasting element and our insightful (and generally hilarious) tasting note challenge! Led by experts our whisky connoisseur and master classes will warm the soul and enlighten the spirit. To make an enquiry into booking our whisky tasting services for your conference or for further information, please click here:

The post Conference Whisky Tasting appeared first on Reel Time Events.

Reel Time Events provided first class Scottish entertainment for new year for many revellers in the lead up to Hogmanay this year. Starting early, Roddy the Piper provided some upbeat bagpipe tunes for New Zealand party goers awaiting the bells at 11am on the 31^st December and soon after for the Australians at 1pm at the Three Sisters Pub.

Later in the day Roddy the Piper and the Reel Time Ceilidh Band went to the Dalmahoy Hotel to play for guests awaiting the New Year. In the lead up to the bells the band played a mixture of ceilidh tunes to get the crowd in high spirits. Just before the bells, a Full Pipe Band played as did Roddy the Piper to signal the arrival of a new year. After this Roddy wished everyone a happy new year and the traditional ‘Auld Lang Syne’ was performed with guests joining in. Amidst the mayhem a dancer helped get the crowd dancing and assisted in ceilidh calling, creating a lively atmosphere at the dawn of 2014.

Meanwhile Reel Time’s Traditional Ceilidh Band played for guests in Forgans, St. Andrews. Guests enjoyed ceilidh dancing and traditional Scottish folk tunes before 2014 arrived.

After all the New Year celebrations Reel Time Bars served up drinks,  teas and coffees at the DanceBase in the Grassmarket on New Year’s Day. The hot coffee helped revive crowds after the events that took place over the past 24 hours! This event was part of the official Hogmanay

Scot:Lands festival that took place throughout Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Reel Time would like to thank everybody at these events for their Hogmanay cheer and wish everybody a Happy New Year!

If you need Scottish entertainment for New Year. Get in touch early to ensure the best Scottish performers.

Three Sisters Pub. Australian and New Zealand New Years Celebrations.

The post Scottish Entertainment for The New Year! appeared first on Reel Time Events.

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

The post Whisky Tastings appeared first on Reel Time Events.