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By admin, on August 18th, 2010
HotScotch Ceilidh Band are one of the top ceilidh bands in Scotland and offer a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary Scottish dance music for wedding reception entertainment, highland balls, corporate functions and many other events.
This Edinburgh ceilidh band produce an exciting mix of accordion, fiddle, and drums providing just the right atmosphere for a cracking night!
The band caters for all audiences and can include a Disco & Lighting package to compliment the Ceilidh.
Based in Edinburgh, they travel all over Scotland and the North of England as well as performing regularly overseas.
So if you need a ceilidh band in Glasgow, a ceilidh band in Edinburgh or a ceilidh band in England, look no further. Their lively style of playing and rapport with the audience will have the dancers up on the floor all evening.
All of the ceilidh dances can be called by the band to ensure all can join in whatever their experience.
All of the band members are outstanding musicians in their own right and have played at events all over the world.
By admin, on January 28th, 2011
HotScotch Ceilidh Band had a busy weekend, playing for two Student Balls in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Edinburgh Veterinary Student Society Burns Night Ceilidh was held at the Summerhall buildings in Edinburgh – part of the Dick Vet School, and was a great evening. The traditional meal of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, was followed by rousing renditions of some of Robert Burns’ best known works such as Tam o’ Shanter.
Robert Burns was born on the 25th of January 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire and he was one of the pioneers of the Romantic Movement. His songs, and poetry are well known across the world and people celebrate his birth each year by reminiscing and giving renditions of his works at Burns Suppers.
Saturday evening saw the ceilidh band play for another Student Ball in one of Glasgow’s best city centre venues – the Thistle Hotel. The Thistle has a beautiful big ballroom and with over 400 in attendance the floor was filled all evening. The band was delighted to have Andrew Gifford joining them on fiddle for the evening. Andrew is one of Scotland’s best Shetland Fiddlers and one of the members of the group Fiddler’s Bid.
The evening finished off with a couple of hours of Disco from the band’s resident DJ Paul Chamberlain. HotScotch Ceilidh Band Edinburgh have a sound and lighting system capable of handling all sizes of venues, with additional speakers that can be brought in where required for larger or outdoor venues.
By admin, on January 9th, 2011
HotScotch Ceilidh Band have been busy over the last few weeks and after hectic festive season, the band is looking forward to another successful year of playing for ceilidh dancing in 2011.
 Dalhousie Castle & Spa They recently played for events in Edinburgh University’s Teviot Row for a sports society, the spectacular Dalhousie Castle, just outside Edinburgh, Bathgate’s newest venue, the Vu, as well as regular venues in central Edinburgh, the George Hotel and the Balmoral Hotel.
 Kenmore Hotel near Aberfeldy Accordionist Paul Chamberlain, was invited to play for a splendid Hogmanay ceilidh at the Kenmore Hotel near Aberfeldy. There was a great crowd of ceilidh dancers who were on the floor all evening. Just before midnight, everybody went outside where a spectacular fireworks display took place in the centre of the village. After that, it was back to the ballroom to begin the New Year with a Gay Gordons.
2011 looks to be another eventful year for Paul and the band, so if you are looking for a dynamic, professional Scottish Ceilidh Band for your function, please contact Paul either by phone or email to discuss how HotScotch Ceilidh Band can make yours a successful, enjoyable night to remember. The ceilidh band travel all over Scotland and the UK, with regular appearances abroad.
By admin, on December 2nd, 2010
Scottish Ceilidh Bands Around the World
At this time of year, many Scottish Ceilidh Bands travel overseas to play for St. Andrew’s Day events. These are often coupled with other ceilidhs or Scottish Country Dance teaching and dancing sessions. Ceilidh Bands in Glasgow, Ceilidh Bands in Edinburgh and those from all over Scotland, are regularly invited out to play for these events around the world.
Due to the vast number of Scottish Expatriates around the world, there are a great many Scottish societies which hold events for their members. Bringing traditional Scottish music to them provides a highlight to the calendar, and also helps to show the Scottish culture to their friends and colleagues
Scottish Societies
The St Andrew Society has a comprehensive list of organisations around the world dedicated to Scottish music and culture.
Many of these St Andrew’s Societies, Caledonian Societies and other Scottish clubs do a great amount of fundraising and charity work in their respective countries.
Paul Chamberlain, accordionist of HotScotch Ceilidh Band had been invited out play at many such events and has been out to play for festivals in Russia several times.
Historical Links between Scotland and Russia
Russia and Scotland have had long historical links from the Middle Ages onwards. Hundreds of Scottish names have become renowned in Russian history, industrial development and culture.
Many Russians can claim Scottish ancestry dating back to 16th-century immigrants and retain an interest in the country. Indeed there is a wide following in Russia for Robert Burns. The former Soviet Union even issued a commemorative stamp featuring the bard and them cherished as a working class hero.
