The Scotsman
ProHighlights
- Glasgow-born singer on guitar and 8-string ukulele, in Sydney since 2021
- Also a ceilidh dance caller, from solo with backing tracks to a live band
- Has played the Australian Celtic Festival and CelticFest QLD
About The Scotsman
The Scotsman is Graeme McColgan, a Glasgow-born musician, ceilidh dance caller and event planner who moved to Sydney in 2021. He sings and plays guitar and 8-string ukulele, with a repertoire that runs from Robert Burns songs written two centuries ago to modern, upbeat folk. He has performed at the Australian Celtic Festival and CelticFest QLD, was nominated for an FAA People's Choice Award, and recorded the album Distant Shores with his folk trio The Stovies in 2023. For private events he can play solo, with his band, or run a full ceilidh. A ceilidh alternates sets of live songs with Scottish group dances such as the Gay Gordons, the Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow. Graeme teaches each dance on the floor, starting easy and building up, so a room of complete beginners can join in. The standard booking is two 45 minute sets of dancing and two 45 minute sets of live music with a 15 minute break, finishing by 11pm unless you arrange later. For longer nights there is a ceilidh and disco package with a custom playlist and lighting. He also offers solo guitar for wedding ceremonies, sound hire so speeches can be heard, and help with Scottish extras such as pipers, kilt hire and haggis through his contacts. He has played weddings, work parties, Burns Nights and St Andrew's dinners, and travels across NSW and interstate. Use the bookings form on his site to send your date, location and whether you want music, a ceilidh or PA hire.
Inclusions & amenities
Entertainment type
Budget
Pricing
Performance Details
Frequently asked questions
What instruments does The Scotsman play?
Graeme sings and plays guitar and 8-string ukulele. With his band he can add other musicians, and bagpipes or fiddle for a wedding ceremony can be arranged on request.
What is a ceilidh and do guests need to know the dances?
A ceilidh is a night of Scottish group dancing to folk tunes, usually alternating with sets of songs. No experience is needed: Graeme calls and demonstrates each dance, starting with very easy ones and building up to suit the room.
How long does he perform for?
The standard ceilidh booking is two 45 minute sets of dancing and two 45 minute sets of live music with a 15 minute break, up to 11pm for evening events. Longer nights can add a disco to finish.
How much does it cost?
As a guide, a ceilidh with Graeme as caller and backing tracks starts from $1,500 plus travel, and a ceilidh with a live band and caller starts from $2,500 plus travel. Final prices depend on the date, location and timings.
Does he travel outside Sydney?
Yes. He is based in Sydney and has performed in the Southern Highlands, Hunter Valley and Newcastle, as well as in Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. Travel is added to the quote.
Areas we service
Eastern Suburbs
Inner West
North Shore
Northern Beaches
Hills District
Western Sydney
South West Sydney
Southern Sydney
Sutherland Shire
Macarthur
Hawkesbury
Sydney CBD & Surrounds
Suitable occasions
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