RSCDS Banffshire Branch 90 years of Scottish Country Dancing Dance Diary Summer Socials Link 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

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 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

Scottish Country Dance Summer Socials link to Dance Diary Summer Socials 2025 Link to Branch Events/Calendar

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 Liutenant, 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

RSCDS Banffshire Branch News April 2023

Scottish Country dance class, Mulben Contact Kate by phone click here Mulben Scottish Country Dance class is held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month The class teacher is Kate Strathdee, RSCDS Teacher 2025 Session January 15th 2025 to 16th April 2025

Scottish Country dance class, Keith Contact Kate by phone, click here Kate Strathdee, RSCDS Teacher Centre front Keith Scottish Country dance Class St Rufus Church Hall, Keith 2025 Session Thursday 9th January 2025 to Thursday 3rd April 2025 St Rufus Church hall

Scottish Country dance class, Dufftown Contact Kate by phone click here Mortlach Memorial Hall - directions click here DUFFTOWN SCD CLUB Kate Strathdee, RSCDS Teacher TUESDAY evening class Dufftown class Mortlach Memorial Hall, Dufftown 2025 Tuesday January 7th 2025 to Tuesday 1 April 2025 Contact Kate for further information Follow us of Social media click the link to Facebook below Phone

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 Helen by email Contact Jason by phone Contact Jason by email Contact Elaine by phone click here Huntly evening class - Wednesday Linden centre, Huntly New session Wedneday 8th January 2025 Follow us on FACEBOOK 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm The Linden centre, Huntly - click here

RSCDS Banffshire Branch events/SocialScottish Countrydancing Classes with a Difference Summer Socials Dance Diary RSCDS BANFFSHRIE BRANCH EVENTS IN 2025 AND 2026

Find out what is going on in RSCDS Banffshire Branch Summer 2024 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. 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 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