RSCDS Banffshire Branch 90 years of Scottish Country Dancing Dance Diary Branch Events The History of RSCDS Banffshire Branch 1929 to present day Esmaspäeval, 9. septembril 1929 Buckie's toimunud avalikul koosolekul moodustati algselt Buckie and District Scottish Country Dance Society, kuid esimesel aastakoosolekul muudeti pealkiri Banffshire'i filiaaliks. Need algklassid Buckies levisid peagi, kui meie esimene tantsuõpetaja hr John Duncan koos preili Nen Watsoni ja proua Jean Mairiga andis tunde Forglenis, Marnochis ja Cornhillis. Traditsioon on kestnud juba üle 90 aasta. Ootame uusi liikmeid igas vanuses ja võimetega Šoti Kuningliku Kantritantsu Seltsi Banffshire'i filiaali 90. aastapäeva tähistamine - CD ja tantsuraamat - Külastage meie 90. aastapäeva veebisaiti Balmoral visit RSCDS Banffshire Branch Anne awarded British Empire Medal (BEM) Balmoral visit 1/9

Dance Diary 2025 Banffshire EVENTS ipad users note scroll across table for more information/TOP TIP - viewing on mobile phone - change to desktop view - click the three dots top of phone and select desktop view N.E SCD SCOTLAND EVENTS (for the up to date dance diary social events - pleae click the link below. L INK HERE

Scottish Country Dance class Forglen, Turriff Contact Julia by phone click here email Julia click here Linda Thomas is the teacher for the Scottish Country dance class in Forglen Hall, Turriff She has attended RSCDS Summer School and Winter School classes for Very Advanced dancers as well as many workshops, Linda has a love for Scottish Country dancing and wishes to pass this on. THURSDAY Scottish Country Dance class Forglen Hall, Forglen Turriff 7.30 pm to 9pm New Session 11th September 2025 to 11 th December 2025 2026 8th January 2026 to 14th May 2026 New members are most welcome. Join us for Fun Fitness and Friendship Please contact Julia Nicholson for details. Forglen Hall, Turriff - click here

Scottish Country Dance class Buckie Contact Isobel by phone click here Scottish Country Dance Class, Buckie Arradoul SWI Hall, Buckie Isobel Turner, RSCDS Teacher The class is a social dance class for all mixed abilities, all ages. Everyone is welcome Scottish Country Dancing Fun Fitness and Friendship! Monday evening dance class Arradoul SWR Hall Buckie 7 pm to 8.30 pm 6th January 2025 to 31 March 2025 Next session dates 2026 Dates 5th January 2026 to 30 March 2026 Contact Isobel by email click here

Find a Scottish country dance class near you - find out what we do at RSCDS Banffshire Branch Come and join in the Fun, Fitness and Friendship Scottish country dancing brings to everyone - all ages Explore Explore Explore Explore Hello Hello Hello Hello Find a class near you - 13 dance classes in and around Banffshire/Aberdeenshire & Moray Join RSCDS Banffshire Branch - find out more about the benefits - click here - FUN, FITNESS AND FRIENDSHIP - - GOOD FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND GENERAL WELLBEING Join in Community Events - check out our Branch News Branch Events - suitable for everyone - all ages Children welcome to attend our events with parent or guardian To read What We Do - all in one document - browse here First name Last name Email How can we help Thank you for reaching out - we will be back in touch with you soon email: rscdsbanffshire@gmail.com Submit

RSCDS Banffshire Branch News April 2023 Summer News 2025 What We do? Anne's FUNdraising afternoon For those of you who attended Anne's FUNdraising afternoon on Saturday 2 August for the presentation of Anne's BEM, picnic, music and dancing along with many other activities, please find two of the photographs from the event opposite. If you missed the article in the Dance Scottish - you can read it here British San Martin Institute Website FIESTA! RSCDS Banffshire Branch took part in the 200 year celebrations August 2024 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. There is a new website set up to continue the relationship between Argentina and Banffshire and the FIESTA celebration on Sunday 17th August at Banff Castle. All members of the Branch, dancing friends invited to join in the celebrations.

