Arthurs Point was alive with the spirit of Scotland over the weekend, as The Cargo Collective hosted a lively celebration of Scottish heritage. Guests flocked to the new brewery and distillery for a night of line dancing and haggis, making it a night to remember.
The venue echoed with the sounds of traditional Gaelic folk music, setting the stage for the town’s inaugural ‘Whisky Waltz’.
Under the guidance of caller Mark Brian, attendees twirled and danced their way through a variety of Scottish dances, embracing the spirit of a Ceilidh – a traditional Scottish (or Irish) party filled with music and dancing, commonly seen at weddings and other social gatherings.
Owner Malcolm Blakely, hailing from Scotland himself, believed that the Scottish-themed event was the perfect way to kick off the new venue.
“I’m from Scotland, and we just decided that it’d be a really good event to start the new venue off.”
“It’s a perfect party venue with a big rectangle. Great acoustics. And, it has been a really good venue for that kind of live music.”
The evening took a ceremonial turn as the haggis was brought in with a solemn procession, complete with sword, bagpipes, and whisky – a nod to the Scottish tradition of honoring this cultural dish before indulging in it.
“So we’re kind of celebrating the mana of the haggis really, before we eat it,” shared caller Mark Brian.
‘A Ceilidh Affair’ marked the beginning of The Cargo Collective’s Twilight Tales events, with a lineup of arts and entertainment nights planned in the brew hall, including an upcoming cocktail competition later this month.
– By Rhyva van Onselen
