In 1973, Martin Cooper, of Motorola, made the first handheld mobile phone call in New York City in a celebration of cutting edge technology. Halfway around the world, another first was taking place, but it bore a strong traditional Scottish flavour.
Now thought to be the longest-running traditional show in Scotland, Jamie’s Scottish Evening has entertained visitors to Edinburgh for more than 40 years. Held nightly from April to October in The King James by Thistle Hotel, it has become a firm favourite with tourists who want to experience a whirlwind tour of traditional Scotland.
Following a strong tradition of Scottish variety entertainment, each show features some of Scotland’s finest musicians and dancers performing some of the country’s most famous songs, dances and customs. Add to that a delicious four-course meal – which includes a taste of haggis, neeps and tatties – and you’ve got a truly welcoming Scottish experience.
Each piece of music included in the show is steeped in Scottish history. From the rousing Loch Lomond, first heard in the mid-1800s, to Rabbie Burns’s Auld Lang Syne, written in 1700s, each song is ingrained in Scottish culture.
The music is chosen and arranged by band leader and accordionist Gordon Pattullo, 52, who has been involved in the show for eight years. Picking up the accordion for the first time at the age of 11, it wasn’t long before Gordon was touring the world with Scottish legend Andy Stewart – at the age of just 15.
Now in demand across the globe as a top musician, he has released 22 albums but has a special fondness for Jamie’s Scottish Evening, a show that also features pipers and Highland dancers.
Since launching all those years ago, the show at the hotel on Leith Street has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh.
Contact: www.thistle.com/jamies