Wedding Ceilidhs, Castles and University Balls

Paul
Jun 17
3 min read

Here at HotScotch, we have had a wonderful start to the year playing for events all over central Scotland, Glasgow, Fife and the Borders. We love the buzz of a busy dance floor and playing in such a range of spectacular venues, watching happy wedding couples celebrate with their families and friends, the excitement of graduation parties, birthday ceilidhs and many more events.

January saw us return to play for one of our regular events at Glenalmond School in Perthshire. The Burn's Night Ceilidh is always a great evening with all the pupils full of energy enjoying the dancing.

https://facebook.com/100063555428064/videos/1385369525969535

Another of our favourite groups to play for are the Edinburgh University Mountaineering Society, who hold regular ceilidhs in Edinburgh in Lauriston Hall. Their Burn's Night Ceilidh was a great success, the vibe in the room for these events is spectacular with a completely full dancefloor all evening. Here are a couple of video clips from the night.

https://facebook.com/100063555428064/videos/2133902790694613

We've been several new venues so far this year. Bachilton Barn in Perthshire, was one such place. Set only 15 minutes from Perth city centre, Bachilton is a barn wedding venue, on a 700 acre working farm with wide open views and that proper countryside quiet and calm. It feels tucked away and private, yet it’s easy to reach with straightforward routes from Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews. It's a really well set up venue with a separate dancefloor area which makes for a smooth transition from wedding breakfast to the evening celebrations.

Wedding guests dance in a stone hall under fairy lights, with a Hot Scotch Ceilidh Band sign and blue stage lights. — Last dance of the night

We've also played for several University Balls this term, firstly University of Edinburgh Diploma in Professional Legal Practice End of Year Ball held at the prestigious Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh, the Edinburgh University Sports SocietyUn Ball held at Tynecastle Stadium, home of Heart of Midlothian Football team, and Heriot Watt Actuarial Society Ball, held at Leith Arches.

Three smiling musicians in black perform onstage with violin, drums, and accordion beside a HotScotch Ceilidh Band banner. — Playing at Leith Arches in May

Bride and groom dance smiling at a wedding reception, guests watching under chandeliers in a bright hall.

Two of the other new venues for us were Kilmardinny House - a stunning Georgian mansion, nestled in the tranquil suburbs of Bearsden, and Newhall Estate, near Penicuk, nestled at the foot of the Pentland Hills.

We also played at the wonderful Fenton Tower, a magnificent, fortified 16th Century Keep Tower located just 20 miles east of Edinburgh between Gullane and North Berwick. This was an intimate wedding with most guests having never been to a ceilidh before, but they absolutely loved it and were a brilliant crowd to play for.

Towards the end of May we made an appearance at Edinburgh Ceilidh Club for one of their regular Tuesday night ceilidhs. A great mix of regulars and novice dancers making for another great evening.

People dance in a circle to a live ceilidh band in a bright hall; banner reads HotScotch Ceilidh Band, lively and smiling. — Edinburgh Ceilidh Club with HotScotch Ceilidh Band - May 2026

Coming up we have Leavers Balls for both Heriots School and Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, and are looking forward to playing at some regular venues such as Prestonfield House, The Caves, Houston House, and Kippielaw House.