Scottish Country Dance class, Huntly Helen Kings and Jason Williamson and Elaine are the contacts for the Huntly class - click on the links below for phone numbers and email addresses. Helen contact by phone Contact Jason by phone contact Helen by email Contact Jason by email Contact Elaine by phone click here Huntly evening class - Wednesday Linden centre, Huntly New session 2025 to 2026 Wednesday 10th September 2025 to Wednesday 8th April 2026 Follow us on FACEBOOK 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm The Linden centre, Huntly - click here

January to April 2025 Branch News January 2025 BRANCH NEWS RSCDS WINTER SCHOOL 2025 16th February to 20th February 2025 Three members of the RSCDS Banffshire Branch attended Winter School this year held in the Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry. Kate Strathdee, well known Scottish Country Dance Teacher, was on her 22nd Year at Winter School. The Winter School has classes for all levels of dancers and a superb programme of social events during the five nights of the School. One of the highlights was an afternoon session held by Jimmy Hill, RSCDS Teacher who taught “The Lancers and The Quadrilles”. Jimmy is an enthusiastic individual with a sound knowledge of this type of dancing from the 17th and 18th centuries. The event was very well received by all who attended. The finale is the Ball held in Blair Atholl Castle. The evening started with a warm welcome by a piper and a glass of wine or soft drink, followed by the traditional “Grand March” and then the “Traditional Eightsome Reel”. The five piece dance band was fantastic with uplifting music played by Ewan Galloway on first accordion for the first half of the evening and Jim Linday on second box. For the second part of the evening Jim took the lead. Ian Robertson, the Director of Winter School is an exceptional all round musician. His fiddle playing was fantastic along with Muriel Johnstone on piano/keyboard - all accomplished musicians. Ian did a wonderful job as Director. If you have not been at Winter School before, the dates for next year are : 15th - 20th February 2026. To find out more about the event – Here – RSCDS Winter School 2026 Gordon, Liz, Jim, Kate, Gary and Charly Liz, Gary, Kate and Gordon The impressive ballroom in Blair Atholl Castle Gordon, Liz, Jim, Kate, Gary and Charly 1/4 RSCDS Chair, Gary Coull and RSCDS Banffshire member along with Kate Strathdee, Charly Candia (Management Board rep for Banffshire Branch) and Jim Stott, Chair of RSCDS Aberdeen Branch CLASSES WITH A DIFFERENCE The Banffshire Branch introduced 'Classes with a Difference' following a Theme of the teachers' choice. The teachers try and choose dances that are not on the 'Rally/Social Dance programmes'. We are very fortunate to have 13 Dance classes across Banffshire/North East of Scotland, all taught by RSCDS Banffshire qualifited Teachers and Core Teaching Instructors. To find a dance class near your - check out all the dance classes available HERE <Bees and Honey' CTI Instructor Dianne Ballie Classes with a Difference Sunday 26th January Theme - BEES & HONEY The weather was kind and we had a good turn-out of dancers at Spey Bay Hall, who were introduced to another of my interests – Beekeeping! We began with a round-the-room dance, “Johnnie’s Jig” as a warm up (I was introduced to beekeeping when John got our first colony of bees in 2010). Then a reel, “The Lonely Honeybee” (scout bee returns to the hive and gives her fellow workers directions to a good source of nectar). After that we went to the apiary to look after the bees as we danced “The Beekeepers Medley” and another reel “Beeswing”. Bees need plants, and plants need bees (and gardens and gardeners), so we danced “The Compleat Gardener”, “Cherrybank Gardens” and “More Bees A-Dancing”. “The Bees of Maggieknockater” took us back to the apiary for the honey harvest and “The Honey Moon” jig. Finally, when moving bees onto the heather, a beekeeper has to be a bit of a “Highland Rambler”, and so we ended a lovely afternoon. Report by Dianna Baillie CTI Teacher of Scottish Country Dancing The dances – Johnnie’s Jig, Sheila Gradon (St. Columba’s Book) The Lonely Honeybee, Dorothy Bell (RSCDS Belfast Platinum Anniversary) The Beekeeper’s Medley, Trevor Rayner (A Skye Collection 2) Beeswing, Roy Goldring (Graded & Social Dances 2) The Compleat Gardener, Irene Paterson (RSCDS Graded Book 3) Cherrybank Gardens, John Drewry (Bankhead Book 1 / RSCDS 30 Popular Dances 2) More Bees a-Dancing, Roy Goldring (Graded & Social Dances 2) The Bees of Maggieknockater, John Drewry (Canadian Book / RSCDS 30 Popular Dances 2) The Honey Moon, W.E. Allan (Miss Milligan’s Miscellany) The Highland Rambler, Roy Goldring (RSCDS Leeds Silver Jubilee / RSCDS 30 Popular Dances 2) Link to you tube - 'More Bees a - Dancing below The dance is 'More Bees a - Dancing' by Roy Goldring. The music used was from track 4 Dancing on' 'Travels - by Linda Thomas - Teacher Forglen SCD Class The dances were all entitled “Welcome to …” or “Trip to …” and included Having moved around quite a lot in her life, Linda Thomas chose as her theme the notion of Hello and Goodbye. Welcome to the Stagger Inn Welcome to Ayr A Trip to Tobermory (Drewry) A Trip to the Netherlands Welcome to Dufftown A Trip to Disney Welcome to Argentina A Trip to Somewhere Else A Trip to Timber Ridge A Trip to Lunenburg (the only dance to include the Hello Goodbye formation) Twelve dancers had an enjoyable afternoon with some interesting moments and lots of laughter. Silver - RSCDS Teacher Isobel Turner For the class at Arradoul SWI Hall on Sunday, March 30 2025, a lovely sunny afternoon, I took “silver” as my theme, simply because I like silver – some of the connections were rather loose! We started with a very easy warm-up dance, “The Fairy Ring” (rings can be made of silver!), starting by walking and building up to dancing. We then danced “Wellington Street”, 8x32 reel, from the Leicester Silver Collection with nothing too difficult. The third dance was “Silverdale Sunset”, a 32-bar strathspey, which proved more challenging; we’re used to balance-in-line in reel or jig time but it’s rather different in a strathspey. It is a 2-couple dance, intended to be done in a 4-couple set, but 3-couple sets suited our numbers better. The next two dances came from Jim Stott’s “Argentine Collection 20202, Argentina taking its name from the huge amounts of silver found there. “The Road to Cafayate”, 8x32 jig, lived up to Jim’s description of his day-trip there as following “many winding roads and this dance reflects the bends and turns in the road”. “ Aberdeenshire meets Argentina”, 3x32 strathspey, included the “Rosette” progression devised by John Drewry but less well-known than some of his other inventions. The link with silver was more obvious in the next two dances. ”Silver Acorn” is a 3x32 strathspey in a triangular set with some similarities with “The Wind on Loch Fyne” but unusual in that the men always return to the same position while the ladies progress. “Silver Branch” , 3x32 jig, is a little unusual in having 2nd couple as the dancing couple and in including inverting triangles up and down the set, better known in the normal double triangles configuration in “The Nurseryman”. We finished with an 8x32 reel, “Elizabeth II” which has the alternative title “Silver Jubilee Reel”. I tried to include dances “with a difference” including some with a bit of a challenge but I hope without being over-taxing – after all, “It’s just for fun”! Isobel Turner Kate & Alice Dianna & Bill Members emjoying a break Kate & Alice 1/7 Congratulations to Dr Anne McArthur life member of RSCDS Banffshire Branch Dr Anne McArthur , RSCDS Banffshire Branch member has been awarded the BEM in the King's New Year's Honours List. The Citation will read: Dr Anne McArthur Committee member, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. For Services to Scottish Country Dancing and to the community in Portsoy. To listen to the interview by the Lord -Lieutenant Andrew Simpson and Dr Anne McArthur on KCR Radio - click the link here Frank Thomson - Accordionist The Banffshire Branch was delighted to see Frank Thomson receive the RSCDS Scroll of Honour at the Autumn Gathering in November, 2024. Frank has supported the Banffshire Branch over many years. He came to our rescue as the accompanist for the Dance Section of the Moray Music Festival in Elgin. He continued to be the accompanist for the next six festivals, the latter two run by the Banffshire Branch. When the Branch produced a dance and resource pack for children and young people to celebrate their 90th Anniversary, Frank gave of his time to record the music which is free to download from the website. He also composed some of the original tunes. Frank is our ‘go to’ person whenever we need a musician. We thank him for his support over the years and congratulate him on his award. Frank Thomson, Musician Frank's Scroll, Scottish Country Dance Link to Youtube found here Link to Strathspey Dance Server here Link to Dance Dictionary found here Wakefield Nursing Home, Portsoy Members of the Banffshire Branch danced at Wakefield Nursing Home on 26th February. The staff and residents gave them a warm welcome. Grace Henry, a former Branch dancer now resides there so it was a good opportunity for a catch up. Day School and Evening Dance with Angela Young - RSCDS Teacher & Scott Band The Banffshire Branch of the RSCDS was delighted to welcome dancers to the Portsoy Church Centre on Saturday 22nd March for a dance workshop and an evening dance. It is over a decade since the Branch had run a day of dance and the committee wondered if people would turn out. They need not have worried as over 50 people came through the door at 2pm for a wonderful afternoon of dancing. The teacher was Angela Young from Perthshire but really an Aberdeen Quine and the musician was Scott Band from Kirriemuir. The class was varied with all ages, even two youngsters, and all levels of experience, teachers to beginners. Angela was not phased. She opened the class with a round the room dance making the dancers think of patterns rather than steps then, it was on to Scottish country dancing. Angela had decided that the dancers should dance a number of dances in the two and a half hours. She began with the jig, Speirs Bruce, the Pole Star by Roy Goldring from the Scotia Collection followed by The Mairrit Man’s Favourite from Book 24. The first strathspey chosen was Bydand by John Drewry. Bydand means steadfast and is the motto of the Gordon Highlanders, the North East Regiment. Following a cup of tea and shortbread the dances chosen where A Time for Change, a 32 bar reel by Jim Rae and the strathspey, The Silkie Woman by Barry Pride from the Jacobite Book. Silkies are mythological creatures that can shift between seal and human form by removing or putting on their seal skin. The class ended as it started but with the dancers dancing rather than walking. A group of very happy dancers left the Centre at 4.45, some went home, some went to local hostelries and some had brought a picnic to eat in the Centre. The dance started at 7.30 and again over 50 dancers were present. Scott had brought in his drummer to help him. It was a happy group of dancers who took to the floor making it a lively and inviting atmosphere. Thanks go to the committee for their initiative and hard work to make the day a success. Anne McArthur Day School Evening Dancers Jim Stott Chair of Aberdeen Branch and Liz Bulloch - Vice chair of Banffshire Branch Day School 1/10 Jennifer's Jig danced at the evening dance RSCDS Banffshire Branch - you tube channel click here