The Bard is so popular in Russia that fans there claim to have more Burns clubs than Scotland. All of his poetry has been translated into Russian and it is taught in the country’s schools.
Russia also has a thriving Caledonian Society, based in a Scottish cultural centre in Moscow, and a network of St Andrew’s societies organising social and cultural events.
With Russia’s economy enjoying rapid growth in recent years and the plan by the Scottish government to establish a Tartan Week in Moscow, would bring substantial economic opportunities for Scotland.
Accordion Festivals in St. Petersburg
Accordionist Paul Chamberlain was invited out to play at both the Baltica Harmonica Festival and the International Festival of Music for Accordion. His Scottish music was given a great reception by the Russian audiences and this resulted in a subsequent return to Moscow to take part in a two-week festival of Scottish Culture.
Festival of Scottish Culture in Moscow
During this festival Paul took part in performances in Gorky Park, The Central House of Artists, Arbat Street, Vermel Club, Toshka Nightclub, as well as a three-day visit to the city of Lipetsk to perform concerts there.
HotScotch Ceilidh Band from Edinburgh are one of the many Scottish Ceilidh Bands who are invited out to play for events abroad in countries such as Bahrain, Greece, Monaco and Russia.
By admin, on November 29th, 2010
Accordionist, Paul Chamberlain, leads a very successful ceilidh band in Edinburgh. HotScotch Ceilidh Band – an inspired, dynamic trio, are in high demand for functions around the UK and abroad.
HotScotch Ceilidh Band offer a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary Scottish dance music. An exciting mix of accordion, fiddle, and drums providing just the right atmosphere for a cracking night!
The band caters for all audiences and can include a Disco & Lighting package to compliment the Ceilidh. Based in Edinburgh, they travel all over Scotland and the North of England.
Their lively style of playing and rapport with the audience will have the dancers up on the floor all evening.
Paul Chamberlain is also an accomplished professional classical accordionist. The classical accordion is truly an amazing instrument and here in the UK, Paul Chamberlain is one of a very select group of talented young musicians working to increase the instrument’s profile, a profile that was established through the pioneering work of accordionist Professor Owen Murray.
Born in Scotland in 1981, Paul Chamberlain was immersed in a wealth of music from a very early age. At 17 he was invited out to St. Petersburg to perform in the Baltica Harmonica Festival and it was performances by artists there such as Yuri Shishkin and Oleg Sharov which inspired his change of focus to the greater possibilities of the free-bass button instrument. Over the last ten years Paul has developed his performance technique on the instrument with his inspiring teacher Djordje Gajic and also through master-classes with experts such as Owen Murray, Peter Soave and Jean-Louis Norton.
Paul is a highly accomplished player and his current title of UK Virtuoso Accordion Champion is testimony to his breadth of skills across many competitions in both classical and Scottish music styles. With appearances at music festivals around Europe and live television performances in Russia and Finland, Paul has also performed in France, Italy, Greece and Bahrain.
Currently Paul is studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow, under the tutelage of Dr Djordje Gajic. In 2010 he was Highly Commended for his performance in the Tony and Tania Webster Prize for rare Russian music, and he was winner of the acclaimed Governors Recital Prize.
Paul is an active concert performer and is also one quarter of “The Scottish Tango Ensemble”.
He has adjudicated at competitions such as the NAAFC Musselburgh Festival and the NAO UK Accordion Championships, and teaches accordion at Fettes College in Edinburgh, as well as giving private accordion lessons in Edinburgh.
By admin, on November 7th, 2010
On Tuesday 9th November, the ceilidh band are guests of the Ceilidh Club at The Lot in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
The ceilidh club at the Lot runs every Tuesday evening from 8pm in one of Edinburgh’s finest acoustic music venues, holding up to 80 people.
If you are looking at the options of choosing one of the finest Ceilidh Bands in Scotland for your wedding or corporate function, then this is an ideal opportunity to come along to hear the band play and join in the dancing yourself to one of the best Ceilidh Bands in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh’s top ceilidh bands play at the lot. Each band has a caller who will teach the dances, so the event is great for everyone from complete beginners to experienced ceilidh dancers. Accordionist, Paul Chamberlain will lead everybody through the dances to ensure a great night for all.
Tickets £6 on the door and reserved by calling The Lot on 0131 225 9922
By admin, on November 7th, 2010
Making sure you have the right entertainment for your event.
When it comes to organising an event with musical entertainment there are many different things that one has to consider in order to make it as successful and enjoyable as possible. If these areas are carefully looked at in detail whilst planning the event, then it will have a much higher chance of great success.
