Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing

14/01/2012

2012 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

There will be a number of vacancies for dancers in the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo Highland Ceilidh Dancers team for the 2012 season.

For full details please see the attached application form.

19/12/2011

Iain Macdonald, 2011 Atholl Clasp Recipient

Congratulations to Iain Macdonald who has been awarded the 2011 Atholl Clasp.

Iain MacDonald is one of the most versatile people we have in Highland Dancing, he is also known for his good sense of humour and positive manner. I vividly remember Iain from my early days of dancing, which we all know wasn’t yesterday. Throughout his life Iain has been dedicated to the Board and Highland Dancing in more ways than one and was made an Honorary Life Member by the Directors of the Cowal Highland Gathering and an Honorary Member of the SOBHD. Iain is a former World finalist and Runner-up, teacher and ambassador, adjudicator and piper. Many Congratulations.

Christine Lacey, Chairman

06/12/2011

Congratulations Betty Lawrence

Congratulations to Betty Lawrence who has become an Honorary Member of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing.

Betty and her husband Matt emigrated from Ayr to North America in 1964. They returned to Ayr in January 2011.

In 1965, Betty became Dance Director for the Kiltie Band of Oklahoma City, and thus began her long, successful career in the United States. World Champion Mary Beth Miller, credits Betty with establishing Highland in the Kansas City area. Over the years, Betty coached many United States Champions and prepared numerous teachers and judges for their professional exams. She was the most sought after workshop instructor in the country. Betty led workshops at the Balmoral School in Houston for many years. She was the head instructor at the Ohio Workshop in Oberlin for more than 25 years. She followed Mrs. Haggarty as instructor at Grandfather Mountain’s School of Scottish Arts until the school ended, and was invited to return the first year that the School started up again. Betty also taught regularly at Denver, Salt Lake City, Portland, Petaluma, and Raleigh. Generations of dancers and teachers became her family.

Betty had a magical way of getting dancers to do more than they thought possible. The dynamics she created in a class or private lesson built trust and enabled dancers to tackle the impossible and succeed. She is the gifted natural teacher who could truly teach a stick to do a good Highland Fling. Betty also had a special way of connecting with dancers - who must have sensed her love of Highland Dance and absolute commitment to it. Every year at the USIR and when she was at Cowal for the Worlds, dancers who had worked with her clamored for a few minutes of Mrs. Lawrence’s attention.

Betty was the 2nd person in the United States to become a Fellow Examiner of the BATD. She is also an Emeritus Member of the SDTA and a retired member of the SOBHD Judges’ Panel.

Betty was an active FUSTA member and headed up the USIR Scrutineering Team for years. She also helped create the Scrutineering Certification Program for FUSTA.

FUSTA recognized Mrs. Lawrence’s immense contribution to Highland Dance by making her one of the first inductees into the FUSTA Hall of Fame in 2006.

Text provided by Sharon Farrar, FUSTA Secretary

29/11/2011

Oscar Awards 2010-2011

The annual SOBHD Champion of Champions Oscar celebration took place on the 19th November 2011 in Edinburgh.

Congratulations to the SOBHD Oscar Winners for the year 2010-2011:

Adult Winner: Laura Smith

Senior Winner: Rebecca Thow

Junior Winner: Anthea Bundy

The three ladies are pictured, along with their dancing teachers, at the Oscar presentation.

2012 Championship Steps

The SOBHD would like to draw your attention to an error which occurred after the 2012 Championship Steps were posted on the website on 19th July.

The document containing the steps was transferred to a new template on the website, which resulted in an incorrect version being posted for a short time, specifically in relation to the Highland Fling introduction and the last step in the Adult Sword dance.

For clarity, the 2012 Championship Steps currently on the website are the correct version. Teachers and Judges can download a copy from the Members Area and a copy is also posted on the Forms & Downloads section of the website.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

2011 World Champions

Congratulations to the 2011 World Champions. Pictured from left to right are

Ellis Hayes, Scotland - World Juvenile Champion

David Wilton, Scotland - World Adult Champion

Katie Lee, Canada - World Junior Champion

Photograph by Ronnie Cairns.

Mrs J Haggarty MBE

It is with great sadness that we inform you that the great lady of dance, Mrs Jessie Stewart-Haggarty MBE, passed away peacefully at home in the afternoon of Sunday 28th August 2011.

