Berry good fun at series of ceilidhs
Students introduced to Scottish culture
The 16th season of ceilidhs for berry-picking students working on local farms in east Perthshire ends on Wednesday this week – the venues being Blairgowrie Town Hall and Blairgowrie Parish Church Hall.
At last week’s ceilidhs at both halls, demonstration displays were given by the Happy Feet Dancers, with instructor Tracy Thom.
Dancers were Kaitlin Airth, Eva Barton, Anna Filipe, Dominika Iglinska, Emma Isles, Remy McDonald, Flora McGregor and Ruth Watson. Music was by Nicol McLaren, accordion, and arrangements were by the team of dedicated helpers from all the local churches in the East Perthshire Action of Churches Together in Scotland (EPACTS) group, who have supported the series over the last 16 years or so – introducing the students to a little bit of Scottish culture in the process.
One of the organisers, Moira Somerville, said the ceilidhs were mostly well-attended, apart from that evening, when the rain was said to have dampened the enthusiasm.
“Those who have attended ceilidhs in Blairgowrie, Alyth and Coupar Angus have enjoyed themselves.
“We’ve had students from Latvia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, two from Italy, and one from Spain.”
Moira continued: “In total, around about 500 young people joined in during the season – all of them appreciative of the whole set up, from dance callers, to music, food and friendship.
“Entertainment during the intervals has been provided by a young piper, two young Highland dancers, Scottish Country dancers, dancers from the Alyth dance class, a Gaelic singer – plus a kilt-folding demonstration.
“Some of the eastern European students also entertained in song and in national dance.
“It has been a far shorter season and some students have gone home early as there wasn’t more money to be made.
“The community has rallied round with delicious home baking, and teams of helpers from all the churches enjoyed fellowship as they prepared the filled rolls.
“At the intervals a buffet supper is always served with food generously donated by the different congregations. Music in most of the venues was supplied by accordionists Peter Bruce and Nicol McLaren.”