Choice of Music
Of course, right at the top of the list is the decision as to the type of music required for the vent and how this will fit in with the other aspects. Background music by a solo pianist will provide a great ambience during a meal for instance, whereas a Scottish Ceilidh Band will ensure a great fun, social night for all attendees.
Finding the best entertainment to suit the venue
The type of entertainment also depends on the venue in which it is to be held. If one if looking at a dancing scenario, then there must be adequate space on the dancefloor, or room for the venue to lay down a good-sized floor if there isn’t already on there.
Types of Bands
Again, the type of band is crucial to the success of the event. Bands range from Pop, Rock, Funk, Jazz, Salsa, Ceilidh Bands and many more. There is a great variety in the line-up of all of these types of bands, and that must also be taken into consideration to suit the size of venue and the budget of the event.
How to choose the most suitable band for your function
To make a choice as to the most suitable band for your function, you must consider the type of event, theme of the event, the target audience or attendees if it is a corporate function, and pick a style of music that will appeal to the greatest range of your guests.
Listening or Dancing
At any type of social event, there will always be some guests who are not able to participate in the dancing due to age, fitness or other reason. It is therefore essential that the music being provided for the guests is enjoyable to listen to if one is not dancing. Scottish Ceilidh Bands are ideal in this situation as the music is lively, tuneful and the sort of thing that people will naturally tap their feet along to and enjoy whether they are able to dance or not.
Many people only get the chance to participate in Scottish ceilidh dancing when they attend weddings in Scotland. There are however, many public ceilidh dances which take place regularly all over the country and it is worth seeking out what is happening in your area so that you can enjoy this great form of entertainment all year round.
By admin, on September 30th, 2010
Something Different!
When it comes to planning your next company event, whether it is to be a Conference, Promotional Event, Christmas Party or Retirement Party, why not make it a night of Scottish Ceilidh Dancing. Many companies organise themed days, sports hospitality packages, adventure and action team building events, and other varied pursuits, but a professionally organised evening of Scottish entertainment will make your company stand out from the rest.  Edinburgh Ceilidh Band HotScotch, playing in Monaco HotScotch Ceilidh Band have a wealth of experience of providing high quality professional entertainment for all types of events and venues.
Their services are tailored to your specific needs and they can also organise for other acts such as piper, singers and other musicians to suit your the requirements of you event.
Scottish Ceilidh Dancing
A Scottish Ceilidh is guaranteed to make your next corporate function an exciting, memorable event with for all attendees. This is a great way for instance, to show invited guests from overseas a traditional Scottish evening. Ceilidh dancing is easy, fun and everybody can join in without having any prior experience. The band’s dance caller will guide everybody though the steps, giving a truly memorable experience for your guests.
Other elements such as a Highland Piper to welcome guests, or a Clarsach player during dinner, can be added to enhance to Scottish ambiance.
Types of Functions that a Scottish Ceilidh is most suited to
An evening of Ceilidh Dancing is ideal for your next Christmas Party, Retirement Party, Conference, Promotional Event, to Welcome International Visitors, and all other types of Social Functions.
Usually, the ceilidh can also be combined with a professional Disco in order to cater for all individuals in your organisation. An experienced, professional DJ will hold a vast library of music from 50s/60s right up to the current chart hits. Make sure that they have a professional lighting rig which includes LED and Laser effects. A smoke machine can also be linked, although this is dependent on fire regulations of the venue.
The ability to provide a mixture of music in this way ensures that all tastes are catered for. The supplier and venue will work with you to put together a complete entertainment package for your event which can be co-ordinated with a Scottish-themed meal if desired.
The benefits of holding a ceilidh
A ceilidh is a great way to promote social interaction within your organisation and also an ideal way to welcome guests and conference delegates.
When planning your company’s next event, do give thought to incorporating a Scottish Ceilidh into a fabulous entertainment package for all your staff and guests. HotScotch are one of the most popular Ceilidh Bands in Scotland, and will ensure you have a great night to remember. They are entirely flexible to suit your requirements and timings and will work with you to put together a complete entertainment package for your event. If you need a Ceilidh Band in Glasgow, the look no further than HotScotch Ceilidh Band.
A ceilidh is a great way to promote social interaction within your organisation and also an ideal way to welcome guests and conference delegates.
By admin, on September 6th, 2010
Hogmanay Celebrations
Hogmanay, or Auld Year’s Night is one of the busiest dates in the calendar for all kinds of venues and entertainers. In Scotland, it is traditional to have a Scottish Ceilidh Band to play for the evening and then often a piper to pipe in the New Year.
Hotels all over Scotland arrange functions for their guests which include a special dinner menu prior to the traditional ceilidh dancing which follows.
Auld Lang Syne
A very popular Hogmanay custom is to sing “Auld Lang Syne” and this has become popular in many countries. This traditional poem was reinterpreted by Robert Burns and then later set to music.