Mrs Haggarty was 98 years of age and started teaching dance at age fourteen. Her pupils have been very successful in examinations and competitions, winning every major highland dancing championship in the UK. Mrs Haggarty has also trained students in many other countries including Canada, USA and Australia.

Mrs Haggarty was one of the founding members of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing. She was the recipient of many accolades including an MBE, the Atholl Clasp and two Carl Alan Awards amongst many other tributes. Mrs Haggarty was also SOBHD Vice President and formerly an Adjudicator of the SOBHD and an Examiner of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing.

A life dedicated to the preservation of Scottish culture and promotion of highland dancing, Mrs Haggarty has touched many lives throughout the highland dancing world.

Fabulous at 50

Congratulations to Christine Lacey, SOBHD Chairman, on her 50th birthday.

Christine was presented with flowers and a cake at the recent Board meeting.

Attention All Judges - Try out the Online CPD Training Programme now

Attention All Judges - please visit the Members Area for further details and to try out the online CPD study.

Congratulations to May Martin

Congratulations to May Martin who has become an Honorary Member of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing.

May McLaughlan Martin is a recognized and well-respected figure in Highland Dancing circles at home in Scotland and Overseas.

As a SOBHD Delegate for more than 20 years May Martin has played an active role in the development of Highland Dancing locally, nationally and internationally. May Martin first represented the Western Ontario area as a SOBHD Delegate when Canada was divided into "Area Committees" during the 1980s. After ScotDance Canada was formed, Delegates were invited to represent SDC at the Scottish Official Board Meetings. May accepted the position and has faithfully attended and continues to attend the Board Meetings. Her ability to speak up fearlessly on issues and at the same time defend the traditions of the SOBHD has won her the respect and appreciation of many.

She is a Teacher, Examiner, Scottish Official Board Judge and Competition Organizer and as an Ambassador for the SOBHD travelled extensively in the United Kingdom, across Canada, the United States and Australia teaching, judging and examining.

As a Dancer and Competitor May started Highland Dancing lessons at the age of 4 years with May Falconer in Motherwell attending classes there for a short period of time. She then joined the Isa Russel School of Dancing in Hamilton before being invited by Bobby Cuthbertson to join his class. May gives Bobby Cuthbertson credit for the training she received for her Championship Title wins, including the Scottish Championships at Cowal 1949 and 1951. She recalls Bobby Cuthbertson playing the small pipes whilst sitting on a chair dancing with his feet. Bobby introduced extended High Cuts to Highland Dancing. High Cuts are a favourite movement that May still practices and works hard to have her pupils accomplish. When Bobby Cuthbertson moved to Edinburgh the Class was taken over by Andrew Sutherland who was a Teacher who made a lasting impression on May.

The Martin Family has made Highland Dancing a Family Affair. May's husband Alex is a well-known Piper who has played for dancers at many competitions and Championships including Cowal in Scotland, SDCCS and overseas. May's full time position as a Highland Dress Consultant for Hector Russell in Glasgow assisted many Highland Dancers all over the world. Their children Clive and Melanie were both very successful Championship dancers. Family weekend time was spent at the Highland Games, Competitions and Championships.

May acknowledges the mentorship of Mrs. Jessie Stewart Haggarty and Miss Sadie Simpson for their support and guidance over the years.

Anne Sutherland, ScotDance Canada Past President and Independent Member

In Loving Memory of Mary Thomson, Dumfries

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Mary Thomson from Dumfries who passed away on Saturday 5th February 2011.

Mary was a well known Dance Teacher, Adjudicator and Competition Organiser in Scotland and our thoughts are with her husband and family at this sad time.

Sandra Receives The 2010 Atholl Clasp

Congratulations to Sandra Bald Jones who has been awarded the 2010 Atholl Clasp.

Sandra was presented with the clasp by Peter Archibald.

Oscar Awards 2009-2010

The annual SOBHD Champion of Champions Oscar celebration took place on 20th November 2010. Congratulations to the Oscar Winners for the year 2009-2010:

Adult Winner: Laura Smith

Senior Winner: Robyn Hart-Winks

Junior Winner: Anthea Bundy

Closing Ceremonies of the Delhi Commonwealth Games

Dancer David Wilton recently performed at the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. David is pictured to the left of the pipers.

