Dingwall 800

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s, 2s and 3s dance mirror reels of 3, 1s in and down, 2s out and up, 3s in and up WHILE 4s and 5s dance a double Fig of 8, 4s crossing down to begin and 5s dance up the sides to begin.
9-16 1s and 5s dance figures of 8 on sides, 1s in front of 2s to begin and 5s dance behind of the 4s to begin.
17-20 1s dance down the middle and cast into 5th place. WHILE 2345 set and cast up one place.
21-24 All advance for 1, retired for 1, twice.
25-32 All circle round and back.

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Fiona J Newton, 2026)

Dance Information

The Dingwall Scottish Country Dance Club will be holding a tea dance in September 2026 as part of the celebrations.

This dance, written by Fiona J Newton, a Dingwall SCD club member, will be included in the programme.

During the 1950s classes in Dingwall were organised by the sisters Jessie and Nannie Reid, who taught both children and adults. In nearby Strathpeffer, dancing was taught by Meg Rose of Fodderty Primary School. Dance books once owned by Meg Rose were later passed through successive teachers and included the dance "The Misses Jessie and Nannie Reid of Dingwall", preserving part of the area's dancing history.

One of the club's later instructors was Group Captain Jim Bruce, who was commemorated in the dance "Captain Bruce's Jig". Following his sudden death, the club continued under the direction of Pearl Sinclair from 1973 onwards. Pearl Sinclair taught for twenty-two years and oversaw a period of strong membership and successful rallies. Visiting teachers from across Scotland regularly attended club events, while annual day schools also became an established part of the programme.

Janette Steele became the club teacher after Pearl Sinclair's retirement and continued in the role for the next decade. During this period Scottish country dancing experienced declining attendance in some areas, and the club's annual day school eventually ended as similar events became available elsewhere in the Highlands.

Since 2004 the club has been taught by Fiona Newton. During this time the weekly classes moved from Dingwall to Conon Bridge, while rallies transferred first to Strathpeffer and later to Culbokie. The club continues to hold regular dancing sessions between September and June, together with social events and rallies during the year. Modern sound equipment has replaced older recorded music systems, and profits from tea dances and fundraising activities have been used to support both local and national charities, including Children in Need, WaterAid and Highland community organisations.

It has been a royal burgh since the reign of Alexander II in the 13th century and developed over many centuries as an important centre for trade, transport and local administration in the north Highlands.

The town's name is derived from the Old Norse word "Þingvöllr", meaning an assembly field or meeting place, reflecting the influence of Viking settlement in the area. Its Gaelic name, Inbhir Pheofharain, refers to the mouth of the River Peffery. Although Dingwall now lies inland, it originally functioned as a coastal harbour and medieval port with access to overseas trade.

Dingwall Castle once stood near the centre of the town and was regarded as one of the largest castles in northern Scotland. The castle played a role during the Wars of Scottish Independence and was associated with the Earls of Ross. Tulloch Castle, situated on the edge of the town, contains parts believed to date from the 12th century.

The town is traditionally linked with the Battle of Dingwall in 1411, a conflict associated with Clan Mackay and Clan Donald during the period of the Highland clan wars. In later centuries Dingwall continued to grow as the administrative centre of Ross-shire and was represented in Parliament as part of a district of burghs until the early 20th century.

Modern Dingwall remains an important service and transport centre for surrounding Highland communities. The town lies on both the Far North railway line and the Kyle of Lochalsh route. Road connections link Dingwall with the west Highlands and the north of Scotland, while the opening of the Cromarty Bridge in 1979 reduced heavy through traffic in the town centre.

Ross County Football Club is based in Dingwall and plays its home matches at Victoria Park. The club won the Scottish League Cup in 2016 and attracts supporters from across the Highlands.

The town contains several educational and cultural organisations, including Dingwall Academy, one of the largest secondary schools in the Highlands, and Fèis Rois, which promotes Gaelic language, music and traditional culture. The Highland Theological College, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, is also located in the town.