The traditional practice in Scotland is to start off holding hands in a circle and then to cross arms for the last verse.
The words for Auld Lang Syne are
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne.”
Festivities around the world
Cities all over the world from Sydney, to New York, London and Paris also host large outdoor parties. However probably the most famous annual event, is the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party. This vast celebration welcomes over eighty thousand revellers to Princes Street and a huge outdoor ceilidh in Edinburgh as well as many bands and a spectacular fireworks display high above the castle.
People come from all over the world to enjoy the festivities and many have never been to a Scottish ceilidh before, but they all join in the fun and have a great evening.
Many people hold their own house parties or hire local village halls to celebrate the event. Ceilidh dancing is very popular and all of the ceilidh bands in Scotland will be booked on this evening. The city of Glasgow also holds a large outdoor celebration in George Square.
Hogmanay is also a very special, memorable day to hold a wedding, although the costs will be somewhat higher than normal due to the demand for venues, caterers and entertainment.
The bells of Big Ben in London are broadcast around the country so that everybody can enjoy the countdown to midnight and the start of the New Year.
First Footing
One of the traditions at New Year is that before midnight on the 31st of December, the house should be cleaned (including taking out the ashes from the fire in the days when coal fires were common). There is also the superstition to clear all your debts before “the bells” at midnight.
Another tradition is “first footing”. This is still common in Scotland and is believed to bring good luck for the year ahead.
Ceilidh Bands in Scotland
Ceilidh bands in Scotland and many other musicians, are always booked up long in advance for this date and all of the ceilidh bands in Glasgow, the ceilidh bands in Edinburgh, and other parts of the country enjoy making Hogmanay a fun, exciting and memorable evening for all.
By admin, on August 22nd, 2010
On Saturday 14th August, Scottish Ceilidh Band HotScotch, were playing for a wedding at Abden House, Edinburgh. The function took place in a marquee in the grounds of Abden House, part of the Pollock House Edinburgh University complex. The guests were all very enthusiastic about the ceilidh dancing and kept the floor filled throughout the night. The final dance was the Orcadian Strip the Willow, which ran the whole length of the marquee with around 40 couples dancing which was very impressive!
The ceilidh band also recieved a lovely email from the bride’s parents to say how much they had enjoyed the evening.
My husband and I wish to say a big thank you for your excellent music and calling at our daughter’s wedding celebration at Abden House last Saturday, 14th August. The great atmosphere of fun and happiness said it all. All those guests from south of the border and many other countries just loved it and were up there dancing away the whole evening, many having thought it would be too dificult for them!
We’ll certainly recommend you.
Sincerely
Ewan and Pauline Walker
It was an honour to have been chosen from amongst the many ceilidh bands in Scotland, to play for this wedding and we wish them all the best for their future together.
By admin, on August 19th, 2010
When it comes to organising your wedding reception, HotScotch Ceilidh Band can provide the perfect package to suit any situation. Choosing between the vast array of ceilidh bands in Scotland can seem a daunting task, but look no further than HotScotch Ceilidh Band. All three members are talented professional musicians, and the combination of Accordion, Fiddle and Drums provides a dynamic well balanced sound for a superb night of Ceilidh Dancing. Other line-ups can easily be arranged according to your requirements.
With a vast wealth of experience, Paul Chamberlain will guide you through the process of planning the entertainment to make sure that you have a successful, enjoyable evening to remember.
Choosing your first dance can be a tricky task, and you can either have a song which is special to you, or dance to the band for a ‘first waltz’. This is an opportunity for your guests to take photographs before being invited up to join the bride and groom for the ceilidh dancing.
 HotScotch Ceilidh Band at Loch Lomond All of the dances can be called out so that your guests can all join in even if they have never done ceilidh dancing before, and the popular favourites are covered such as The Gay Gordon’s, Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant, Flying Scotsman, Military Two-Step, Eightsome Reel, Canadian Barn Dance, as well as some less well known, but equally fun dances.
The Ceilidh usually finishes up with a big Orcadian Strip the Willow to bring everybody back on the floor with the bride and groom at the top of the set to start things off.
Whether you want the ceilidh band to play all evening or a mixture of Ceilidh and Disco, HotScotch will keep the party going.
HotScotch can provide a disco package to compliment the ceilidh. A vast library of music covering all eras up to the latest chart hits will ensure that every taste can be catered for. Requests are very welcome on the night and if there are particular songs that you would like us to play you can provide a list for the DJ in advance.
It can be difficult to judge the balance of Ceilidh and Disco beforehand, but HotScotch are experienced in gauging the crowd and are entirely flexible, so as to guarantee you and your guests have a fabulous night.
This Scottish Ceilidh Band use high quality professional audio equipment to provide a superior sound and the combination of accordion, fiddle and drums will keep your feet tapping all night.
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