Mail 75th Anniversary Dance Book and CD In 2004 the Banffshire Branch of the RSCDS published a Jubilee book of locally inspired dances to celebrate 75 years of Scottish Country Dancing in Banffshire. The book contains 12 dances together with 12 tunes, illustrations and notes. The dances are as follows: Findlater Castle (R8x32) Compliments to Jessie Bain (S4x32) The Birlin' Birkie (J8x32) The braes of Strathlene (S8x32) Travelling to America (R8x40) Gourdieburn (S3x32) The Glenrothes (J4x32) Moranbank (S8x32) We've nae Electric (R5x32) A Glint of Gold (S4x32) The Tripitup Troupe (J8x32) The Hills of Alba (R4x32) You can download a free copy of the RSCDS Banffshire Branch Jubilee Book as a pdf file and save it on your device and/or print it. 75th banffshire_book.pdf A' the best fae Banffshire - 75 Years of Scottish Country Dancing £10 for CD plus post and packing CD Launch 30 June 2006 The CD contains music for all the dances in the book, together with a couple of 'encores' and extra dance sets. The music is perfectly suitable for dances which are not in the book. To order By post Send a cheque made payable to RSCDS Banffshire f or the appropriate amount to Dr Anne McArthur, 24 Aird Street, Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, AB45 2RB Scotland ​ T o pay by BACS Sort code: 80 06 66 Account Number 00471060 For postage add the following costs: UK £2.00 EU £4.50 World £6.00 EMAIL ENQUIRIES CLICK BELOW Mail

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

Autumn 2023 Banffshire Branch News Annual Dance 10th November 2023 Message from the Chair of the RSCDS William Williamson "It was a great night at the Banffshire Dance on Friday night. A grand, friendly crowd. Thanks to everyone involved" William Williamson, Chair of the RSCDS ​ 1/2 James Coutts dance band James Coutts 4 piece dance band The Banffshire Branch held their Annual dance on 10th November 2023 in the St Thomas's Church Hall, Keith dancing to the James Coutts 4 piece dance band. A fantastic turnout, 11 sets in spite of the terrible weather. ​ We had the pleasure of the company of the RSCDS Chair William Williamson and his wife Linda along with Gary Coull, RSCDS Chair Elect. ​ Some photographs of last night and a video of Findlater Castle are attached. A great atmosphere and superb music from the dance band. Findlater Castle SCD - video link ​ We had the first of our Sunday classes on 23rd September i n the Institute Hall, Portsoy. We welcomed Angie and Kevin from the York and Humberside Branch who were on holiday at Findochty as well our Banffshire dancers. It was good to see everyone at the start of the dancing season. Anne McArthur chose The Piano Player from the newly published book of easy dances by TAS as a warm up. From the book published for the Centenary Anne chose: The Meeting of the Waters; Something in the Air; Jennifer's Jig; the Willbergs of Rechberg and the Baldovan Reel. Some were favourites from times gone with memories, Something in the Air was new and the group rose to the challenge of the rose formation. Willbergs of Rechberg challenged everyone even Anne but we got there in end… Class with a Difference 15 October 2023 - RSCDS Teacher Kate Strathdee ​

