The Scotsman
ProHighlights
- Singer and guitarist from Glasgow, also on 8-string ukulele, in Sydney since 2021
- Calls ceilidhs, either solo with backing tracks or with a live band
- Festival appearances at CelticFest QLD and the Australian Celtic Festival
About The Scotsman
Behind The Scotsman is Graeme McColgan, who was born in Glasgow, moved to Sydney in 2021, and works as a musician, a ceilidh caller and an event organiser. He's a singer who plays 8-string ukulele and guitar, and his songs range from Robert Burns pieces some two hundred years old to cheerful modern folk. His festival slots include CelticFest QLD and the Australian Celtic Festival, and in 2023 his folk trio The Stovies put out an album, Distant Shores. Private bookings can be solo, with the band, or a full ceilidh. At a ceilidh, sets of live songs take turns with Scottish group dances like Strip the Willow, the Dashing White Sergeant and the Gay Gordons. Graeme walks everyone through each dance on the floor, starting simple and stepping it up, so even a room with no experience can take part. A standard booking runs to two 45-minute dance sets and two 45-minute music sets, with a 15-minute break, and wraps up by 11pm unless you agree on a later finish. If you want to keep going, a ceilidh and disco package adds a personalised playlist and lighting. He can also play solo guitar during a wedding ceremony, supply a sound system so speeches carry, and use his network to arrange Scottish touches like a piper, kilt hire or haggis. His bookings have included St Andrew's dinners, Burns Nights, office parties and weddings, and he travels around NSW and interstate. Use the bookings form on his website to tell him the date and location, and whether it's music, a ceilidh or PA hire you're after.
Inclusions & amenities
Entertainment type
Line-up size
Budget
Pricing
Performance Details
Formats range from Graeme calling solo with backing tracks to a full 4 to 5 piece band. Sound hire for speeches and solo guitar for the ceremony are available. He is based in Sydney and travels across NSW and interstate, with travel charged on top.
Frequently asked questions
What instruments does The Scotsman play?
Graeme plays guitar and 8-string ukulele and sings. Bringing the band adds more musicians, and a piper or fiddler for a wedding ceremony can be organised if you ask.
What is a ceilidh and do guests need to know the dances?
A ceilidh is an evening of Scottish group dancing to folk music, usually broken up with sets of songs. Nobody needs to know the steps: Graeme explains and shows each dance, beginning with the simplest and working up to what the room can handle.
How long does he perform for?
A standard ceilidh is two 45-minute dance sets and two 45-minute music sets with a 15-minute break, running no later than 11pm for evening events. For a longer night, add a disco at the end.
How much does it cost?
Roughly, a ceilidh with Graeme calling to backing tracks starts at $1,500 plus travel, and one with a live band as well as the caller starts at $2,500 plus travel. The final price depends on the date, location and timings.
Does he travel outside Sydney?
Yes. From his Sydney base he has played Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and the Southern Highlands, and in Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria. Travel costs are included in the quote.
Areas we service
Suitable occasions
Is this your business? Claim this listing
Related listings nearby
From $1,300
From $660
From $500
From $300
