Celebrate The Best Of Scotland This Summer With Your Very Own Scottish Themed Party

And there's a lot to celebrate, including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July, the traditional Highland Games and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September and of course Hogmanay in December.

However, we suspect the biggest party event of the year will be Thursday 18 September, the day of the Scottish Referendum. Whilst only those eligible to vote in Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections will be able to vote in the referendum, we're sure most ex-pat Scots and those of Scottish descent will be celebrating their heritage, regardless of whether their vote would be aye or nay!

So, why not hold your own Referendum Party this September: whether you live in Perth or Penzance, we have authentic Scottish bands, ceilidh bands, bagpipers and more, to keep your guests entertained until the wee hours. Don't expect to hear the result on the night, however; once the polling stations in the 32 local authority areas close at 10pm, the ballot boxes need to be transported to the Count Venues, and for the islands, that can involve a boat or a plane. It could be a very long night – or better still, a very long party!

Pipe your guests in

Nothing says welcome to a Scottish-themed party better than a bagpiper piping in your guests in full regalia! Give them the full red carpet treatment with comedy paparazzi and news crews covering this momentous event and capturing front page photos and newsflash sound bites from your 'celeb' friends. And hold on a minute, isn’t that Scotland’s own 007 Sean Connery chatting to guests? Generate some terrific double-takes with celebrity lookalikes…

Eat, eat some more and be merry



Serve guests Scottish-themed canapés from Highland themed living tables, manned by entertaining servers in Highland dress or tartans. Celebrate the rich diversity of Scottish foods by serving regional food, from Orkney crab to venison sausages, mini Angus beefburgers to sea-fresh oysters, and oatcakes piled high with Scottish cheeses such as Crowdie, Brodick Blue made from ewe's milk, Inverloch goats cheese, or superb regional cheddars.

Vote with your feet!



You may have chosen your side in the great debate, but with a ceilidh band, all you have to choose is your partner! Get everyone up and dancing with a superb ceilidh band playing traditional tunes and an energetic caller calling Scottish reels, and dances that'll bring out your inner Bonnie Price or Queen of Scots.

Many of Alive Network’s ceilidh bands bring their sets right up to date with contemporary Scottish tunes, plus a helping of Celtic rock and unexpected arrangements of pop tunes to delight your dancers all night long. A great way to mix and match guests, family and blur the generation gaps!

Book the very best Scottish party bands



If you're holding your party in Scotland and say 'yes' to any of our great Scottish functions bands, you're in for a real treat. Our party bands in Scotland know how to make sure everyone has a great time, dancing to the best music in the history of pop, rock, disco, funk and more. And because they don't have to travel (or walk) 500 miles to get to your door, they are terrific value for money too.

Down a dram or two



What Scottish theme party would be complete without a dram (or two) of the finest Scotch whisky, whether a stunning island single malt or a classic blend with the Highlands at its heart. Or, ring the changes with a range of whisky cocktails such as the patriotic Rob Roy (whisky and vermouth) created by expert mixologists at your own whisky cocktail bar. Just don't spell it whiskey…

A sweet finish

Treat your guests to a tasty treat during the evening with a bowl of Cranachan (fresh Scottish raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats) served with shortbread tails, or a square of tablet, a sugary treat similar to fudge. And, of course, a chocolate fountain, just because you can!

The grand finale



Chances are, the votes won't be counted by the time your guests need to wend their way homewards, so send them on their way with a fabulous firework display worthy of the Edinburgh Tattoo instead, complete with noisy mortars and plenty of blue and white! Or, light their way with fire and glow performers, lighting up the night sky with amazing patterns of sparks and fire.

With a range of amazing entertainment from Alive Network, your party will always get your guests' vote of approval, no ballot paper required! For more details, or to discuss your particular requirements, call us on 0845 108 5500.