When it came to organising the customary office Christmas party, staff at Edinburgh-based picture agency Big Scotland decided to push the boat out this year - literally - and hire the Royal Yacht Britannia.

While most of us may be settling for a knees-up down the pub, the ten-strong team of agency photographers - who are more used to being behind the camera at glitzy events - treated themselves to an evening of indulgence aboard the ship which helped make The Queen the most travelled monarch the world has ever known.

Sandy Young, co-owner of the agency, which was set up two years ago, said: "We've never had a launch party and wanted to do something special so we decided to raid the piggy bank.

"We also invited picture editors and PR clients - it was a fantastic night."

Dressed in their best evening wear, with the obligatory kilts for the men, 40 guests enjoyed a Champagne reception before tucking into a four-course butler service dinner, specially prepared by the onboard chef.

They then partied into the night with a fun casino, with the guest who won the most chips receiving a bottle of Britannia's own malt whiskey.

Sandy said: "It was totally different to most newspaper dos. We're already thinking about how we can beat it next year!"

Back to the photography index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk