Dingwall Celebr800 Strathspey

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s and 4s set, 1s cast off one place, while 4s cast up one place, turn partners with both hands, 1s finish facing 1st corners, 4s finish in 3rd place, own sides. (2s step up and 4s step down on bars 3-4).
9-16 1s dance corner pass and turn. Corners turn with both hands. 1s finish in 2nd place on their own side. 2143
17-24. 1s and 4s dance the espagnole. 2413
25-32. 2s dance a figure of eight down through the 4s while the 3s dance a figure of eight up through the 1s
33-40. All circle round and back. 2413

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Jean Pettit, 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 Jean Pettit, a Dingwall SCD club member, will be included in the programme.

Classes in Dingwall during the 1950s were taught by Jessie and Nannie Reid, while Meg Rose taught in Strathpeffer. Later teachers included Group Captain Jim Bruce, Pearl Sinclair, Janette Steele and, since 2004, Fiona Newton. Under their guidance the club has organised regular classes, rallies and social events, while adapting to changing venues and modern equipment.

Today the club continues to hold weekly dancing sessions in Conon Bridge and remains active in supporting Scottish country dancing in the Highlands. Fundraising events have also helped provide donations to a range of local and national charities.

It has held royal burgh status since the 13th century and developed as an important regional centre for trade, administration and transport in the north Highlands. Although the town now lies inland, it was formerly connected more directly to the sea and functioned as an east-coast harbour.

The name Dingwall is believed to come from the Old Norse word "Þingvöllr", meaning an assembly field or meeting place, reflecting Viking influence in the area. The Gaelic name, Inbhir Pheofharain, refers to the mouth of the River Peffery. The town's Norse connections are part of a wider Scandinavian presence once established around the firths and coastal areas of northern Scotland.

Dingwall became a royal burgh in 1226 during the reign of Alexander II. In medieval times it was an important market and trading town, handling customs and overseas commerce. Dingwall Castle, once regarded as the largest castle north of Stirling, stood near the centre of the town and was associated with the Earls of Ross. Tulloch Castle, on the edge of the town, contains parts dating back several centuries and remains one of the area's best-known historic buildings.

The town is linked with the Battle of Dingwall in 1411, traditionally associated with conflict between Clan Mackay and Clan Donald. Over later centuries Dingwall continued to serve as an administrative centre for Ross-shire and became part of a parliamentary burgh constituency represented at Westminster until the early 20th century.

Modern Dingwall is an important service town for surrounding Highland communities. It lies on the Far North railway line and also connects with the route to Kyle of Lochalsh. The A834 and A835 roads provide access towards the west Highlands, while the opening of the Cromarty Bridge in 1979 diverted much through traffic away from the town centre.

Ross County Football Club is based in Dingwall and plays at Victoria Park. Despite the town's relatively small population, the club attracts support from across the Highlands and won the Scottish League Cup in 2016.

Educational and cultural institutions in the town include Dingwall Academy, Fèis Rois, which promotes Gaelic music and culture, and the Highland Theological College, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. Dingwall also continues to serve as a local centre for shopping, public services and community events.