social program Archives - Reel Time Events

Helping Edinburgh University with Entertainment

Ross MacFarlane — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 21:09:26 +0000

After studying at Edinburgh University a ‘few years ago’, it has been a pleasure to help various faculties with entertaining their students, staff, and academic visitors.

Whether as part of the University conference offering, https://reel-time.co.uk/conferences/ as part of the official graduation ceremonies,
or teaching delegates and students some unique Scottish skills and activities such as bagpipe playing, https://reel-time.co.uk/entertainment/experiences/bagpipe-workshop/
ceilidh dancing https://reel-time.co.uk/entertainment/bands/ceilidh-folk-bands/
and how to savour a fine whisky. https://reel-time.co.uk/whisky/

We started playing bagpipes at the Edinburgh University graduation ceremonies after a trip to Beijing, where they took Roddythepiper out to play bagpipes to add some Scottish culture to proceedings.

They also took a ceilidh band, and a lively Scottish entertainment experience was had at Peking University. The Principle thought that the music had added such a great Scottish note to the Chinese Graduation ceremonies, that he decided to add it into the Graduations back in Edinburgh.

We have been supplying outstanding bagpipe players, and now a duet with the pipe band snare drum for the last 12 years. The duo warm up the Graduation crowd before they enter McKeown Hall, then play in the academic procession to the stage. They play a set of celebratory tunes as the graduates and invited guests depart.

IF you need some entertainment as part of your conference, or work with Edinburgh University, then do let us know how we can make a truly Scottish experience for your guests.

The University of Edinburgh is a prestigious and internationally renowned institution of higher education located in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1582, it is one of the
oldest universities in the English-speaking world. The university has a rich history of academic excellence and has produced numerous notable alumni, including scientists, authors, politicians, and other prominent figures.

Here is some interesting information about the University of Edinburgh:

Reputation: The University of Edinburgh consistently ranks among the top universities in the United Kingdom and the world. It is a member of the Russell Group, an association of 24 leading research-intensive UK universities.
Campuses: The university has multiple campuses, with the main campus situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. There are also satellite campuses, including the King's Buildings campus, which houses science and engineering faculties.
Academic Programs: The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, medicine, and business.
Research: The university is recognized for its significant contributions to research and innovation. It is involved in various research projects and partnerships, both nationally and internationally.
Notable Achievements: Many ground-breaking discoveries and inventions have emerged from research conducted at the University of Edinburgh. Notable examples include the identification of the hepatitis C virus and the development of the first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep.
Student Life: Edinburgh is a vibrant and student-friendly city, and the university provides a diverse and active student community. There are numerous clubs, societies, and events that cater to a wide range of interests and backgrounds.
Cultural Heritage: The university is steeped in history, and its architecture reflects various periods. Its Old College and New College buildings, for instance, are iconic landmarks in the city.
International Outlook: The University of Edinburgh attracts a diverse student body from around the world, fostering a global atmosphere on campus.
Edinburgh Festival: The university plays a significant role during the annual Edinburgh Festival, a world-renowned arts festival that includes the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

It remains a highly regarded institution for those seeking a top-notch education and an enriching academic experience in a culturally vibrant city. For the latest information about the University of Edinburgh, you can visit their official website at www.ed.ac.uk. There, you will find comprehensive and current information about their academic programs, research activities, campus facilities, admissions process, and much more.

For information about Edinburgh University Conference venues and support, have a look at https://www.uoecollection.com/

The post Helping Edinburgh University with Entertainment appeared first on Reel Time Events.

Whisky tasting for conference social program

Ross MacFarlane — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 13:23:13 +0000

The organisers of the Scottish leg of a security tech conference asked Reel Time Events to provide a whisky tasting experience as part of their social program. The guests attending the conference travelled from all over Europe and were hosted for 5 days at the Balmoral hotel.

Where?

The conference gala dinner was at the National Museum of Scotland, with the whisky tasting being in the undercroft entrance hall area. The guests sampled 4 malt whiskies: Auchentoshan, Glen Moray, Glendronach and Laphroaig. This gave a fine and varied selection of Scottish liquid with various wood finishes (bourbon, sherry and port wood) contrasting flavours, colours and regional expressions.

Format

With 130 guests, we set up 4 whisky stations, with 4 whisky experts. This format encourages networking amongst the guests and interaction with the whisky hosts. The guests were interested in the striking differences in the style of whisky, along with the effects of even a few drops of water on their dram.

Just as the cacophony of chatter, wit and exuberance hit the high notes, the sound of the bagpipes was heard, signalling to all that dinner was being called by Richard, the museum Master of Ceremonies, and the guests were piped in for dinner.

The guests enjoyed a vintage pop band playing a set during dinner and then as a lively soundtrack to the remainder of their evening.

To mention the other prestigious suppliers who helped to make the conference gala dinner come to life; Heritage Portfolio Ltd supplied the banquet, and it was fit for a King! Vision Events provided the red carpet treatment, flambos and sound and lighting throughout the main gallery. Management of the event was coordinated by the experienced team at the Museum along with CWise, a team of London event planners.

If you need a whisky-tasting experience at your conference or gala dinner, have a look at our whisky tasting page and contact the Reel Time team for some options and inspiration.

The post Whisky tasting for conference social program appeared first on Reel Time Events.

Reel Time Events and ThunderMark team up to welcome Momentum to Edinburgh

Ross MacFarlane — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 12:09:50 +0000

Reel Time Events, working with Thundermark, welcomed the Momentum group to the Edinburgh leg of their incentive trip.

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.

Edinburgh M&I Forum 2015 Entertained by Reel Time Events

Ross MacFarlane — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 15:00:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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.

The post Edinburgh M&I Forum 2015 Entertained by Reel Time Events appeared first on Reel Time Events.

Reel Time Whisky tasting

Ross MacFarlane — Wed, 29 May 2013 11:06:49 +0000

Reel Time Events is a whisky tasting company based in Edinburgh. We were asked to put on a Whisky tasting for a health and safety conference dinner.
We arrived at the Hilton in Glasgow while the guests were enjoying their dinner.
Setting up the Whisky stations in a room adjacent to the dining guests.
The guests enjoyed a short presentation by Whisky writer and poet, Robin Laing, who explained the nosing technique and why Whisky was good for their health and safety!

We had 3 different tasting stations set up, with the three experts talking to the guests about the different drams available.
The clients enjoyed the event, and thought it added a great Scottish element to the first night of their conference.
If you would like to book a Whisky tasting in Edinburgh, Glasgow, or anywhere in the UK, then have a look at our Whisky tasting page and get in touch for more information and a tailored quote.

Thanks to Stephen D Lawrence for the fantastic pictures of the event.

The post Reel Time Whisky tasting appeared first on Reel Time Events.

3 Whisky tastings over the last couple of weeks

Ross MacFarlane — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 13:53:53 +0000

McEwan hall, 230 guests enjoyed a Whisky tasting experience in one of Edinburgh University’s most stunning buildings as part of their social program for their conference.

We brought in a couple of our friends from Mellis cheesemonger, who served up a great selection of Scottish cheeses. Helping us to promote responsible drinking.

We returned To Edinburgh University’s Play fair library for a whisky tasting experience for the Conference of Bibliographers. A smaller group of 100 guests had great interaction with our Whisky experts, and we laid on some great Scottish cheese for them.

The post 3 Whisky tastings over the last couple of weeks appeared first on Reel Time Events.