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

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.

Scottish Conference for BGL in Edinburgh

Reel Time Events had the pleasure of entertaining the senior management team at the BGL group for their Gala dinner at Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland.

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.

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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

Edinburgh M&I Forum 2015 Entertained by Reel Time Events

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.

Highland Games at Dundas Castle

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 gounds 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

Reel Time Events at Merchant Square

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

Meetings and Incentive Trip to Scottish Castles | A Highland Games Experience

Last weekend Reel Time Events were pleased to provide the finest Scottish entertainment for a meetings and incentive trip. The client, an international cosmetic brand, was keen to entertain their high achieving sales team. Arranged through Cashel Travel, the guests enjoyed a day of Highland Games Activities in the luxury surroundings of Ferniehirst Castle. Reel Time Events organised an afternoon of fun and challenging activities including Caber Tossing, Scots Hammer Throwing and Welly Wanging. While this may sound like a physically challenging day, the Falconry Display, Bagpipe Lessons and Archery helped guests recover in between the more competitive activities. To add to the challenge, the team was split into five ‘clans’ and competed to gain points by winning each activity to declare one clan the chieftan champion. In the grounds of the castle both teams thoroughly enjoyed their Highland Games Experience on the first day of their incentive trip.

Day 2

On the second day, the guests were taken by coach to a Scottish Gala Dinner in Wedderburn Castle where an evening of Scottish entertainment ensued.  Arriving at the castle, the guests were piped inside by Roddy The Piper, a highly esteemed piper from Edinburgh. The guests dressed up in traditional Scottish attire; Reel Time Events arranged kilt hire for the gentlemen and tartan sashes for the ladies. During dinner there was a bagpipe performance accompanied by traditional Highland Dancers. After the evening meal the Reel Time Band performed a range of ceilidh tunes and the guests danced through the night. Each dance was ‘called’ so even newcomers to ceilidh were up to speed with the steps. This was the most enthusiastic ceilidh crowd The Reel Time Band has played to with only 3 guests sitting out the dances during the 2 hour set.

Over the two days the incentives guests had the chance to bond, relax and reap the rewards of their efforts whilst enjoying the finest Scottish music and traditions. Reel Time Events thoroughly enjoyed the two days as well.

Reel Time mini Adventure

Reel Time entertained 42 mini enthusiasts on the 29^th April 2011 at Marlins Wynd restaurant in Edinburgh.  They had been touring around Scotland in their classic Minis, and were looking for a Real Scottish Experience as a grand finale.

The group were met at their hotel by the Pipe Major. Their evening had remained a surprise to them. The group were piped up the Royal Mile, pied piper style, and down Blair Street to the restaurant.  Where they were greeted with a great Balvenie whisky tasting with canapés before dinner.  The group were all eager to have photos taken with the piper.

Reel Time enlisted the help of Marlins Wynd, a fantastic corporate event space and restaurant. Their Scottish menu consisted of:

Scottish hot smoked salmon to start.  Haggis, our national dish was served as an intermediary before main course of Venison.  The Scottish banquet was topped off with Cranachan.  A delicious Scottish dessert made from cream, Scottish berries and whisky.

The guests were piped in for dinner.  Before the haggis was served, the Address to the haggis was performed;  highland dancers entertained the guests between the main course and dessert. With a Scottish accordion player accompanying dessert.

While the tables were cleared, the guests enjoyed a drink at the bar, before participating in some traditional Scottish Ceilidh dancing with the Reel Time Ceilidh Band.

Guests departed after a hearty Scottish evening of dancing and Scottish culture. We woke up in the morning still hearing un, deux, trois!!

If you are looking for a memorable Scottish evening for a group whether on an incentive, leisure trip or business group; then get in touch with Reel Time Events.

We also provide teambuilding activities, highland games and other Scottish entertainment.

Visit Scotland: Scotland Means Business 2011

We were up at the Old Course Hotel on Tuesday for a fantastic event run by Visit Scotland  for their Scotland Means Business workshop. 150 companies from all over the world converged on Fairmont Hotel for face to face meetings, networking and of course a VIP Scottish themed gala dinner (held down the road at the Old Course)

Roddy Deans was comparing the event, introducing Bagpipers, celtic dancers and of course the energetic Reel Time Ceilidh Band.

Guests commented afterwards over a nightcap what a fantastic Scottish event it had been, letting them experience first hand the diverse range of Scottish hospitality, entertainment and culture on offer to companies in the MICE industry.

Reel Time Events was pleased to be an official partner for this event, and looks forward to helping Visit Scotlands guests organise their events all over Scotland.

IF you need some assistance planning your meeting, incentive, conference, or exhibition in Scotland, then get in touch with Reel Time Events, the MICE experts.