PICTURES: Black Isle ceilidh workshops are cool with kids as events pave way for community get-together
MOMENTUM is building towards a big toe-tapper of a community ceilidh in Ross-shire later this year thanks to the success of an initiative that put in a spring in the step of Black Islers at the weekend.
The Black Isle Ceilidh Band has embarked on a tour with a difference thanks to support from a lottery funded Creative Scotland supported project.
The band is performing at community – at Munlochy and Avoch last weekend – and running workshops to teach children dance and let them become familiar with some of the tunes.
The band’s Kenny Fraser said: “The workshops were at full capacity and the dancing really put a smile on everyone’s face, young and old. It showed how much families have missed this kind of participation in social dancing over recent years.”
His band mate Hugh Marwick delighted in watching folk get the hang of the dances and reckons The Flying Scotsman has been a favourite so far.
Chris Rasdale, who is also a teacher, said: “After such a successful start, we’re already gearing up for the next stage of our Black Isle tour. After the holidays, we’ll be in Resolis on September 10, and having recently popped into the school to play a few tunes, the kids can’t wait to join in the fun.
“The grand finale is going to be the big ceilidh dance in October, which will be open to the wider public too. We’re hoping to get the secondary school in Fortrose involved as well, as it would be a lovely way for older children to be able to nurture the younger ones.”
Feedback from Munlochy parents included: feedback: "We had such a great time. Dances were pitched perfectly for the children. A full dance floor for every single dance is always a great sign!"
An Avoch parent said: "It's really good to see everyone involved. We had never been to a ceilidh before and had great fun."
Find out more on the Black Isle Ceilidh Band's website.
More pictures in this week's Ross-shire Journal
