From Virginia Reels to Strip the Willows, Britannia Two Steps to Canadian Barn Dances – the primary school pupils of Sutherland proved they could master them all at this year's East Sutherland Primary Schools Ceilidh Dancing Competition.
Hosted by Brora Primary School and brought to life by the foot-stomping music of the Rogart Ceilidh Band, the annual event was a celebration of traditional Scottish dance, community spirit, and some seriously impressive footwork from some very young competitors.
Judges face a tough task
This year's judging panel – Marlene and Hugh Munro from Inverness and Seonaidh MacKay from Spinningdale – had no easy job, with schools delivering high standards across every dance category. As well as the traditional competitive categories, the event also featured some special awards including the ever-popular 'Biggest Smile' and the much-anticipated 'Parents Dancing Award'.
Active Schools' key aims are to get 'more pupils more active, and Ceilidh dancing certainly ticks these boxes!
Active Schools Co-ordinator at High Life Highland
A community effort
Elissa Stevenson, Active Schools Co-ordinator at High Life Highland, who organised the event on behalf of East Sutherland Schools Sports Association, praised everyone involved: "The Ceilidh Competition is always a fantastic event. The schools put in a huge amount of effort with training and take a lot of pride in their appearance with lovely outfits and not a hair out of place!"
One of the most heartwarming moments of the day came from Rosehall Primary School, who have just four pupils this year. Rather than miss out, they "borrowed" four pupils from Rogart Primary School so they could take part in the Virginia Reel and Strip the Willow – a lovely example of the community pulling together to make sure every school could join in.
The return of the parents' dance was another highlight. "It was wonderful to have the parents dance back again this year," said Elissa, "and the pupils, picked as judges, certainly enjoyed rating their dancing ability!"
Thank yous all round
The event couldn't happen without a small army of dedicated supporters. Elissa was keen to acknowledge everyone who made the day possible: "I'd like to thank the teachers, school staff, parents, and community volunteers who put so much effort and time into leading the practice sessions – during school time, lunchtime, and after school."
A special mention went to long-time compere Bob Meeres, who has kept the event running smoothly for many years, accompanied by his son Charlie Jack who helps teams get organised on the dance floor. Bob also sponsors all the special awards – a hugely generous contribution to the event.
Thanks were also extended to Brora Parent Teacher Association, Capaldi's, and Brora Primary School for their support, as well as Young Leaders Maisie and Elsie from Golspie High School and Young Leader Maisie MacKintosh.
Councillor Michael Baird attended on the day to present the prizes, with trophies awarded to overall winners and runners-up, small schools, and Strip the Willow winners, and medals given to first and second place in each dance.
"Active Schools' key aims are to get 'more pupils more active'," Elissa added, "and Ceilidh dancing certainly ticks these boxes!"
Results
Virginia Reel
- 1st – Bonar Bridge Primary School
- 2nd equal – Golspie and Lairg Primary School
Canadian Barn Dance
- 1st – Rogart Primary School
- 2nd equal – Golspie and Dornoch Primary School
Strip the Willow
- 1st – Bonar Bridge Primary School
- 2nd – Brora Primary School
Britannia Two Step
- 1st – Golspie Primary School
- 2nd – Dornoch Primary School
Special awards
- Overall winners – Golspie Primary School
- Runners up – Bonar Bridge Primary School
- Small school winners – Bonar Bridge Primary School
- Best dressed team – Brora Primary School
- Best hair do – Helmsdale Primary School
- Biggest smile – Lexi MacKay, Rogart Primary School
- Parents dance winners – Lairg Primary School
Congratulations to all the pupils, schools, and everyone who took part – and we'll see you on the dance floor next year!