RSCDS Banffshire Branch Festival of Scottish Country Dance History of the Festival of Scottish Country dance - by Anne Taylor Members of the RSCDS Banffshire Branch have, over several years, been involved in training and entering teams of Children from a variety of Primary and Secondary Schools from North Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, and Moray areas. Adult teams from Banffshire and other areas have also entered the festival, either competitively or non-competitively. The festival came under the organisation of the Moray Music Festival and took place biennially in venues around Elgin. In 2018 the Moray Music Festival folded because of lack of support on the organisation side. The Banffshire Branch members had always organised the Scottish Country Dance events and it was sensible to continue and organise our own RSCDS Banffshire Branch Scottish Country Dance Festival. The purpose of the festival has always been to advance, promote and encourage amateur performers in the Art of Scottish Country Dancing by providing a platform for dancers combined with an educational element provided by a professional adjudicator. Parents, guardians, schoolteachers, and carers in partnership with organisers of the event ensure that the environment provided will, as far as is reasonably practicable, safeguard the welfare of all children The festival has always been staffed entirely by volunteers from our membership, with professional contributors from Qualified Teachers, RSCDS Adjudicators and Musicians. Traditionally the Festival took place every two years and when there was no Festival the Banffshire Branch would organise a Day of Dance for the School Children. At our last Day of Dance in 2019, it attracted 600 Primary School children from Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, and Moray. The 2nd RSCDS Banffshire Branch SCD Festival was held in the Town Hall, Elgin, on 11th March 2020 just prior to the first lockdown situation due to the corona virus and 400 children from a variety of Schools in Banffshire and Moray, along with adult teams from Banffshire, Moray and Inverness-shire taking part. Due to the last year and a half of various lockdown situations, again due to the Corona virus, we have been unable to organise any Days of Dance or Festivals. ​ Report by Anne Taylor Vice Chairperson October 2021 Due to the last year and a half of various lockdown situations, again due to the Corona virus, we have been unable to organise any Days of Dance or Festivals. However, we anticipate that in March 2022 the Branch will be able to have an Event, although something like a Day of Dance or Ceilidh dancing followed by a Branch Scottish Country dance in the evening, as an example. Festival results March 2020 Schools involved Aberchirder Primary School. Aberlour Primary School. Bracoden Primary School, Gamrie. Craigellachie Primary School. Cullen Primary School. East End Primary School, Elgin. Linkwood Primary School, Elgin Logie Primary School, Dunphail. Milne’s Primary School, Fochabers. Mortlach Primary School, Dufftown. Mosstodloch Primary School. Mosstowie Primary School, Miltonduff. Portessie Primary School. Portgordon Primary School. Portknockie Primary School. The Results Milnes Primary School won the Cup for the most points Portnockie Primary School and Mosstowie Primary School were joint Runners Up and will each have the shield for one year. ​ Class 8 – Primaries 4-5 Dances chosen 1st Milne’s, Fochabers Antarctica Bound 2nd East End, Elgin Antarctica Bound 3rd Linkwood, Elgin Joe MacDiarmid’s Jig Class 7 – Primaries 1-3 Dances chosen 1st Milne’s, Fochabers Morrai Jig 2nd Linkwood, Elgin Morrai Jig 3rd Portessie B Morrai Jig Class 9 – Primaries 6-7 Dances chosen 1st Mosstowie, Miltonduff New Year Jig 2nd Milne’s, Fochabers The Millbank Reel 3rd East End, Elgin The Millbank Reel Class 4 – Ceilidh Dancing – Primaries 1-4 Dance chosen The Flying Scotsman 1st Mosstowie, Miltonduff 2nd Milne’s, Fochabers 3rd Cullen and Portgordon Class 1 - Primary Schools with 100 pupils or less Dances chosen 1st Portknockie Charleston Chaser 2nd Portgordon and Bracoden, Gamrie Charleston Chaser 3rd Mosstowie, Miltonduff Charleston Chaser Class 2 – Primaries with 101 – 200 pupils Dances chosen 1st Aberlour A Reel for Jeannie 2nd Milne’s, Fochabers A Reel for Jeannie 3rd East End, Elgin and Aberchirder A A Reel for Jeannie Class 5 – Ceilidh Dancing – Primarier 5-7 (teams of 3) Dance chosen The Dashing White Sergeant 1st Portknockie 2nd Mosstowie, Miltonduff 3rd Cullen Class 15 – Adults (Ladies) NON-COMPETITIVE Dances chosen Elgin & District U3A Joie de Vivre The Ladies of Banffshire The Countess of Dunmore’s Reel Class 16 Adults (Mixed) NON-COMPETITIVE Dance chosen Elgin & District U3A Jubilee Jig Class 13 Adults (Ladies) COMPETITIVE Dances chosen 1st Marybank SCD Club, Inverness-shire The Clansman and Linnea’s Strathspey 2nd The Banffshire Ladies Orpington Caledonians and Cape Town Wedding Class 14 Adults (Mixed) COMPETITIVE Dances chosen 1st Marybank SCD Club, Inverness-shire Saltire Society Reel and Up in the Air 2nd Team Banffshire Inverneill House and The Gentleman