Dancers perform at Help for Heroes concert

Highland Dancers from England were recently invited to perform at the Help for Heroes concert at Twickenham Stadium, London. They were also joined by highland dancers from New Zealand and South Africa and performed at the concert in front of 60,000 people. The whole group are pictured backstage.

2010 World Champions

Congratulations to the 2010 World Champions. Pictured from left to right are

Anthea Bundy, Scotland - World Juvenile Champion

Morgan Bamford, New Zealand - World Junior Champion

Daniel Carr, Canada - World Adult Champion

Individual photographs by Ronnie Cairns.

SOBHD 60th Anniversary Celebrations

The SOBHD celebrated it's 60th Anniversary (1950-2010) with a dinner and ceilidh on Sunday 22nd August 2010 at the Piping Centre, Glasgow.

Pictured at the celebrations are Christine Lacey (Chairman), Mrs Haggarty MBE (Vice President) and Shendl Russell (President).

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Congratulations to students from the Heather Jolley and Elizabeth Johnston Schools of Highland Dance who were asked to perform at the recent 2010 Winter Olympics, held in Vancouver, Canada. The dancers danced at the ice hockey, curling and speed skating venues.

Billy Receives The 2009 Atholl Clasp

Congratulations to Billy Forsyth MBE who has been awarded the 2009 Atholl Clasp.

Billy was presented with a set of cufflinks, engraved with WB MBE, by the SOBHD Chairman Christine Lacey.

2008-2009 Oscar Winners

Congratulations to the 2008-2009 Oscar winners...

Junior Winner: Sophie Oliver

Adult Winner: David Wilton

Juvenile Winner: Robyn Hart-Winks

Congratulations Iain Macdonald

Congratulations to Iain Macdonald who has become an Honorary Member of the SOBHD in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Highland Dancing.

Iain started dancing and piping at 7 years old, his teacher being Tommy Pollock from Glasgow. He also took lessons from Bobby Cuthbertson, Andrew Sutherland, Jackie Grant and Willie Cuthbertson and he continued his piping with world famous Glasgow piper Peter R. McLeod.

Iain joined The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders in 1959 and during his Army Career performed for The Royal Family on many occasions. He also performed in The Press Club New York for Brigadier McLean.

Iain continued to compete during this time and in one competition in Munster Germany, he competed against Mr. Robert Clark who like Iain now represents Scotdance Canada at Board Meetings. Iain left the Army in 1961 and returned to Willie Cuthbertsons’ dance classes, and in 1962 was 2nd in the World Championships. He joined the B.A.T.D. in 1972, the S.D.T.A. in 1973 and the judges panel in 1977. As well as teaching dancing successfully for many years, Iain organised the first Kirkintilloch Highland Games, The Glasgow Highland Gathering and The St. Mungo Championships.

Under the guidance of Angus Morrison Iain started piping for dancing competitions and over the years became many competition organisers regular piper and at Cowal Highland Gathering Iain piped for 43 consecutive years. Unfortunately due to lack of mobility Iain has retired from piping and I am sure you will all agree he will be irreplaceable in the dancing world.

Text provided by the SDTA.

2009 World Champions

Congratulations to the 2009 World Champions. Pictured from left to right are Morgan Bamford - World Junior Champion, David Wilton - World Adult Champion and Robyn Hart-Winks - World Juvenile Champion.

In Loving Memory of Mrs Adeline Duncan

For nearly 80 years, Adeline Duncan was involved with Highland dancing.

Mrs. D taught in Victoria and trained many outstanding dancers including two World Champions, Jennifer Lindsay and Angus MacKenzie. Her other pupils read like a who’s who in Highland dancing – Cheryl Rafter, Jennifer Wilson, Anne Reid, Kathy Whyte, Lynn Griffiths, Kathy Giebelhaus, Laurel Adamson, Gayle Allen and of course, her daughter Heather Jolley. In addition to these active teachers there is a long list of successful competitors whose names are prominent on all the trophies at the BC Highland games.

Mrs. D has been the recipient of many accolades. She was elected an Honorary Member of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing in Edinburgh, Scotland. She was named an Independent Member of ScotDance Canada. She also was presented with the Atholl Clasp recognizing her contributions to the Highland Dancing Community. She is a former member and examiner of the British Association Teachers of Dance and the UKA.

