It all started with a phone call early in 2023, and a request to DJ for a wedding at the Glenisle Hotel in May. Whilst I was a tad apprehensive at first, as I hadn't DJ'ed at the venue before and wasn't sure about the space, it was quite clear after five minutes that this was an awesome dance floor and an awesome venue. The dance floor was buzzing all night, a great time was had by all, and the lovely couple, Kate and Jamie, sent me this lovely Thank You card a week later. On top of that, we got to finish with a classic LFC song, Allez Allez Allez, and even the bar staff were dancing.
After the success of the wedding, the management came to me and said 'We really need to do this again, but this time open to the public.' Miss Sasha Blaze was already booked to do her drag bingo one night in June, and with June being Pride Month, it seemed like a no-brainer to do a Pride disco after-party. All the fabulous queens were dancing late into the night and a brilliant time was had by all. Special thanks to Michael and Kenny, who run Arran Pride.
As any local or regular visitor to the island will know, the busy summer season pretty much takes care of itself. With regular day trippers and large families flocking to the island during the school holidays, there's not much time to plan events, as staff are so busy serving food and drinks in the lovely beer garden.
As early November rolled in, it was time to get back to it again. The fabulous Miss Sasha Blaze was coming over for one more appearance, bringing her bingo and cabaret show over. It was up to me to finish the night, with two hours of everyone's favourite cheesy pop and party anthems (see you next year Miss Sasha).
Next up was our Country & Western night, when we turned the Glenisle into a lovely saloon bar, fit for the best line-dancing on Arran. For three hours, we danced to some of the best Country and Western hits from the past five decades, and were even lucky enough to have two lovely local couples (who are big country music fans) recreate their first wedding dances for us and give the crowd a real treat.
Staff and regulars all dressed to impress, including Seagate Brewery's own Stephen Sparshott (who picked up the Best Dressed prize), Glenisle's own glamourous cowboy Nethan, and of course Arran's best and most enthusiastic dancer, Lisa Sarah McGill.
It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. What an afternoon we all had at the Christmas indoor market, with mulled wine, mince pies, carol singers, local crafters and artists selling their work. I was there to provide all the festive cheesy tunes that you all know and love, and the afternoon was topped off with a visit from Santa, accompanied by his very own little helper, the lovely Storm the husky.
And now the Christmas party season really begins. Two nights booked where customers came, enjoyed a delicious three-course Christmas dinner, partied their way to the wee small hours with family, friends and colleagues and hopefully made some new friends along the way.
Be sure to check out the Glenisle's website, https://www.glenislehotel.com/ for news and information, or to book youself a table for delicious food and drinks, or a room if you're treating yourself to an island getaway. It's a great place to visit all seasons of the year. A warm welcome awaits you and the staff will truly make you feel like you're in a home away
from home.
Last dance, after-hours. Somehow I managed to get this crazy bunch all on the dancefloor at once, including myself. I was joined by the lovely gentlemen that run Arran Pride, following their 'cabaroke' night, regular barfly and all-round happy chappy Richard, fabulous team members Joy and Nethan, and even Glenisle owner himself, Neil.
All that's left for me now is to say a massive thank-you to the full Glenisle team, including Dougal, Joy, Lewis, Nethan and everybody else in every department. See you all next year. Thank you for the music. Craig xxx