Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

Caller Herrin'

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

CALLER HERRIN' (R8x40) 3C (4C set) Hugh Foss Dances to Song Tunes

1- 8 1s set advancing passing RSh, 1M+2L and 1L+2M ½ turn nearer hand and repeat back to places
9-16 1s lead down below 3s and cast up, meet, lead up to top and cast to place while 2s cast up and lead down and cast up round 3s to place, 1s+2s set
17-24 1s dance reels of 3 on own sides (1s in and down to start)
25-32 1s dance part reels of 3 on sides all crossing at the top to end 312 on opposite sides and all set
33-40 1s cast down 1 place, cross RH, cast up to 2nd place while 2s+3s cross RH, set on sides and change places RH, 2s+1s+3s set

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)


Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams


Dance Instruction Videos

Caller Herrin' - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction Video

Dance Information

The title of this dance, Caller Herrin', comes from the Caller Herrin' - Song, the music written by Nathaniel Gow (1763-1831), and the words written by Carolina Nairne (1766-1845).

"Caller herrin'" means fresh herring. It was the traditional cry of fishwives, who carried creels of freshly caught herring which they sold from door to door.

Caller Herrin' Song - Information Video

Caller Herrin
Caller Herrin c. 1908


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Additional search terms: Herring.

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