Link to Banffshire Branch Events DANCE DIARY 2024/2025 NOVEMBER 2024 Friday 29th November Mosstodloch Rally 7.30 pm to 11pm Speymouth Hall, Mosstodloch Dancing to Frank Thomson Dancers £10 Spectators £5 Please bring your own cup Light upper will be served Programme here Crib here Videos of the dances here DECEMBER 2024 RSCDS Aberdeen Branch Christmas dance Ashdale Hall, WESTHILL Friday 13 December 2024 8 PM Dancing to Neil Galloway CRIB CAN BE FOUND HERE Link to video dances can be found here RSCDS Forres Branch dance FORRES TOWN HALL Friday 27th December 2024 7.30pm to 11 pm £12.00 Dancing to Frank Thomson and his Scottish Country Dane Band JANUARY 2025 MARCH 2025 FEBRUARY 2025 No dances notified No dances notified Buckie Rally Friday 7th March 2025 8 pm to midnight Fishermen's Hall Buckie Dancing to Colin Donaldson More details to follow Miltonduff Xmas Party, 17th December, 7.30-10pm, CDs, Free Entry, Light Supper, bring a cup. (prog tba) Miltonduff SCD website can be found here RSCDS PETERHEAD BRANCH ANNUAL DANCE Longside Church Hall Sunday 16th March 2025 2pm to 4.30 pm £10 Dancer Spectators welcome at £3.00 Dancing to Scott Band Tea & Raffle CRIB (tree friendly) CRIB (eye friendly ) Programme Videos of the dances found her e Please bring your own cup In times of adverse weather, please check with organiser regarding the event going ahead Contacts found here RSCDS Forres events dance information found here RSCDs Inverness events - dance information found here Miltonduf f SCD events - danc e information found here RSCDS Aberdeen branch dance diary SCD Events Scotland - found here

Classes with a Difference Come and join us Interested find out more details click here Autumn/Winter news 2024 Branch Dance 8th November 2024 Celebrating 95th Anniversary Established 1929 to present day The Branch dance was held in the Fisherman's Hall, Buckie on Friday 8th November dancing to Colin Dewar's Scottish Country Dance band. There were 8 sets on the floor with a number of spectators enjoing the music and the dancing. Gary Coull, Chair of the RSCDS and a member of the Banffshire Brnch cut the anniversary cake along with the Chair of the Branch, Alice Archibald. A thank message from Alice Archibald: I just wanted to say thank you to all those who contributed in any way to the very successful night of dancing at Buckie last night. I have not yet heard about the finances, but as far as enjoyment, friendship and energy goes it was a wonderful night. Mavis, thanks to you and your helpers everyone was welcomed with a smile, Anne, the cake was very good and sliced up well. The music was so very clear and crisp and all the callers were very clear and crisp too!! Isobel, the programme was very much up to your usual standard and really enjoyed by all. Linda, the catering was very good and everyone said how much they enjoyed being back to “normal “ dancing conditions. Gary, it was so good to have you there in your official capacity and the Branch feels honoured to have the “Chair” as a member. Thank you all again Alice Archibald Chair of RSCDS Banffshire Branch A link to the videos from the 8th November dance clic k here Photos here 'Being there' Our first of the Branch's Classes with a Difference was held in the Institute Hall Portsoy on Sunday 29th September 2024 Anne McArthur took the class on a trip around the world. The first dance was in memory of Malcolm Brown, 'Links with St Petersburg'. He made many teaching trips to Russia and died recently. It was over Europe and Asia to dance Jim Stott's 'A Trip to Japan' to celebrate a recent dancing school in Kamakura just south of Tokyo. 'A Flight to Melbourn' followed to the cultural city of Australia. Next stop was South Africa to dance 'A Trip to the Drakensbergs' the mountain range that lies on the east coast of SA. A 15 hour flight from Jo'burg took the dancers to Buenos Aires to dance 'Aberdeenshire meets Argentina' while thinking of our Branch's links with our Argentinian friends. It was right up the east coast of the Americas to Boston to go to Pinewoods to dance the 'Pinewoods Reel' from the Centenary Book then it was home to dance 'Anne of Portsoy'. 27th OCTOBER 2024 RSCDS Teacher Kate Strathdee The theme for the class was dance names synonymous with Robert Burns, who in around 1779 as a young man began attending country dancing lessons in Tarbolton. He writes: "In my seventeenth year, to give my manners a brush, I went to a country dancing school. My programme came about while researching the dance Linkumdoddie, devised by John Drewry this was the second dance on my programme.The title of this dance comes from the thatched cottage known as Linkumdoddie referred to in the Willie Wastle – Poem written by Robert Burns in 1792. The other dances on my programme were : TWA SPARKLING EEN (J8x32) 3C (4C set) Iain Boyd The title of this dance, Twa Sparkling Een, comes from The Lass Of Cessnock Banks - Song written by Robert Burns in 1780. CAULD KAIL (M-8x(S16+R16)) 3C (4C set) RSCDS Book 9 Strathspey On a tour of the Highlands around 1787 and arriving in the city of Bon Accord Robbie Burns wrote Cauld Kail In Aberdeen - Song MY SPOUSE NANCY (R8x32) 3C (4C set) Jim Taylor RSCDS Leaflet Dances 22 A song written by Robert Burns in 1792 MY WIFE'S A WINSOME WEE THING (J8x32) 3C (4C set) Tony Moretti Pinewoods Collection 2 A song written by Robert Burns in 1792 THE LEA RIG (S8x32) 2C (4C set) RSCDS Book 21 Robert Burns writes “To Meet thee on the Lea-rig, My ain Kind Dearie” THE DUSTY MILLER (J8x32) 3C (4C set) Border Book Another song written by Robert Burns in 1788.

Autumn Gathering November 2024 The 'Ladies of Banffshire' attending the Autumn Gathering in Edinburgh 1st to 3rd November 2024 Gary Coull, Chair of the RSCDS, November 2024 Photograph Anne Taylor, Alice Archibald, Gary Coull, Wendy West, Linda Thomas and Anne McArthur Gary is a Banffshire member Frank Thomson, Musician Frank received the RSCDS 'Scroll of Honour' (nominated by the RSCDS Aberdeen Branch) from William Williamson (outgoing Chair) As Gary would say 'Bosies!!!!!! Congratulations from all at the RSCDS Banffshire Branch

Summer News 2024 Aberdeenshire - Argentina Links Spanish language here Jim Stott's dances : Welcome to Argentina, Aberdeenshire meets Argentina and Salinas Grandes were three of the dances chosen for a South American Event in the Vinery, Banff on Saturday 17th August. This was a celebration of Banff's relationship with Argentina. José de San Martin, the liberator of Argentina from the Spanish met the Duke of Fife at the Battle of Waterloo. He came to Banff in 1824 and was given the Freedom of the Burgh. This weekend celebrated the 200th anniversary of his visit. RSCDS Banffshire's link with the BASC Dancers of Buenos Aires has grown over the last five years with visits to Buenos Aires by Gordon, Liz and Anne and to Banffshire (Aberdeenshire) by Charly, Fernando and Valen. Long may this Aberdeenshire - Argentina connection continue. A second set of dances related to Banffshire: Findlater Castle; The Braes of Strathlene and The Hills of Alba were performed by a group of RSCDS Banffshire Ladies. Report by Anne McArthur RSCDS Banffshire Branch To view the demonstration -click link You Tube Welcome to Argentine Aberdeenshire Meets Argentina Salinas Grandes Jim Stott Dance Collection 2020 Findlater Castle Bill Forbes: Jubilee Book 1929-2004 [Banffshire] The Braes of Strathlene Bill Forbes: Jubilee Book 1929-2004 [Banffshire] The Hills of Alba Bob Taylor: Jubilee Book 1929-2004 [Banffshire] The RSCDS Banffshire Branch Archives - 1929-present day are now safely stored in the Salmon Bothy Loft, Portsoy. If any of our members or friends of RSCDS Banffshire Branch have assets they want to store at the Bothy, please email rscdsbanffshire@gmail.com with the relevant information. Congratulations to Dianna Baillie, Banffshire Branch in succesfully completing her Core Teaching Instructor Certificate (CTI) Photograph Anne Taylor, Branch member presenting Dianna with her Statement of Proficiency certificate on completion of the CTI Course Report by Anne Taylor, RSCDS Banffshire Branch "I had been involved in the planning stage of the Core Training for Instructors (CTI) as Chair of the Education and Training Committee. However, during the latter part of the decision-making, I had to demit this position due to ill health. I then became a Trainer for the CTI course which meant telling dancers about it and then helping them to take part. Dianna Baillie was interested as she had taken over the Fochabers class vacated by Margaret Cowie. I was required to visit Dianna's class and then to report back to her with anything to help her manage her class. Instructors are judged on the ability and style of the class they lead. Social dancing is the main focus in the classes we teach in the Banffshire Branch. Dianna took all comments with grace and understanding and tried to incorporate suggestions into her class. The class were very supportive of Dianna and worked with her along her journey. During this time, I myself became ill and was not always able to visit Dianna's class. But Dianna often came to the Spey Bay afternoon class which I took. I asked her to teach one or two dances during the class and this turned out to be very worthwhile, as Dianna was teaching another class. We did not do much step work but did look at the formations and how to do them." Once Dianna had fulfilled the requirements of the course, a video of her final lesson and her lesson plan were submitted to the RSCDS office in Edinburgh. We are delighted that Dianna was successful and received her Statement of Proficiency as an Instructor of Scottish country danci

RSCDS BANFFSHIRE PUBLICATIONS 90th Anniversary Dance book and CD - click here Children's resources - click here 75th Anniversary Dance book and CD click here

Summer Socials 2025 Miltonduff Summer Socials 2025 Summer Social held in Forres Town Hall Monday 12th May 7.30 -10.30pm Monday 9th June Monday 14th July Monday 11th August Further info on the above nearer the time. Miltonduff SCD website can be found here

The History of RSCDS Banffshire Branch Established 1929 to present day Originally formed as the Buckie and District Scottish Country Dance Society at a Public meeting in Buckie on Monday 9th September 1929, the title was changed to the Banffshire Branch at the first Annual General Meeting. Those initial classes in Buckie soon spread when our first Dance Teacher, Mr John Duncan, accompanied by Miss Nen Watson and Mrs Jean Mair, taught classes at Forglen, Marnoch and Cornhill. The tradition has continued for the past 90 plus years. We welcome new members of all ages and abilities RSCDS Banffshire encourages Scottish Country Dancing throughout the historic county of Banffshire, and its surrounding area of North East Scotland. The Branch has over 40 members, including RSCDS certificated teachers who teach locally, nationally and internationally. The Branch holds an annual dance on the second Friday in November. There are also day schools , dance festivals, special demonstrations and support for local schools with Scottish Country Dancing . In addition, many of the local class groups organise their own 'end of term' and/or annual dance and welcome other dancers to join in. 75th Anniversary CD & Dance book here Children Resources here Publications - 90th Anniversary CD & Dance book here

RSCDS Banffshire Branch at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, Portsoy, Saturday 18th June 2022 A fun day was had at the Portsoy Boat Festival when members and friends of the RSCDS Banffshire Branch got together to promote Scottish Country Dancing. Enthusiastic members of the audience joined in the dancing and enjoyed themselves. Promotional leaflets for Banffshire SCD classes were given out to the audience and we had lots of positive feedback. Please contact the Secretary at rscdsbanffshire@gmail.com if you want further information about classes in and around Banffshire. Linda Thomas, RSCDS Banffshire Branch member called the dances and kept everyone on their toes. Thanks to Linda for organising this event. Audience participation in dancing Pudsey Bear, Scottish Country Dance Click here for you tube video Celebrating Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Invitation to Service of Thanksgiving The RSCDS Banffshire Branch received an invite to attend a special service of Thanksgiving from the Buchan Presbytery to mark this significant occasion. A special service was held on Sunday 29th May in St Ninian’s and Forglen Church, Turriff. Over the seventy years of her reign, HM The Queen has actively supported many charities and professional groups. These cover all areas of national life. Alice Archibald and Linda Thomas, members of the RSCDS Banffshire Branch, represented the branch at the Service of Thanksgiving. Alice Archibald read out the following message at the service. The message was selected by Her Majesty the Queen In 2011, the Queen said: “Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves - from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person - neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are) - but a Saviour, with the power to forgive. Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.” Annual Branch Dance - Friday 12th November 2021 The Banffshire Branch Dance on 12th November was held at Keith this year, and despite the restrictions imposed by covid (limited numbers, lots of hand gelling, bring-your-own refreshments), it was a super evening. We had fantastic music to dance to thanks to Ewan Galloway and fellow musicians Shona MacFadyen on fiddle & Graham Sherrit on drums; we have enjoyed their music on pod-casts throughout lockdown, and listening to their CD ‘A the best again far Banffshire’, but wasn’t it just great to be dancing ‘live’ again. A lot of work went on behind the scenes to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening was had by all - risk assessments, devising a lovely programme of dances, the callers, organisers & donations of raffle prizes, catering for the band - a big thank you to everyone involved. Looking forward to meeting up again on the dance floor soon Happy dancing Dianna Report by Dianna Baillie, Chair of RSCDS Banffshire 2021 Ewan Galloway dance band November 2021 Ewan Galloway Scottish Dance band Annual Branch dance 12th November 2021 Annual Branch Dance 2021 Annual Branch Dance 2021 More dancing to wonderful music Ewan Galloway dance band November 2021 Ewan Galloway Scottish Dance band 1/11 Ladies of Banffshire at the Autumn Gathering 2021 I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy. Given that the Bells Sports Centre in Perth has capacity for over 500 dancers, the task of decorating it for the Autumn Gathering weekend is not to be undertaken lightly. However, members of Banffshire Branch have customarily performed this duty, arriving early in order to create an ambiance appropriate for the occasion, using countless yards of RSCDS tartan supplied by Headquarters. As with dancing, success is a result of teamwork and many hands working together! When thanks are extended to volunteer helpers for their efforts, "the ladies of Banffshire" always receive a mention, the presence of one or two Banffshire men invariably being overlooked, hence the title of Bob Taylor's dance. This photo shows the ladies of Banffshire looking resplendent in advance of the Saturday night ball at the 2021 Autumn Gathering. Report by Alison Smith RSCDS Teacher and member of RSCDS Banffshire The Banffshrire Branch had their first outdoor 'Return to Dancing' event at the Sail Loft, Portsoy on a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon on July 25th. The event was welcomed by all the dancers. The committee therefore, planned another outdoor event on 22 August 2021. Again the weather held for us Happy Dancers! Happy to chat to fellow dancers. Enjoying the sunshine Happy to be dancing once again! Gordon & Liz, Dianna & Alistair Ive got my hand gel at the ready! Gordon & Liz with visitor Jim Stott Return to dancing Sunday 25 July 2021 RSCDS Banffshire - Return to dancing, outdoor event. Chairperson and Secretary Our chair person, Dianna Baillie and Liz Bulloch ready to kick start the event. Beautiful sunshine Lots of happy dancers on the green at the Sail Loft Portsoy Return to dancing Sunday 25 July 2021 RSCDS Banffshire - Return to dancing, outdoor event. 1/12 The Sail Loft, Portsoy Sunday 25th July 2021 Banffshire Branch organised an outdoor return to dancing event on the 25th of July. It took place outside the Sail Loft, Portsoy, on a beautiful sunny day. We had a fantastic afternoon of dance, starting off with a warm up session led by Anne Taylor, 3 sets of dancers then followed a super programme led by Anne McArthur and Alison Smith, easing us gently back into dancing again with a mix of familiar & old favourites (including EH37AF, Maxwell’s Rant & Mairi’s Wedding) and some newer dances (Portsoy Links and The Speyside Way from our 90th anniversaries book "A’ The Best Again Fae Banffshire"). Our Secretary and Covid Officer Liz Bulloch, ensured safety guidelines were in place and being followed. It was just wonderful to be able to meet up and dance together again. As can be seen from the photos, we couldn’t have been happier and can’t wait for the next one. Article in the Scottish Dance Magazine, October 2021 issue by Chair, Dianna Baillie Liz Bulloch and Frank Thomson at The Sail Loft Portsoy Outdoor event at the Sail Loft Portsoy on Sunday 22 August 2021. The music was provided by Frank Thomson. Beautiful view from the Sail Loft, Portsoy The dancing event was held at the Sail Loft, Portsoy. A beautiful sunny day with the seascape as our backdrop More happy dancers Everyone enjoyed the day and the lovely music. Liz Bulloch and Frank Thomson at The Sail Loft Portsoy Outdoor event at the Sail Loft Portsoy on Sunday 22 August 2021. The music was provided by Frank Thomson. 1/8 Geof Nuttall with his daughters Claire and Celia at the ceremony along with Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson, Alistair Mason and Julian Watson from the Museum of Banff. Banff Museum Exhibition - display of RSCDS Banffshre archives The Branch was contacted by Alistair Mason earlier this year to advise that the family of Jean Nuttall (born and brought up in Banff) wanted to donate money to the Museum after having been shown around the museum last year by Alistair. Alistair is also a member of the Preservation and Heritage Society. Jean was a keen Scottish Country Dancer and loved everything Scottish. Anne McArthur and Alistair pulled together the exhibition using the Banffshire archives and display boards. Cabinets were purchased with the donation and a wonderful display has been put together. The opening of the display was held on Wednesday 18th. Anne McArthur along with Alistair and Pat Lemmon (family friend) the Chair of our Branch, Dianna Baillie and myself were all sent an invite to the opening. The cabinet has several drawers full of archives from photographs to newspaper articles and programmes and menus from past social functions. The Banffshire Journal has an article on the opening where you can find the full story. Alistair is a volunteer at the Museum. If you are planning a visit it would be an idea to check if Alistair is on duty. Alistair will send me his rota in due course and I will pass it on to members. Liz 17th July Summer Social at The Sail Loft, Portsoy Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site. Explore

RSCDS Banffshire Branch The RSCDS Banffshire Branch had a great afternoon of Scottish Country Dancing at the Portsoy Boat festival on the afternoon of Saturday 1st July 2023. Linda Thomas started off the afternoon with the Circassian Circle an 'easy peasy' dance that everyone was able to join in with. We had a selection of Scottish Country Dances along with some Ceilidh dancing. We had lots of enthusiastic dancers of all ages on the floor having fun! If you are interested in joining a Scottish Country Dance class Check out a dance class in your area Dance classes Videos can be found here

MiltonduffSCD is now going into it's third year of teaching dancing. Our teachers love to teach beginners so please don't let lack of experience hold you back. Classes restart on Tuesday 24th September 2024 If you can walk we can teach you to dance! Contact Miltonduff SCD club Miltonduff website About Our Class Scottish Country Dancing is a great way to cheer yourself up. You quickly forget all your worries when you start to dance. Fully qualified RSCDS teachers Bill and Rosemary will show you the basics in a fun way. Fitness and Fun, make new friends, that's what it's all about We have a refreshment break at half time. Please bring your own cup, it helps reduce the washing up. We meet every Tuesday in the Village hall Miltonduff 7.30 - 9.30pm and the cost is £4 per class Our dancing season runs from September to May.

This weekend, dignitaries including Scotland's culture minister will gather in the unlikely surrounds of Glasgow's Hard Rock Cafe. However, it won't be the Rolling Stones or Guns 'N Roses that Christina McKelvie and others are there to hear but accordion music . On November 26, 1923, a public meeting was held in the Buchanan Street building, then the Atheneum. Efforts to attract attendees had been bolstered with an advert in The Herald. As it was, around 17 Glaswegians gathered in the hall, with a shared purpose - to enjoy one of Scotland's most celebrated traditions and ensure its survival. From those humble beginnings and over a period of 100 years the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) has grown into a global organisation with 73 branches in Scotland , 37 in Canada, 11 in Japan and even one in Hawaii. One branch in New Zealand covers the entire country while the Paris group is "growing like mad." Scottish country dancing is, according to the Society, one of the country's best exports, with figures showing RSCDS’s members outside Scotland boosted the country's economy by more than £2.3M last year. That sum doesn’t count the local economic impact of society members renting halls for dances and classes and hiring caterers and bands. While it might conjure up unwelcome memories of sweaty-palmed pairings in the school gym hall, society leaders say it's never been more popular. One of the best-attended branches is at the University of Glasgow. Like TV's Strictly Come Dancing, it has moved with the times. Partners are free to dance with whoever they want, says William Williamson, chair of the Society. "We've got this strapline of Fun, Fitness and Friendship and that is really the essence of what it does," he says. "Everyone can dance with whoever they like. It's that magic of the dance and the music and the inclusivity and the Scot wanting people to join in. It's a great export." That first meeting of the society was organised by Michael Diack (June 26, 1869 - February 2, 1946) a Scottish musician, who oversaw the teaching of music in the Glasgow area. He founded the Glasgow Bach Choir in 1906 and made English translations of choral works by classical masters. In 1923 he suggested a meeting with founders Ysobel Stewart, who wanted to publish a book of Scottish country dances for the Girl Guides movement and Jean Milligan, who was keen to encourage more men to take it up as part of the PE course at Jordanhill College. Glasgow's Paterson's Publications, which was formed two years later, agreed to print a first book of dances to get the society up and running. "They had dances like the Petronella, The Flowers of Edinburgh, Strip the Willow and the Duke of Perth and those are dances that people still do today," says Mr Williamson. As the society was growing, ex-pats would take the music all over the world . But it's all about the Scot going abroad to live there and taking their music and dance but not keeping it to themselves and saying 'Come on and join us. That's the great thing. "Obviously the Americas and Canada are big and Australia and New Zealand is big. "We've got three huge branches in Japan which I've visited in the past and it's all Japanese people and we've got a lovely branch in Buenos Aires." In 1951 under George VI and the future Queen, the group became the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Most of the dance steps are preserved in books, images an original short film of dancers in the Borders dating back to 1930. I've danced since I was at school here, says Mr Williamson, a long-time member, who lives in Dumfriesshire. It brings people together and it doesn't matter what age you are. "It's a real leveler, the dance floor. It doesn't matter if you are a rocket scientist or someone who works on the land and you make life-long friends. "We have branches all over the world and I often ask myself, why would folk in Buenos Aires want to learn Scottish Country Dancing? "Other countries have traditional dancing but it tends to be trailed out for the tourists and it's stuck in a particular period, whereas, ours has developed and folk turn up to classes in their jeans and in their shorts. "It's a living tradition, which means there are still people composing music and tunes and devising dances." While dancers will generally dress up in kilts and ball gowns for a ball, jeans and trainers are perfectly acceptable for less formal occasions. He says pupils in secondary schools still learn dances like the Dashing White Sergeant for the Christmas dance, albeit in smaller numbers and the society is working hard to ensure the tradition continues. Earlier this year, a university society that promotes Scottish country dancing came under fire for insisting that only male and female pairs can attend its "highly esteemed Martinmas and Candlemass reeling balls" at Fingask Castle. The St Andrews Caledonian Society - dubbed CalSoc, was accused of promoting a discriminatory policy and a "dust-covered" relic on a bygone era. Mr Williamson says inclusivity is at the heart of the SCDS. "It wasn't a case of changing any rules, it's always been inclusive," he says. "People can dance on any side of the dance they want. "Our main thrust now is to look ahead," he added. "Almost think, like they did after the First World War, we've got to think, how do we make this relevant in 2023 because it is such a wonderful pastime." He says ceilidh dancing has huge benefits for older people, physically and cognitively. "We have got people dancing in their nineties and it keeps them fit and healthy," says the society's chair. "There is a huge benefit, both physically and mentally, remembering all the dances. "I was at a dance event recently and there were 22 dances in the programme and there were people in their eighties dancing every single dance. "It's kept them fit, it's kept them sharp. Various universities have looked at this and have said that it's one of the best all-round regimes there is." He says that while membership is growing, with 10,000 world-wide the society is looking at how it can boost numbers in some areas of Scotland where country dancing " doesn't do so well". We are training teachers all the time," he says. "The university groups are doing well again so that's encouraging." Malin Altenmüller 29, has danced for most of her life in her home country of Germany, where traditional Scottish dancing is popular. She is now a member of the Glasgow Society, after moving to the city in 2016 to study at Strathclyde University as part of the Erasmus programme. "There is a real community in Germany," she says. "and when I came here it seemed like a good opportunity to meet people. She acknowledges that it's a very different thing to be forced into country dancing at school and choosing to do it for pleasure as an adult. "There's a real sense of community and you know you can go dancing anywhere," she says. "I've been on work trips and taken my dance shoes. "Ceilidhs are still really popular and the [branch events] are a really similar atmosphere. "Quite often there is live music, particularly here in Scotland and I enjoy that a lot. It definitely keeps me fit. There's something for every level." Her favourite is the Cranberry Tart. On Sunday, a blue plaque will be unveiled on Buchanan Street to mark the spot where the Society was formed and a flash mob of Scottish country dancers will entertain Christmas shoppers. A civic reception will also be held later at Glasgow City Chambers. "We've weathered the storm," says the Society's leader. "Various fashions have come and gone like line dancing but we are still there." The 100-year-old Glasgow institution that reels in millions for Scotland RSCDS BANFFSHIRE BRANCH CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING 1923 TO 2023 Celebrating 100 Years of RSCDS Scottish country dancers from around the world came together on Saturday 25th March to celebrate 100 years of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society with a Centenary Ball at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. Dr Anne McArthur, life member of RSCDS Banffshire Branch attended the event Please find report below Author Dr Anne McArthur Chair E lect, Gary Coull, RSCDS Banffshire member along with Dr Anne McArthur life member of RSCDS Banffshire Branch All set, ready to Dance! It was back in 1973, as a young dancer, I participated in the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the RSCDS. Miss Milligan's Strathspey, Mrs Stewart of Fasnacloich, and the Jubilee Jig were published. The AGM was in Glasgow, in three venues across the city, a red dress, every dance on the programme tackled. (There were no recaps then.). I remember wondering if I would be around for the 100th Anniversary. When word came out that the Centenary Celebration was to be in the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh I was at the front of the queue to get a ticket. I had danced many times there and had wonderful memories of mirrors, chandeliers, walking between the Assembly Rooms and Music Room. Of course, it was mostly about meeting friends and talking about dancing. Gary and I were the only Banffshire members present on the 25th March, Gary officiating and me reminiscing. Over 400 people attended the event from all over the world. I was pleased to see many young people, with more than one I had taught at Junior Summer School, but I missed my friends of days gone bye. A gift and a celebratory programme were handed out on entry. Prosecco and cake was provided at half time. David Oswald and friends were 'on fire' in the Assembly Room while Marian Anderson's band was more sedate in the Music Room. The programme was a great mix of old and new. It was a night to remember. Headquarters opened for members on the 25th. There was a wonder display of archival material. I remember Miss Milligan, Miss Ross with her knitting, Miss Florence Adams, Miss Hadden, Mrs Dunn, Miss Anderson, Colonel Gibson etc etc. You might recognise dances named after them. RSCDS Edinburgh ran events over the weekend. My friends and I attended a great dance in St Cuthberts Church on the Friday night. Ewan Galloway was in great form. For me, the 'Jewel' of weekend was the Centenary Concert in the Canongate Church. Muriel Johnstone, Pete Clark, Peter Shand and Tim Macdonald delighted a large audience with an amazing programme of Scottish music linked to the dances we know. It truly touched my soul. 'A really good dance lives, flows and becomes a part of the music. You see, the music really comes first. The dance, mostly, should be written to the music. You therefore get that lovely combination of music and movement which I consider dancing.' (Miss Jean C. Milligan, interview, 1970s) Life long member John Grant, Buckie enjoying a dram of the Centenary Whisky Celebrating 100 Years of Scottish Country Dancing Fasnacloich aged for 10 Years John and his wife Pat had a visit from Mo Rutherford and Neil Copland who are well known in the Scottish Country Dance music circuit. Back row: Pat Grant, Neil Copland John Grant (seated) To purchase the Fasnacloich Whisky visit the RSCDS shop here Banffshire Branch Sunday 7th May RSCDS Centenary Celebration What a super afternoon we had at the Church Centre, Portsoy, dancing to the excellent music played by Frank Thomson. The Banffshire Branch celebrated the RSCDS Centenary by having their Classes with a Difference programme based on the 'Dances through the Decades' produced by the Society. As the Church Centre was also providing refreshments for the Portsoy Coronation celebrations, the community coming in for their cuppa were able to enjoy watching the dancing from the tables set at the back of the hall. The afternoon started with the cutting of the cake by Banffshire Branch life members John Grant (life member 1954) and Dr Anne McArthur. John & wife Pat were then able to sit back & enjoy the music and a blether, sharing the many memories of their dancing days. The Branch AGM was held prior to the dancing and we were delighted to be joined by RSCDS Chair-elect Gary Coull who officiated at the meeting. A big thank you to the outgoing committee for all the hard work done in organising the Branch events throughout the previous year and welcome to our new volunteers filling the role of Chair (Alice Archibald), Vice chair (Liz Bulloch) and Secretary (Linda Thomas); thank you to Mavis Mcdonald for agreeing to continue as Treasurer. Following the meeting, we were pleased to welcome Mr Vinay Ruparelia, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, who presented the Branch with a letter from Buckingham Palace appreciating the efforts to organise an event to celebrate the Coronation. Frank Thomson provided excellent music to accompany our dances, and these were interspersed with some well-known ceilidh dances which encouraged some of our audience who had just come in for a tea & cake, to join us on the dancefloor. It was a fantastic afternoon and all too soon we were joining hands and singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’. Thanks to Anne for calling the dances, Frank for the super music, Mr Vinay Ruparelia for opening the afternoon, & Gary for officiating And special thanks to Anne and Liz for all their hard work behind the scenes to get everything organised and running smoothly on the day. Dianna Baillie (Chair Person May 2022 to May 2023). Cutting the cake Chair Dianna Baillie, John Grant life member and Dr Anne McArthur life member

BRANCH NEWS APRIL 2023 The first of the ‘Classes with a Difference’ by Alice Archibald 02 April 2023 in the Institute Hall, Portsoy Report by RSCDS Teacher: Alice Archibald I decided that I had to check out all the 15 books of dances devised by John Drewry a former Lecturer at Aberdeen University and to make some of the formations he devised the subject of the Class with a Difference. These formations have been used by many devisers of dances. I did not have time to do a dance with Set and Rotate, Half Turn and Twirl and La Barratte. I started the Class with the dance Glayva, a jig, that was devised in 1977 with the new progression The Espagnole and then I did the dance The Kenora Reel with Petronella in Tandem. In The Bon Accord Book, published in 1968 is the dance The Silver Tessie which contained the new progression which was named by Miss Jean Milligan, Rondell The Courage Reel published in 1977 and containing the new formation Dance to Each Corner and Set! I had first encountered this formation in Gothenburg’s Welcome published in RSCDS Book 37.I then did The Lantern of the North, a jig, which contained the formation Pass and Turn with Corners. I had no idea that this formation which is in a lot of modern dances had been devised by John. The next dance was the reel, Ferla Mor [or the Big Grey Man) which contained tandem reels and having been published in1981 was certainly the first use of Tandem Reels I have encountered. The strathspey, Cherrybank Gardens, which contains the formation Petronella in Tandem. The last dance of the afternoon was Mrs McPherson of Inveran a lively reel and a dance which is fairly common on dance programmes locally which finishes with a circle which I particularly wanted to end the afternoon. I felt it was a successful afternoon and all enjoyed the programme I had prepared. I think it was a fun programme. A thank you message from Dianna Baillie, Chair of the RSCDS Banffshire Branch A big thanks to Alice for leading us through a very enjoyable dance class on Sunday. The theme for the afternoon was that of formations which first appeared in John Drewry dances - Espagnole, Petronella in tandem, Dance to each corner & set, Corners pass and turn, & Tandem reels were included in the dances Glayva, Kenora Reel, Silver Tassie, The Courage Reel, Lantern of the North, Cherrybank Gardens, Ferla Mor and Mrs McPherson of Inveran. All lovely dances & interesting to hear the story behind them. Looking forward to the next one on 5th May Check out Celebrating 100 Years of Scottish Country Dancing on our Centenary page here Dianna 'Class with a Difference' 4th June 2023 Report by Isobel Turner First dance was "The Queensferry crossing", devised by Moira Stephen from the Dunfermline 90th anniversary book, a 4 x 32 bar jig; simple but slightly unusual progression from 1st to 3rd place at the start with an allemande later to finish 2 3 4 1. Next was "The triumph", a 24 bar reel from Book 1 so tying in with the centenary - lead down and up with a twist (and some extra ones not in the instructions!) and very unusual 1-couple poussette from 1st to 4th place. "Mary Hamilton" is a 4 x 32 strathspey from John Drewry's Canadian book; simple progression in last 8 bars (set advancing to pass facing couple) but unusual start and finish to grand chain bars 1-8. I think we then did "Ready aye ready" from Ewan Galloway's "Ship ahoy!" booklet, devised by Sarah Horne (and Judy Grimsey?), a 5 x 32 reel (square set with 5th couple in the centre). Again, a simple progression 5th and 1st couples in promenade hold passing by right, the 1st and 4th couples passing and so on till 2nd couple are in the centre to start again but a new dance to most. We also did "Fare thee well", a 3 x 40 strathspey from "Tom's book of dances", devised by Tom Kerr (Capetown), ending with "untying the knot", which I think was a new progression for all of us. I did have another dance from a Ewan Galloway booklet, "Sarah's stamp party" but we didn't get round to that one (I always have more ready than we can actually do - it gives flexibility depending on numbers, ability, etc.) Report by Anne Taylor The theme for the afternoon was 'Progressions'. I began with a well known dance from RSCDS Book 49, The Countess of Dunmore’s Reel which has the Promenade Chaperon Chain. My second dance was The Athenaeum by Alistair Brown of the Glasgow Branch from the Glasgow 100th Anniversary book. This had the Rose Progression in the dance and it posed a little problem but we made it to finish the dance. My next dance had more local connections – The Blacksmith of Elgin from the Imperial Book. Wendy West thought that the Blacksmith of Elgin was her Grandfather. This dance has a Snowball Grand Chain and was well received. Salinas Grandes from the Argentinian Collection 2020 by Jim Stott was my next offering. This contained an unusual figure of a Promenade Pass which is just like a Promenade for 3 couples but has a slight twist in its tail. I would have liked to do a couple more dances but time was running out and we had to finish. All the dancers said it had been a good day and quite a challenge which is what it is meant to be. Anne Taylor 21 January 2024 Class with a Difference By Anne Taylor and Dianna Baillie A brief lull between severe weather warnings (the snow had disappeared overnight & storm Isha wasn’t due till evening) meant the class at Spey Bay was good to go. Anne & Dianna took it turn about to teach the dances (which all had ‘New’ in the title, as it was the first class of the New Year). We started off with ‘The New Forest Circle’ (New Forest SCD) as a warm up, then Newburgh Jig (Bk48). Anne took us through New Abbey (Roy Goldring) where we were encouraged to cover across all the sets and New Amsterdam (Chris Ronald, Big Apple Coll.) had a couple of new formations there to challenge us - a very enjoyable dance once we got it. The Newholme Jig (Ian Barbour, Magic Medicine), followed by ‘A Guid New Year’ (Maggie & Duncan Keppie) taught by Dianna and Anne finished off with ‘Ways in New Hall’ (Bk42) then ‘The New Opera’ (John Drewry, Australia Bk.) Ladies’ Chain, Espagnole, Set and Rotate, Rondel. The new ones - Celtic Cross Progression, Swing Corners and a modified Corners Pass and Turn (half turn & twirl instead of Turn) were formations covered. A very enjoyable afternoon had by all and can’t wait to see what Bill and Rosemary have in store for us next month.