OUTDOOR EVENT HIRE FAQ

All our marquees are modern Clearspan structures with white PVC covers. The Clearspan system has no central poles or internal truss and they have a greater wind loading than some of the lighter grade marquees and since they have no guy ropes they can be installed close to buildings and other structures.

Our smaller structures come in spans (widths) of 3m, 6m and 9m and build up in 3m bays (increments) so the structures can be as long as required depending on the use.

Our larger corporate grade structures are offered in 12m or 15m spans and build up in 5m bays with an eaves height of 3m which provides much more internal height and due to the heavy duty components they are suitable for hanging lighting and sound rigs.

We work with clients to understand their requirements, preferences and guest numbers to offer the most appropriate structure for their event.

For all marquee hires we offer a range of internal finishes. Our most basic package would be what we refer to as “frame and covers” which would just be the shell of the marquee (so you see all internal metalwork, etc). This type of unit is suitable for agricultural shows, market stalls, craft fairs or very informal garden events. This type of structure can still include PVC window walls, with one of the walls left open for entry/exit.

From the “frame and covers” stage we can then add in flooring, formal doors, a range of lighting and heating for a fairly basic marquee.

The most dramatic transformation comes with the addition of the internal pleated ivory lining and swags (which are available in a range of colours). This gives a complete finish and can then be dressed for parties, weddings or corporate events.

Depending on the type of function a black out or starlight roof can be added in. This can be an ideal addition for stage areas, dance floor areas or for a nightclub feel to the event. Full flexibility is available so that a mix of ivory and black out can be used and there are various examples of this in our gallery and case study sections of the website.

Other internal finishes for consideration would be event carpet, porch and entrance walkways.

There are two basic styles of lighting, depending on the marquee use. Firstly, for most family events and parties we use our white globe chandeliers. Upgrades include brass chandeliers or special crystal chandeliers.

If the marquee is for industrial or purely functional use then we have LED floodlighting and that is ideal for exhibitions, kitchen areas, industrial storage etc.

We also have some feature and decorative lighting such as festoons, pea lamp roof canopy, LED uplighters, dance floor lighting. These various effects can be used for parties, weddings, music festivals or at any event when you need to lift the atmosphere.

We have a marquee lighting brochure available for download with full details and photos.

We offer full event support such as furniture, toilets, ground protection, trackway, generators, heras fencing, barriers or any other item that may be required. Even if we do not stock the items personally we have relationships with suppliers throughout Scotland so that we can make arrangements to hire them for your event and deal with the logistics and transportation as required. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a “one stop shop” for event organisers and private clients.

With 24 years experience in the marquee industry we have worked with a wide range of clients both private and corporate. Here are a few examples:

Sporting Events

• Blair International Horse Trials
• UCI Mountain Bike World Cup
• Camanachd Cup Final
• Scottish National Bowling Championships
• Tarbert Scottish Series
• Arenacross at SSE Hydro
• Scotland’s Boat Show at Kip Marina
• Scottish Car Rally (Argyll stage)

Music and Cultural Events

• Best of the West Festival
• Wigtown Book Festival
• Cowal Highland Gathering
• Royal Highland Show
• Scottish Game Fair
• Tiree Agricultural Show
• Bute Agricultural Show
• Glasgow Tattoo at SSE Hydro
• Largs Food Festival
• SEC Caravan Show

Private Clients

• Range of Wedding Marquees
• James Bond Theme Party
• Wild West Theme Party
• Beach Party with real sand as flooring
• Masquerade Ball

See our case studies for photos.

It is very difficult to say as it very much depends on what type of event you are hosting, how large it is and whether it is during the busy summer season. In the main, the more notice you can give the more likely there will be availability.

Full terms and conditions are included with a quote so that you are clear on the payment/cancellation policy. At the time of booking we look for a deposit of 25%.

We are happy to advise on the size that would work for your guest numbers and the use of the structure. We try to be as flexible as possible in allowing you to change your size to suit any changes. However, ultimately it would depend on availability if there were to be any major changes and how close to the event the changes were made.

Yes, depending on the use, the ground conditions and the type of event.

In most structures the sides can open to give additional ventilation and we can advise on whether it would work for your event.

We can assist with hiring generators and can advise on the size required depending on what the power requirements are. Once we know what type of equipment is being run e.g. catering requirements then we can finalise the generators required.

Yes, we can arrange toilets and the power required for them. For outdoor events toilets can range from individual chemical (popular at festivals), luxury trailers and top of the range Modu-Loo toilets built in to marquees (often seen at top sporting or corporate events).

If there is any element of alcohol being purchased then a licence is required for the event (those organising the bar can deal with that). As far as event licences are concerned, that depends on the event and it is always worth checking with the Local Authority on the current legislation for Safety at Event Groups (SAGs).

We have both pedestrian and vehicle ground protection. Pedestrian mats are ideal to bridge the gap between hard standing and the marquee entrance whereas the vehicle ground guards help get suppliers to the service areas without damaging the ground before the guests arrive.

Yes, we are accredited MUTA members which is the recognised advisory body for temporary structures. We are also accredited members of NOEA (National Outdoor Event Association) which requires certain standards to be met to be recognised in the outdoor event industry.

Yes, we have specialist flooring that allows us to build over both uneven and sloping ground.

As the event organiser you will be responsible for the marquee whilst it is in place so unless your site has secure fencing/CCTV then the chances are you will need security. We can arrange overnight security if required.

Marquees can be used in the winter as modern heating techniques can keep guests warm and dry in all weathers. There are however some considerations when considering a winter event and part of our discussions would be potential issues and ensuring that there is a robust Plan B should adverse weather have the potential to jeopardise your event.

Event organisers are responsible for insuring the marquee during the event. Depending on the event we may be able to offer our damage waiver cover for a fee.

We are always happy to suggest potential dates/events where similar structures can be viewed. It is very unusual to get an absolute “like for like” but very often the similarities are enough to help with your forward planning.

Normal building regulations require planning permission for any structure due to be in place for more than 28 days. This was relaxed during the Covid-19 pandemic so it is always worth checking with the local authority on the latest regulations. For a one day or a weekend event it is very unlikely – but it could depend on the site e.g. Historic Scotland.

We work with clients on what suits for installation and removal – working back from what has to be achieved by other suppliers. At a very minimum we would install the day before the event and remove the day after (we tend not to install/remove on event day). Our costs tend to be per event rather than per day of the hire so we aim to be as flexible as we can in this respect.