Blind Champagne tasting with Sandy Ramsay in the vaulted cellar
It was time for another Winton party, and The Sound of Film Musicals was the theme for this year’s event. Many of you will know that Winton is a fabulous venue for traditional events such as gala dinners, ceilidhs, whisky tastings, meetings and lunches, and an array of activities from the Winton highland games to team building – so we wanted to give some of our Scottish clients a few new ideas for creating memorable events.
Our Events Manager, describes the event:
“Early arrivals took part in our clay pigeon shooting competition overseen by Billy Gordon, 22 times Scottish champion, in our new shooting area deep in the woods. Stuart Evans of CCD Events took the honours claiming the ‘Famous Winton Shot’ and received a special edition bottle of whisky, kindly donated by the Famous Grouse Experience. Afterwards, the posse of shooters relaxed in the sun …. yes, it was sunny and hot! Glass of Pimms in hand, they discussed ‘the ones that got away’ on the drawing room balcony over-looking the Loch.
“Evening guests were chauffeured from Edinburgh by luxury coach or executive people carrier. They were greeted by the jazz and piping sounds of Roddy Deans and his band. Then welcomed by some glamorous show girls, who led them into the Octagon Room which had been turned into a western style saloon bar for the evening (although Champagne and wine were the order of the day!). Each room in the House had a film musical theme and had been transformed with clever use of lighting, thanks to Cameron Presentations.
“Guests were welcomed by a Music Workshop led by Jafala in the impressive Scottish Renaissance drawing room. We all had an opportunity to ’swing with the king’, as everyone supplied the chorus to King of the Swingers (Jungle book) – a new approach to team-building, and the party was now in full swing…
The can-can by French Fling
“The piece de resistance was a stunning performance of the can-can provided by French Fling, whose cart-wheeling, knicker flashing, high tempo show put a smile on many faces!
“Food and drink followed: blind Champagne tasting in the vaulted cellar was tutored by Sandy Ramsay to see if we could tell our vintage Champagne from the run-of-the-mill; and there was a barbeque of Winton smoked spare ribs, organic chicken and steak burgers on the terrace. Background music was supplied by our very own ‘Man in Black’ Andrew Mill, aka Johnny Cash, on guitar and mouth organ.
“The evening was rounded off with more live music, this time provided by The Capitals (Banana Row music, Edinburgh). Sets included classic ’60’s soul and Motown, blues, Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone. Like all good parties it had to end, the guests departed goody bag in hand with individual photos as a memento … but the singing did not stop there; we understand that the coach home became am impromptu karaoke bus!
“Winton is an impressive stately home but its size, layout and grounds make it very versatile. We’re keen to help our clients make their events that little bit different and special. So if we can help, feel free to give us a call with any ideas or plans you are considering for your next event and we will do our very best to make it an event to remember.”
The Events team can be contacted on 01875 340222 or by email on morag@wintonhouse.co.uk
