Highland dancers from Ross-shire limber up for presitigious Oban showdown
NINE talented Highland dancers from Ross-shire, Caithness and Sutherland have earned the honour of representing the North of Scotland at the Highlands and Islands Music Festival in Oban.
This opportunity follows their standout performances at the North of Scotland Confined Championship. The top three dancers in each age category were selected to showcase the best of Highland dancing from the region at the prestigious event, which has become one of the biggest cultural festivals to take place in Scotland.
Melanie McKay, teacher from the Melanie McKay Dance School based in Ross-shire, has five pupils who were selected to represent the North of Scotland. She said: “I am very proud of my dancers who will represent both the North of Scotland and Inverness-shire teams at Oban. I am looking forward to an enjoyable weekend of dancing in Oban next May.”
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The festival, established in 1984, aims to encourage young talent in the traditional arts of music and dance. Over three days, it will feature more than 1100 participants competing in 125 classes across eleven disciplines, including piping, accordion, fiddle, clarsach, piano, recorder, singing, woodwind and brass, Highland dancing and choreography.
A highlight of the festival is the Scottish Highland Dancing Area Finals, the only Highland dancing team event in the world.
The competition brings together 17 regional teams from across Scotland, marking the culmination of the year’s competition circuit.
It also features the Scottish Choreography Challenge, which spans two days and showcases innovative dance routines incorporating traditional Highland dancing steps, sound, lighting effects, and dazzling costumes.
Dancers from (left):
11yrs and under category
1. Gracie Schofield, Dingwall
2. Molly Robertson, North Kessock,
3. Bethany Wilson, Muir of Ord (reserve)
12- 15yrs category
Top Stories
1. Eilidh Guthrie, Rosemarkie
2. Eilidh Budge, Halkirk
3. Carly Harrold, Wick (reserve)
16yrs and over category
1. Innes Mackenzie, Fearn
2. Sophie Fraser, Muir of Ord
3. Amy Macrae, Munlochy (reserve)
