Primary children dancing to a Scottish tune

Pupils from all of Arran’s seven primary schools took part the annual Scottish Dance Festival at Whiting Bay Hall last week, attended by their families.

Now in its 20th year, the festival, which is also known as the Day of Dance, is a celebration of Scottish dancing where pupils learn the steps and enjoy an afternoon of active fun with their friends.

Owing to the cancellation of ferries because of the stormy conditions, accordionist Ian Muir was unable to attend. However, teachers improvised with recorded music and the children still enjoyed themselves immensely.

Piper Rory Currie provided some live music and the accompaniment for the standard bearers’ parade.

Liz Kennedy was, as usual, the master of ceremonies and took the children through a number of jigs, Strathspeys and reels including the Gay Gordons, The White Rabbit and The Flying Scotsman and The Old Man of Storr.

Organisers thanked Active Sports coordinator Andrew Brisco and all the teachers, pupils and parents who put so much effort into teaching and learning the dance steps and for contributing to an enjoyable afternoon of dancing.

01_B49dance04 Brodick Primary School’s Mandarin teacher enjoys learning the Scottish dances.

01_B49dance02 Children of all ages take part in the day of dance.

01_B49dance08 Children form an arch during the Dashing White Sergeant.

01_B49dance05 Pupils learn some of the routines by watching their friends.

01_B49dance03 Dancers eagerly await their turn to play their part in the dance.