Though not uncommon at Reel Time, we had another very busy week recently with 5 Scottish band events in just 3 days. 2 events were for one incentive group, our stage show and rock band Tartanium performed twice, there was ceilidh dancing and a wedding. All of this took place at some great venues for entertainment in Edinburgh and St Andrews.

First up were the Scraggly Cats, accompanied by 3 mini-kilted Highland Dancers, at the Kimpton Hotel in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh. The rocking ceilidh band entertained an Incentive group of Americans from Spectra DMC, fresh off of a long haul flight from the states. As they relaxed and unwound from the travel, the Scraggly Cats played background pop covers during dinner, sort of like a live lounge. This was our first of two events with this group. At the second event, we’d be doing a full on ceilidh with them. In preparation for that, we introduced them to Scottish dancing with a brand new service we offer clients: Strictly Come Ceilidh Dancing. The 3 mini-kilted dancers and the band helped teach guests some dances, then couples and group were judged by the professionals – the Highland Dancers – and non-professionals i.e. a panel of senior members of the company. A fun and novel way to get to grips with ceilidh dancing, and not too taxing an evening on the heels of a long day of travel.

At the same time, just a few streets away, the 5 piece Tartanium band entertained a top-secret corporate client at a gala dinner event. The band – bagpipes, drums, guitar, keyboard, and a singer – plus three mini-kilted Highland Dancers, put on their raucous stage show for some after-dinner entertainment at the National Museum of Scotland. They were followed by a Pipeband, who emerged from one of the museum’s galleries and marched in procession through the main hall to surpise the guests with ‘Beat the Retreat.’

The next night, Tartanium was back on the road for a function at the Eden Club in Pittormie Castle, near St Andrews. Reel Time provided all sorts of entertainment for The Founders Dinner of a Private Members club. The Members had enjoyed golfing during the day on the Old Course, then returned to the Eden Club for dinner, during which Reel Time provided a Guitar and Accordion Duo and Roddy the Piper performed the Haggis Address. Then a 6-piece  Tartanium, adding a fiddle to the previous night’s setup, plus 3 mini-kilted dancers performed their whirlwind show.

On the third day, at the Assembly Rooms on George Street in Edinburgh, the Reel Time Ceilidh Band performed for the same Incentive Group of Americans hosted by Spectra. Having had a taste of ceilidh dancing, they were ready for the full event, this time without the pressure of judges.

And, finally, the Scraggly Cats were in St Andrews for a wedding. The Happy Couple both went to St Andrews University, where they met, and shared a love of ceilidh dancing which they later incorporated into their wedding. They left a lovely review here.

A busy week of Scottish Band Events for our bands, who were shortly back out in force for 5 scottish events in just one night!

If you need help finding the right band or for your Scottish Event or wedding, get in touch!