Bonnie & Wild’s free ceilidh at St James Quarter – join the party at these Scottish country dances in Edinburgh’s city centre
Once a hit TV show in the 1950s, the legendary White Heather Club has been reprised by Scottish Food Hall Bonnie & Wild, and relaunched as a lively free ceilidh in the heart of Edinburgh.
Hosted at Bonnie & Wild in the St James Quarter, the monthly ceilidhs take place on the last Thursday of each month, and have quickly become a major highlight of Edinburgh’s events calendar since launching last July.
Known for its diverse and first-class food and drink offer, the Scottish Food Hall also has a beautiful private events space that can also be hired at other times, with bookings now being taken for its Christmas ceilidh, office parties, family dinners and all manner of festive celebrations.
A brilliant addition to Edinburgh’s events calendar
Launched during the Edinburgh Fringe last year, the White Heather Club has been popular every month since, with hundreds if not thousands of dancers enjoying a Highland fling over the past year or so.
Colin Campbell of Bonnie & Wild, said “It’s a hugely successful event within the St James Quarter, a great draw, and a lively and popular addition to the city’s night-time offering. Whether it’s our wonderful regulars or passers-by, everyone enjoys the music, ceilidh dancing, and the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Everyone leaves with a big smile on their face!
“The White Heather Club name comes from the legendary 1950s BBC TV show, which featured then household names such as Jimmy Shand and Andy Stewart. In fact, one of the senior team here has a relative who was a dancer in the show, so there’s a deep personal connection too.”
Music comes from Charlie Kirkpatrick and his band, renowned as one of Scotland's best ceilidh bands. Charlie calls out the moves so even if you don't know the dances you can still go along and enjoy the best of Highland hospitality.
The event has also partnered with the ScotlandShop, a leading kilt-maker in Edinburgh. Colin said: “This is a really fun partnership that gets us celebrating our Scottish heritage - there’s always tartan on show, as well as a team to talk about our Clan heritage! They also bring along a grand wooden throne, great for that Instagram moment.
“We’ve just enjoyed our September ceilidh and are already looking forward to our future ceilidhs this year, on October 26, November 30 and December 28, and of course looking ahead to 2024. Burns Night on January 25ht is shaping up to be a very special one.”
Special events
But the White Heather Club ceilidhs are only part of a series of events at Bonnie & Wild, which also includes whisky tastings, cocktail masterclasses and chef’s table experiences. Last Monday the Food Hall hosted the high-profile launch of the latest Bowmore Aston Martin Master’s Selection whisky, currently on sale at Bonnie & Wild’s whisky shop for £425!
Bonnie & Wild’s events space is one of those hidden gems that people in Edinburgh and beyond are gradually finding out about. The space, which comprises three rooms that can be opened up into one free-flowing venue, can host private parties for up to 100 guests. They’re now taking bookings for Christmas parties and other functions. Local businesses and organisations, or groups of friends and families, looking for a special Christmas dinner in a private dining room or festive gathering need look no further.
Colin added: “It’s an excellent city centre venue for your Christmas celebrations. Get in touch to make a booking, whether it’s an office party, family gathering or friends reunion. You could even organise your own ceilidh if you can’t make it along to one of our White Heather Club nights!”
To find out more go to bonnieandwildmarket.com