Branch News November 2022 RSCDS Banffshire Branch annual dance The branch had a good turn out of dancers at their annual branch dance on Friday 11th November at the Fishermen's Hall, Buckie. ​ Everyone enjoyed the excellent music provided by Scott Band (4 piece band). During the evening a tribute was paid to Anne Taylor who was recently awarded the Society Scroll of Honour. ​ Thanks to all branch members who helped make the evening such a success. ​ ​ ​ Anne Taylor lives and breathes Scottish Country Dancing and has achieved notable successes over the years. Anne took to Scottish Country Dancing with energy and enthusiasm. While living in the Peterhead area and a member of the Peterhead Branch, Anne received a scholarship to undertake her teaching certificate at St Andrews in the 1990s. Thereafter, Anne taught classes in Peterhead, Longside and Ellon. After moving to the Banffshire area Anne became influential in the Banffshire Branch. She immediately became a committee member and held the office of secretary for four years. She is presently vice chairman. During her years in the Branch she was instrumental in the publication of two books of dances and two CDs to celebrate the 75th and 90th anniversaries of the Branch. These have both proved to be successful internationally. The Banffshire Branch has a history of working in schools, particularly primary schools. Anne has seen her work at Milnes Primary School, Fochabers as her 'gold star'. Her dancers have undertaken the RSCDS accreditation to gold level. They have performed at concerts, entered the dance festival and even assisted in writing a dance linked to their studies. Outwith the Branch, Anne and her husband Bob organised 15 very successful weekend schools in Fochabers and Aviemore with Ian Barbour and Sandy Nixon’s Scottish Country Dance Band. Anne is known nationally and internationally. She has been a regular at the RSCDS Summer School in St Andrews as a teacher, a very successful tutor, Depute Schools Director and most recently Schools Director. She has also been Director of Winter School. When the Society was restructured in the noughties, Anne was elected to the Education and Training Committee. She has served a further term before being elected to the role of Convenor of Education and Training from 2019 - 2022. Presently Anne is a medal test assessor, an adjudicator and was recently appointed an examiner. Society awards 2022 Society Scroll of Honour awards November 2022 Society awards 2022 Society awards 2022 1/3 Congratulations to Anne Taylor on receiving the RSCDS Scroll of Honour award at the AGM on 5th November. Anne was nominated by RSCDS Banffshire Branch for her dedication and support to the branch for many years. ​ Mo Rutherford was awarded a Scroll of Honour, nominated by Membership Services. Mo was also the Music Director for the Society for 10 years. Mo was brought up in Keith and she joined her father (Walter) Scottish Country dance band at the age of 14 years. Her Mum Betty taught the Keith SCD class. They were both awarded a joint Branch Award. ​ ​ ​ Congratulations from all at RSCDS Banffshire Another well known Banffshire branch member is Gary Coull . Gary was elected as Chair Elect at the AGM. Gary was elected as Chair Elect at the 2022 AGM. He will serve as Chair Elect for 2 years and become Chair in 2024. Being Chair Elect means Gary is a member of the Management Board of the Society and deputises for the Chair when the need arises. Gary started dancing at the age of 10 in Dufftown being taught by Jessie Stuart. Gary became a member of the RSCDS at the age of 16 and has served as Banffshire Branch's Chairman and Secretary. He was Chairman of the Branch during it's 80th anniversary when members had the pleasure of dancing for HM Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral. Gary gained his RSCDS Teaching Certificate in 2013.

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? .

Contact details for Publications (Banffshire CD's and Dance Books Contact: Anne McArthur 01261 842474 ............................................................................... Secretary: rscdsbanffshire@gmail.com Contact by phone: Linda Thomas 07928401233 Please contact the Secretary on rscdsbanffshire.gmail.com for enquiries about the Banffshire Branch. ​ Please contact Anne McArthur for publications enquiries: 75th Anniversary publications 90th Anniversary publications

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 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

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

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

July News - St Andrews Summer School 2023 Wendy West Banffshire Branch member along with Chair of the RSCDS William Williamson and his wife Linda Banffshire Branch members Gordon & Liz Bulloch This year the RSCDS Summer School held in St Andrews University celebrated 90 Years of the Summer School. ​ Wendy West, RSCDS Banffshire Branch member along with the youngest attendee (Douglas MacIntosh) at Summer School were selected to cut the 90th Annviersary celebration cake at the end of week 4. Douglas was attending Summer School for the second time and at the age of 13 years, was the youngest person in week 4. ​ Wendy West, although not the oldest person has attended Summer School since the age of 10 years. Wendy accompanied her mother to Summer School but was not allowed to dance - one had to be 18 years old back then. She was not even allowed to stay with her mother, having to board elsewhere in the town. At the age of 18 years when legitimately able to go to Summer School , she was too busy playing tennis! ​ Here are some of the celebratory photos taken at the 90th Anniverary afternoon tea. ​ ​ Jim Stott, Director along with Sue Porter provided the 90th Anniversary cake. The University provided the afternoon tea. ​ A wonderful afternoon had by all. Everyone turned up in their 'glad rags' to enjoy this special occasion. ​ ​ Chair, William Williamson and Linda Williamson Describe your image 90th Anniversary cake Describe your image Gordon , Liz Bulloch, William & Linda and Wendy West Describe your image Chair, William Williamson and Linda Williamson Describe your image 1/5

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