Mrs. D always had a keen interest in anything to do with Scottish culture. Her husband, Ian, was a very well-known pipe major and through him she became actively interested in piping, and pipe bands. Mrs. Duncan was a lifetime supporter of the City of Victoria Pipe Band, and through the marriage of her niece, Nancy to the pipe major of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band she became a fan of them too!

Although she was a very successful teacher, judge and adjudicator, Adeline made every attempt to attend meetings, workshop and competitions. Her advice to young teachers was “Never presume you know everything – you can always learn. There has never been a workshop that I attended where I didn’t learn something!”

She always enjoyed watching any competition, big or small, whether she knew the dancers or not. She was particularly pleased by the successes of her great-niece Fiona Lee, who is carrying on the family dancing tradition.

Mrs. Duncan passed away early morning, July 23, 2009. We have lost a true legend in Highland dancing!

Reproduced and edited from an article by Elizabeth Johnston in the Canadian Highland Dance Experience – Past, Present and Future.

Wilma Receives The 2008 Atholl Clasp

Congratulations to Wilma Tolmie who has received this year's Atholl Clasp presented by SOBHD Chairman Christine Lacey.

Ever since I can remember Wilma has produced champion dancers and is still producing champions. She has given many years of service to the Board Committees and many years to competition organising. Dancer, Teacher, Competition Organiser, Honorary Member of the Board, Wilma's career has covered all areas of Highland Dancing and she is a well deserving recipient of the Atholl Clasp.

Jean Swanston - Atholl Highland Dancing Association

Lynn McLaren 1919 - 2008

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Miss Lynn McLaren passed away peacefully on 10th December 2008. Evelyn McLaren was posted to Duns during the 2nd World War as a land girl. She and Ella Wynn started the Lynella Dance School in 1944. She placed an advert in a little sweet shop and over 60 dancers turned up on the night. When the war was over, the dancers begged her not to return to Edinburgh, so she and Ella stayed in Duns. Lynn was an Honorary Member of the SOBHD and formerly part of the Technical Committee. She became an Associate of the BATD in 1957, a Member in 1959 and a Fellow in 1981. Recognising her professional manner, knowledge and beautiful feeling for dance, Miss Sadie Simpson appointed her as an International Examiner in 1986. Since 1948 Lynn organised many dancing events in the Scottish Borders and the South of Scotland Highland Dancing Championships. Here she was pictured with one of her former pupils, Derek Chisholm, at the 60th Anniversary of the Lynella Ceillidh held in November 2004. A lovely lady who is remembered dearly by us all.

2007-2008 Oscar Winners

Congratulations to our Oscar Winners

Juvenile - Sophie Oliver

Junior - Charlene McMahon

Adult - David Wilton

2008 World Champions

Congratulations to our 2008 World Champions pictured left to right Morgan Bamford - Juvenile, Alexandra Matthews - Junior and David Wilton - Adult. Individual photographs by Ronnie Cairns.

Oscars 2006 - 2007

And the winners are in...

Adult Winner: David Wilton
Junior Winner: Laura Smith
Juvenile Winner: Charlene McMahon

Atholl Clasp 2007

Congratulations to Sheena McDonald who has received this year's Atholl Clasp, presented by SOBHD Chairman, Christine Lacey.

Sheena has been a mainstay of the Highland Dancing world for many years and is a worthy recipient of the Atholl Clasp. In fact when the 1st Atholl Dancing Festival was held as a fund raiser for the (local) Mid-Atholl Hall in 1976, Sheena was one of the judges who came and gave her time free that day. Thank you Sheena.

Jean Swanston - Atholl Highland Dancing Association

Dancers Performing at The Britain's Got Talent Auditions in Glasgow

Pictured to the right, dancers from the SOBHD performed a spectacular dancing display at the Britain's Got Talent Auditions held in Glasgow.

X Factor Auditions in Glasgow

SOBHD dancers who performed in front of X Factor hopefuls and Judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osborne and Dannii Minogue at the Glasgow Auditions on 1st - 3rd July 2007.

Billy Forsyth MBE

Congratulations to Billy Forsyth for being awarded an MBE for services to Highland dancing worldwide in the Queen's Birthday Honours List June 2007. This is well-deserved recognition for his hard work and dedication over the years.