< Back SUNDAY 30 MARCH Arradoul Hall, Arradoul, Buckie http://Class with a Difference - Join Isobel Turner - RSCDS Teacher Previous Next

RSCDS Banffshire Branch News April 2023

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 90 years of Scottish Country Dancing Dance Diary Summer Socials Link Branch Events 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 Balmoral visit RSCDS Banffshire Branch Anne awarded British Empire Medal (BEM) Balmoral visit 1/9

There’s Nothing Here... We can’t find the page you’re looking for. Check the URL, or head back home. Go Home

There’s Nothing Here... We can’t find the page you’re looking for. Check the URL, or head back home. Go Home

RSCDS 80th Anniversary Fishermans hall, Buckie RSCDS Banffshire 80th Anniversary dance 80th Anniversary of the Banffshire Branch The Banffshire Branch Annual Dance on 13th November at the Fisherman's Hall in Buckie was rather special. The evening started with a drinks reception, giving plenty of time to catch up on news and gossip while, behind the scenes, there was some 'fighting with technology' before the 'slide-show' of the dancing at Balmoral could be enjoyed by all. The dance was very well attended by dancers from far and wide. As befits the Occasion, there were speeches, cake-cutting, a surprise presentation and press photographs. When the formalities had been completed and the dancing started, the music was ably provided by Colin Dewar and his band. Cutting the celebration cake is Jessie Stuart, Jean Mair and Anne McArthur at the 80th Anniversary Dance Anne McArthur presentation for the Branch Award 2009 Amongst those present were RSCDS President Alistair McFayden and RSCDS Chairman - elect Ruth Beattie. Anne McArthur was honoured (and astounded) to receive a branch Award. Banffshire Branch Chairman, Gary Coull, read out the Citation and the award was presented by RSCDS President Alistair Mc Fadyen. A Branch award is not achieved easily. It is given in recognition of an extended period of dedication and commitment to the Branch and to Scottish Country Dancing. Other award holders are Jean Mair, Pat Lemmon, Jessie Stuart and Betty & Walter Rutherford. Everybody agreed that Anne well deserved her Award. She is a former Chairman of the Branch and the Secretary at the time of the Award. She was the driving force in the production of our 75th Anniversary Dance Book and the subsequent CD. she has spent many years teaching and encouraging children and adults. Anne's quiet hard work and dedication has put Banffshire on the RSCDS map. Group photograph and On with the dancing celebrating 80 years of dancing for RSCDS Banffshire Branch

Scottish Country dance class Mosstodloch Tuesday evening dance class Mosstodloch Speymouth Hall 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm 2025 7th January 2025 to 25th March 2025 New session Tuesday 16th September 2025 to Tuesday 2nd December 2025 2026 Session Tuesday 6th January to Tuesday 31 March Contact Isobel by phone click here For further information please contact Isobel Turner or Dianna Baillie Scottish Country Dancing is Fun, Fitness, Friendship Suitable for everyone Contact Dianna by phone click here Speymouth Hall, click here

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

Festival of Scottish Country dance, RSCDS Banffshire Festival of Scottish Country dance/RSCDS Banffshire archives, 80th Anniversary photos, RSCDS Banffshire archives Balmoral Visit Our most exciting event was in 2009 when the members of the branch travelled to Balmoral to dance for the Queen and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. We were greatly honoured when Her Majesty the Queen kindly invited us to dance for her to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the formation of our Branch. We decided to perform some dances from our 75th Anniversary Book because these dances are all devised by Banffshire Branch members and/or are inspired by a Banffshire connection. The event needed live music and Colin Dewar and his Band (who recorded our 75th Anniversary CD) were happy and able to fit us (and Her Majesty) into their crowded schedule. On Tuesday, 11th August at midday about 40 Branch members and 16 children from local schools crowded onto the coach in Keith. On arriving at Balmoral we all had our photo ID's checked (passports, driving licences, bus passes, etc.) before proceeding to the tea room where we were to perform. We received a friendly greeting from Clare Russell, the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire. The area for dancing was slightly less than we expected, so we decided to abandon the children's static display during 'We've nae Electric'. We got ready and put on our dancing shoes while the Band finished setting up and we had a quick practice of walking on and off (always more difficult than the actual dancing!) while the Band were changing out of 'just do it' tee-shirts into something slightly more suitable for the occasion. The Dancers and the Band then had a practice. After the practice, with just a few minutes to go we all stood, puffing and hearts beating, in our sets ready for Findlater Castle, waiting for Her Majesty. When she arrived (with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie), our Chairman, Gary Coull, gave a short introductory speech and the music and dancing started. Our programme: Findlater Castle Compliments to Jessie Bain The Homecoming Dance - children The Hills of Alba Gourdieburn Round Reel of Eight - children We've nae Electric The dancing and the music all went well, with nothing worse than the occasional hesitation or poorly-pointed foot (hopefully, She didn't notice!) Her Majesty and the two Princesses appeared to be very happy with our performance. Toe-tapping was observed! Mrs. Jean Mair devisor of 'Compliments to Jessie Bain' presented Her Majesty with Banffshire Branch CDs and dance books. The Royal party then spent a considerable time walking amongst us, talking with us and asking questions. Her Majesty even asked what the floor was like to dance on. (It was hard but not slippery.) We were treated to tea and biscuits and had plenty of time to chatter before piling back onto the coach to return to Keith. It was a highly successful event and, after having danced for the Queen, we are left wondering - what can we do next? .

Scottish Country Dance Class, Fraserburgh The Fraserburgh Scottish Country Dance class is a social class where the 'eyes', 'smiles' and 'listening ears' are the key ingredients. The Teacher is Dr Anne McArthur, veteran of the Scottish Country Dance scene having qualified as a teacher in 1972. There is little that hasn't crossed her path in 50 years of teaching. All are welcome Contact by email Contact Anne by email click here Contact Anne by phone, click here Friday afternoon Dance Class Fraserburgh Scottish Country Dance class Dalrymple Hall, Fraserburgh 2pm to 3.30 pm Teacher Dr Anne McArthur 2025 Session Friday 10th January 2025 to 28th March 2025 All Welcome Dalrymple Hall, Fraserburgh - click 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 evening dance class Forglen Hall Turriff 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm 2025 Sesssion 9th January 2025 to 8th May 2025 New Session 18th September 2025 to 4th December 2025 2026 Dates TBC New members are most welcome. Join us for Fun Fitness and Friendship Please contact Julia Nicholson for details. Forglen Hall, Turriff - click here