PICTURES: 'Wonderful atmosphere' as all eight East Sutherland primary schools compete in ceilidh dancing competition
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All eight primary schools in East Sutherland took part in a ceilidh dancing competition held at Brora Primary School last Friday.
The event was organised by High Life Highland active schools coordinator Elissa Stevenson and her colleague Murdoch Jamieson on behalf of East Sutherland Schools Sports Association.
Bob Meeres of Rogart was the compere and kept the event running smoothly, while his son Charlie Jack helped to organise the teams on the dance floor.
Bob also sponsored a new trophy for the dancer with the "biggest smile".
There were four competitive dances - Virginia Reel, Gay Gordons, Strip the Willow, and a waltz - with music by the Rogart Ceilidh band who also played at a short ceilidh afterwards.
The judges were Marlene and Hugh Munro and Isla Henderson, from Inverness, and Seonaidh Mackay from Spinningdale.
They judged the dancers for timing and footwork as well whether the pupils enjoyed the dances, looked relaxed and were having fun.
Ms Stevenson said “It was brilliant to have all the schools represented this year and to see them in their smart outfits. There was a great turnout of spectators and a wonderful atmosphere. It was great to see so much support from families and the wider community.
"I’d like to thank the teachers, PSAs, parents, and community volunteers who put so much time and effort into running the practice sessions either during school hours, lunchtime or after school."
Ward councillor Jim McGillivray, East Sutherland and Edderton handed out the prizes. Trophies were awarded to the overall winners and runners-up, small schools winners, Strip the Willow winners and best dressed school. Medals were awarded for first and second place in each dance. All other pupils will be given a certificate of effort.
RESULTS
Overall winner - Brora. Runners-up - Golspie and Lairg (equal). Small schools - Lairg. Virginia Reel - 1 Lairg, 2 Bonar Bridge and Brora (equal). Gay Gordons - 1 Rogart, 2 Brora. Strip the Willow - 1 Rosehall and Brora (equal), 2 Dornoch, Lairg and Golspie (equal). Waltz - 1 Rogart, 2 Golspie. Best dressed - Bonar Bridge. Biggest smile - Eliza Buchanan, Brora. Smile prizes also went to Jessica McMillan and Anwen Fiddian, Lairg. Special prize to Quinn Gander, Rosehall, for being the youngest and cutest dancer.