RSCDSBanffshire, children resource pack, buy online RSCDS Banffshire, publications Music by Frank Thomson/download free at RSCDS Banffshire childrens resources 90th anniversary CD Children's Resources The Banffshire Branch has a history of working with children and young people in the local schools . As part o f the 90th anniversary celebrations young people were involved in four days of dance across the Shire. This is a book of dances some written by pupils as part of their work towards RSCDS accreditation, each with an original tune and some resources for young people about the Country, called Banffshire. Frank Thomson recorded music for each of the dances in the 90th Anniversary package for children and young people. Frank was heavily involved in producing the music for the 90th Anniversary dances for children. Frank was also involved in recording and composing 'The Millbank Reel' for the 90th Anniversary dance book and CD.A big thank you to Frank for all he contributes to the Banffshire Branch 1. Highland Games 32-bar jig for four couples in a four couple longwise set 2. The Flying Dolphins 32-bar jig in a square set 3. The Ship of Dreams 32-bar hornpipe for four couples in a four couples longwise set 4. Morrai Jig 32-bar jig for four couples in a four couple longwise set 5. Rothes Castle 32-bar reel in a square set 6. Mosstowie Medley 32-bar strathspey and reel for four couples in a four couple longwise set 7. The Bonnie Viaducts of Cullen 32-bar jig for four couples in a four couple longwise set 8. The Schools Woods 32-bar jig for three couples in a three couple longwise set Highland Games Flying Dolphins Ship of Dreams Morrai Jig Mosstowie Medley Mosstowie Medley V2 Bonnie Viaducts of Cullen School Woods Rothes Castle To Purchase the 90th Anniversary book for Children and Young People The pack costs £6.00 plus post and package UK £1.50 EU £4.50 world £6.00 to order by post: Please send a cheque made payable to RSCDS BANFFSHIRE for the appropriate amount to Dr Anne McArthur 24 Aird Street Portsoy Aberdeenshire AB45 2 RB SCOTLAND Please click email link for further information or help Mail

Find out what RSCDS Banffshire Branch has planned to keep dancers busy during the Winter months. Our classes with a difference is suitable for everyone to come and join in the fun,fitness and friehship, SCD brings to everyone Branch News September 2025 Members of the Banffshire Branch participated in the 75 Club/Thrift Shop celebrations over the weekend. The over 60s from Portsoy, Sandend and Fordyce were invited for a tea dance in the Portsoy Church Centre on Sunday afternoon. Frank Thompson provided the music and Branch Dancers led the dancing. A good time was held by all.

NORTH EAST SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE EVENTS To purchase Celebrating 90 years of SCD - Banffshire Branch CD and Book click here RSCDS Forres events dance information found here RSCDS Inverness events - dance information found here Miltonduff SCD events - danc e information found here RSCDS Aberdeen branch dance diary SCD Events Scotland - found here

RSCDS Banffshire, dance classes, Fochabers, Mosstodloch, Forglen, Buckie, Arradoul, Dufftown, Macduff, Belle Church hall, Mulben, St Ruffus church hall DANCING CLASSES 2022 - 2023 All classes are held weekly In adverse weather conditions, please check with contact person for the class you attend MONDAY CLASSES BUCKIE dance class information can be found here MACDUFF dance class information can be found here TUESDAY CLASSES DUFFTOWN dance class information can be found here MILTONDUFF dance class information can be found here MOSSTODLOCH dance class information found here TURRIFF dance class information can be found here WEDNESDAY CLASSES FOCHABERS dance class information can be found here HUNTLY dance class information can be found here MULBEN dance class information can be found here THURSDAY CLASSES FORGLEN, TURRIFF dance Class information found here KEITH dance class information can be found here SPEY BAY dance class information can be found here FRIDAY (afternoon class) FRASERBURGH dance class information can be found here